Keith Holcombe was in Alabama's lineup Tuesday, batting fifth against UAB.
But roughly fifty miles away, back in Tuscaloosa, the outfielder was a hot topic in Nick Saban's news conference.
Holcombe, an inside linebacker, is focusing on baseball and won't participate in spring practice, Saban said.
It has yet to be determined whether Holcombe will return to the football team before next season, which would be his fifth year with the Tide.
"Keith wanted to sort of give baseball his best shot," he said. "He's always tried to do both."
Saban and Holcombe met after Alabama won a national championship, and the coach told the linebacker to devote his complete attention to baseball.