Alabama still awaiting ruling on Dareus’ status for opener

Tide still awaiting ruling on Dareus

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama is still awaiting word on the status of defensive end Marcell Dareus.

The NCAA is investigating a trip taken by Dareus to Miami’s South Beach. The top-ranked Crimson Tide is set to open the season against San Jose State on Saturday night.

Asked Monday about Dareus, coach Nick Saban said he has “enough issues and problems to deal with without answering hypothetical questions.”

But he also says the Tide has other players who can play and who are ready to go. Sophomore Undra Billingsley is listed as Dareus’ backup, followed by redshirt freshman Darrington Sentimore.

Sophomore Damion Square is the backup to Luther Davis on the other side.

Dareus was defensive MVP of the national championship game against Texas.