New Alabama football defensive coordinator Kane Wommack doesn’t want the Crimson Tide to start slow in games this season.

He didn’t think Alabama played particularly well early in the spring game. Wommack is challenging his defense to prevent those in the future.

“We’ve really encouraged our guys to start playing not on their heels but be the aggressor early and that means playing with some instincts,” Wommack said Thursday after practice. “I think we’re seeing that.”

Wommack inherits a defense that didn’t return many starters from 2023. Gone are Justin Eboigbe, Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold, Caleb Downs and Jaylen Key.

Many new faces will man the defense, and with it, Wommack will welcome in a new defense. It includes new positions (Wolf, Bandit) and new approaches (vision coverage).

“People have a misconception of vision coverage, that it’s all this space out there when really what you’re doing is you’re taking away the grass and the people that the quarterback is wanting to get the ball to,” Wommack said. “So our players naturally starting to get a little bit more matchy with some of their coverage when we play some of our vision style coverages and then just having a better feel for our defense.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group.Follow him on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

Whether you’re interested in spending time at the beach, bay or on the lake, there are plenty of charming waterfront towns in the state that are worth a visit.

From boating to fishing, swimming, just taking in a picturesque view and more, spending time on the water is always a good time, so next time you’re planning a weekend getaway, be sure to pack a swimsuit and head to one of these waterfront Alabama towns.

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Orange Beach

Thanks to its white, sandy beaches and deep blue waters, Orange Beach is one of the most popular waterfront towns in Alabama, and tourists on vacation from all over the country flock to it every summer. Whether you’re interested in fishing, boating and other water activities or just relaxing on the shore while listening to the waves crash, Orange Beach has you covered. It also has a large variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment to choose from.

Dauphin Island

If you want all the beach access Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have to offer, but without all the crowds of tourists, Dauphin Island might be the better waterfront town for you. It has been given the nickname of “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” and for good reason. While there, you can enjoy the beaches with an unobstructed view or check out some of the island’s attractions, like Fort Gaines, the Alabama Aquarium and more. Plus, there are several restaurants to dine at and shops to browse.

Read more: 11 Alabama small towns you should visit

Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan is another waterfront town that offers access to the state’s gorgeous beaches, as well as the Mobile Bay, but allows you to forgo the heavy crowds you’ll find elsewhere. The quaint town, which is located along a peninsula, offers a peaceful place to spend time on the water or relaxing on the sand. That said, if you find yourself eager to play a round of mini-golf or try a new restaurant, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are just a quick drive away.

Read more: 10 places to see on your next vacation

Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for that quintessential beach town experience, Gulf Shores is the way to go, which is probably why families from all over the state and country visit there every year. It has everything from gorgeous, white sand beaches to restaurants serving fresh seafood (and even better views) to entertainment attractions, waterparks, tons of shopping and so much more. The worst part of the trip will be having to decide what to do each day.

Eufaula

The town of Eufaula is full of charm and scenic views thanks to its picturesque downtown, filled with popular shops, fountains and parks as well as its proximity to beautiful Lake Eufaula, making it the perfect waterfront town to visit. While there, you can spend the afternoon exploring Lake Eufaula — either at Lakepoint State Park or via the Yoholo Micco Trail — then get in a tour one of the towns many historic houses before grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant.

Read more: Places to spend a beautiful day in Alabama

Wedowee

For a waterfront town with gorgeous lake view and plenty of charm, plan a visit to Wedowee. The small town is located next to 9,000-acre Lake Wedowee, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, water sports and more. When not on the water, you can browse some of the local shoppes and restaurants that make up its downtown area or enjoy a glass of wine at the Lake Wedowee Winery and Tasting Room, which serves artisanal wines that made in-house using local ingredients.

Read more: The story behind the state’s coolest Little Free Library

Guntersville

Considering Lake Guntersville has become known for its beauty throughout the South, it’s no surprise that Guntersville is a popular place to visit among vacationers looking to spend some time on the water. After spending a day fishing, boating, kayaking and more at Lake Guntersville State Park though, be sure to check out what the small town has to offer on land too — including outdoor activities like hiking and birding as well as plenty of restaurants, local businesses and an active arts scene.

Read more: 10 Alabama places worthy of a vacation

Dadeville

Nestled into Lake Martin, Dadeville is a quaint small town offering access to all the water activities you could want as well as local restaurants and more. Whether you want to go out on the boat for some wakeboarding, paddleboarding and fishing or just spend some time exploring and relaxing in the water, Lake Martin is full of scenic spots to do so. Afterward, you can grab a catfish plate at Oskar’s Cafe or chow down on a one-of-a-kind burger at Niffer’s Place.

Cullman

The town of Cullman has plenty to offer, from gorgeous views of scenic Lewis Smith Lake and all the water activities that comes along with it to other unique attractions, like the Ave Maria Grotto, you won’t find anywhere else. Just spend a day on Smith Lake, which has a reputation for being one of the cleanest lakes in the state, and then spend a day exploring all the location attractions, restaurants and shoppes too.

Read more: Alabama city has one of the nation’s best small-town cultural scenes, USA Today says

Daphne

Daphne might be the largest city in Baldwin County, but it still has plenty of small town charm as well as beautiful views of the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. While there, you can access the bay along one of its many public parks and piers or explore some of the unique features Daphne as to offer, like the Gator Boardwalk where alligators are often on full display, or do some shopping and grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants.

Read more: Daphne’s best-kept secret in dining