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.

The two plan to get together again later this spring to determine whether he will continue his football career.

As of Monday, Holcombe was ranked second on the baseball team with a .361 batting average. He has also produced one home run and 13 RBI.

Holcombe, who will be a redshirt senior, is still on the football roster. He has played 44 games the last three seasons and has collected 71 tackles -- three of which resulted in lost yardage.

Late last season, he started in a victory over Mississippi State after Shaun Dion Hamilton fractured his kneecap the previous week. But Holcombe struggled mightily, receiving the lowest grade for his performance in that game from Pro Football Focus before he was ultimately replaced by then-freshman Dylan Moses.

"We'd love to have him come back in the fall," Saban said of Holcombe. "I hope he chooses to do that."



Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin