TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban has suspended cornerback Geno Smith for the season opener with Virginia Tech after a weekend drunken driving arrest.

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Smith, a projected starter at nickel back, was arrested Sunday morning and charged with DUI. The sophomore was at practice Tuesday for the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Saban says Smith hasn't had previous discipline problems with Alabama. He says the player has some "in-house things" he must do before returning.

Smith played in all 13 games as a freshman during last season's national championship run, and his role on the nation's top defense increased late in the year.

Starting middle linebacker Trey DePriest also returned after Saban suspended him last week for violating team rules, saying the suspension would be a short one.

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