Spring Practice Report: Alabama’s 2nd Scrimmage

April 10, 2009

The Crimson Tide held its 12th practice and second scrimmage today at Bryant – Denny Stadium. Here are a few individual and team notes about their progress along with some of the highlights from Coach Saban’s Press Conference.

Two groups of players can be found on the Alabama squad – those doing just what they have to just to get through spring practice and on the other hand the relentless competitors that embrace the struggle. Coach Saban described the biggest difference between the two groups as “maturity.”
It was a very tough day for offense throwing the ball (see stats below) due to 25 mph winds in BDS. Saban went on to describe how he views these conditions as worse than cold or rainy weather on how the Quarterback, specifically in the passing game, performs.
The offense started off slowly today but did show improvement as the as scrimmage progressed. Let their be no mistake, a very good defense had their input on how well the offense performed.
The defense’s performance was described “as good with a lot of players knowing what is going on and playing with a lot of confidence” when Coach Saban commented on their play today.
Some of the younger players on the team have hit the proverbial “wall” and will only improve with reps.
The practice schedule for the remaining three spring practices are set for Tuesday, Thursday and A-day Saturday to conclude this years spring camp.
Saban commented that overall he’s been pleased with progress this spring, but just like he’s always very quick to add, “there’s still work to be done.”
When asked about the Iron Bowl moving to Friday in 2009-’10 Saban said he is not really in favor of the Iron Bowl on Friday, but does appreciate the exposure on CBS. He went on to mention how the off week has a bearing and then added that the extra day before the SECCG is a plus as well.
Rolondo McClain has had a great spring and is really emerging as one of the main leaders on our defense. He had another great scrimmage today. (stats below)
The defense has improved as a team this spring and it was specifically mentioned how they’ve improved in their pass rushing ability.
Hanks has had a very steady spring as we’ve suspected he would and have discussed here on the forums on several different occasions.
While Greg McElroy has done a good job overall some of the inconsistent play on offense goes to show the need to improve in pass blocking from our offensive line and route running discipline and physical play from the receivers.
McElroy has emerged as the clear leader in the spring camp this year. It’s come from the decisions he’s made running the offense, his understanding of the offense is supposed to do, the leadership he’s shown with the entire group which has been evidenced by him helping other players progress. Jackson and Darrah not as far along in their development to lead the team in the same manner.
Three defensive backs have progressed nicely this spring. In the review on the blog a few days ago we mention Robby Green and the good job he’s been doing at safety position. But, as well as he’s done all spring and in the scrimmage today he still needs some mental experience to eliminate the mistakes.
Mark Barron is one the fans and staff have very high expectations for and he has improved quite a bit this spring at safety as well.
B.J Scott is naturally further behind because of him being new to position but he’s made significant progress throughout spring camp. He is one of those reserves that is in need of more reps to increase his confidence level playing the position as well as playing the position with more consistency.
Brandon Fanney, after sitting out the first half of the spring, returned and started with third string to work his way back up the depth chart. Today during the scrimmage he played with all of the units (1st, 2nd and 3rd string.) Due to his time away from the team he is not in as good of shape as the others. Coach Saban made it very clear that Brandon needs to understand his role and could be a contributor only if he does what he needs to do on and off the field. Saban went on to emphasize the choices and decisions a person makes are what makes (defines) his character. Brandons thoughts, his habits, his character, and his future are “all on him.”
The absence of Mike Johnson the last few practices due to his ankle injury have effected the offensive line. Coach Saban pointed out how his experience provides stability. As one example he mentioned how it helps James Carpenter considering he’s new to the Tide offensive line.
In the staff’s mind, there is no question Carpenter brings a lot of ability to the team. What he needs the most now is confidence which comes with experience
William Vlachos done well at center this spring and so has David Ross. One thing the center position brings to a team is continuity and that continuity with a group is a large part of this learning process
A good thing for the development of the offensive line is they are being challenged everyday- perhaps Coach Saban’s biggest understatement of the year. They still need to progress in their development, but the staff is not disappointed in the progress the group has shown this spring. A little more experience would help in a large way.
Even with guys out, like Mike Johnson, and even when they are running the second string offensive line the staff is not limiting what the offensive team is trying to do.
Saban went on to talk how the second unit is doing and specifically mentioned how Chance Warmack has been very good in running work needed improvement in his passing protection. The staff is encouraged by progress of younger guys on the offensive line.

Scrimmage Statistics

PASSING
McElroy – 12 for 26, 128 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Jackson – 5 for 12, 12 yards, 1 TD
Darrah – 9 for 18, 91 yards, 1 INT

RUSHING
Matchett – 7-43, TD
Goode – 8-9
Griffin – 10-7
Preyear – 2-5
Grant – 16-2

RECEIVING
Hanks – 8-69
J.Jones – 3-54, TD
Dial – 3-25, TD
Smelley – 2-18
Maze – 2-16
C.Jackson – 2-8
McCoy – 1-18, TD
KICKING
Tiffin – Made 24, 29, 52, Missed 43, 43
C.Gallagher – Made 42

Fitzgerald – 10-36.9 avg.
Thomas – 1-59.0 avg

DEFENSE
McClain – 8 tackles, 3 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Dareus – 5 tackles, 4 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Green – 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU
Hightower – 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Anders – 5 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack
T.King – 4 tackles, 1 INT (24 yard TD), 3 PBU
C.Jordan – 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 PBU
Washington – 3 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Woodall – 2 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PBU