🏈 Alabama players with plenty to prove over the next 3 weeks of spring

[By Alex Byington Sports]

After the first full week of spring practice, Alabama has just as many questions as before the start nearly three weeks ago, if not a few more.

When Alabama returns to practice after taking the weekend off, it begins three weeks of build-up to the A-Day spring game at 2 p.m. April 16.


Alabama will hold 10 practices in the next 18 days, including two scrimmages at Bryant-Denny Stadium the next two Saturdays (April 2, April 9).

So, here’s a look at a few players who impressed and a few who could help themselves over the next few weeks:

Top players turning heads in practice:

• 1.
• Ross Pierschbacher, Soph. C/G: The most talked-about move during the early part of spring is that of Pierschbacher, who impressed as last season’s starting left guard, to center, as Tide coaches seek a replacement for Ryan Kelly, a three-year starter who could be the first center taken in next month’s NFL draft.

With a natural athleticism and strong grasp of the offense that allowed the redshirt freshman to make an immediate impact last season, Pierschbacher is making a smooth transition into the middle. And given his experience as a starter a year ago, he is one of the few players along the line who has garnered his teammates’ respect.

While Pierschbacher has a way to go to be on Kelly’s level, if he can show the coaches he can be the heir apparent at center, it will allow them to focus on other key position battles.

• 2.
• Ryan Anderson, Sr. OLB: One of several veterans who opted to forgo the NFL and return for their senior seasons, Anderson has taken over as a leader among the outside linebackers, often serving as the example during individual drills.

Second-year outside linebacker coach Tosh Lupoi can often be heard pointing out how Anderson performs drills to underclassmen, including talented prospects like Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller.

Anderson’s ability to prove himself as an every-down linebacker will help alleviate concerns about whether Alabama’s defense can repeat the success it had a year ago. Plus, it will allow him to solidify his place as a key leader.

• 3.
• Blake Barnett, R-Fr. QB: The hotshot newcomer a year ago as the most highly touted quarterback signee to arrive in Tuscaloosa in the Saban era, Barnett needed time to adjust to the college game.

A talented prospect from California, it took time for Barnett to develop, especially learning the concepts and intricacies of running Lane Kiffin’s offense. But after a year of serving as the scout-team quarterback, and another offseason of working with quarterback teacher George Whitfield, Barnett has shown progress entering Year 2. Barnett has looked sharp and strong with his passes, at least during the media’s open viewing period.

If he can translate that improvement onto the field when he faces Alabama’s defense during the upcoming scrimmages, Barnett could do a lot to help his starting cause.

Top players to keep an eye on during scrimmages:

• 1.
• David Cornwell, Soph. QB: After falling out of favor with the coaching staff during last fall’s quarterback competition, Cornwell appears to be back on an even playing field with the other starting options.

He’s shown some initiative by working with some receivers in a more one-on-one basis, including joining senior tight end O.J. Howard during spring break two weeks ago. If Cornwell can show improved decision-making and a strong grasp of the offense during the scrimmages, he could help his chances of becoming the starting quarterback.

• 2.
• Jonah Williams, Fr. OT/Charles Baldwin, Jr. OT: While both are working at left tackle in place of injured two-year starter Cam Robinson — who is sitting out this spring while recovering from offseason surgery — how they perform could lead to another opportunity as the starting right tackle.

If either can separate himself against a live pass rush during scrimmages, it would show they’re ready for the starting nod on the the right side.

Since it’s likely Robinson will depart for the NFL after this season, their play is also likely serving as an early audition to replace Robinson in 2017.

• 3.
• Kendall Sheffield, R-Fr. CB: Considered one of the more talented of Alabama’s signees a year ago, the former five-star Sheffield seemingly became the forgotten prospect with the rapid rise of fellow freshman Minkah Fitzpatrick.

But Sheffield was a scout team standout last season. He could easily work his way into the rotation at corner to replace NFL-bound Cyrus Jones. Sheffield is working behind Fitzpatrick, but also is seeing first-unit reps at the star/nickel position Fitzpatrick shone at last season. With solid play during scrimmages, Sheffield could continue to climb the depth chart this spring.


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