🏈 Fall Camp thread - 2018! --Updates from scrimmage #2

[Alabama17Tide]

Thursday Insider Report (sixth practice)

Thursday Insider Report (sixth practice) | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama escaped the heat Thursday as it worked under the lights at night for its sixth of 20 practices during preseason camp. Players were dressed in full pads in clear 77-degree weather for the workout. Here are a few notes from the media viewing period.

— After spending the past three practices with the inside linebackers, Christopher Allen was back working with the outside linebackers Thursday. Ben Davis remained with the outside linebackers after beginning camp at inside linebacker.

— Alabama might have found a solution to its lack of depth inside as four-star linebacker Ale Kaho is set to join the team soon after receiving his release from Washington earlier this week. Kaho would be able to play immediately upon enrolling at Alabama.

— The outside linebackers worked two at a time on bag drills during the individual period. Christian Miller and Anfernee Jennings made up the first pairing and were followed by Jamey Mosley and Allen. Eyabi Anoma and Jarez Parks made up the third group, while Cameron Latu and Davis made up the fourth.

— Defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi was heard explaining to the players that the team wet the bags to make them harder to grab during the drill.

— After appearing to be limited during Wednesday’s practice, both Josh Jacobs and Brian Robinson looked fine Thursday. Both players were moving fluidly during individual drills and took handoffs from quarterbacks during team drills. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Jacobs was “100 percent” on Wednesday.

— Damien Harris led the running back unit followed by Najee Harris, Robinson, Ronnie Clark, Jerome Ford and Jacobs.

— When the running backs joined the quarterbacks during team drills, Robinson and Clark were used as H-backs. During the drill, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa tossed them the ball on short out routes.

— Alabama’s secondary appeared to be working in two nickel formations at the same time during team drills. In one trio, Trevon Diggs was the outside cornerback, while Shyheim Carter was at Star and Xavier McKinney was at safety. The other trio had Saivion Smith on the outside and Jared Mayden at Star with Deionte Thompson at safety. Kyriq McDonald worked in the middle of both grouping in what would have been the Money position if it was a dime-unit drill.

— Alabama switched its trios up a lot, and it wasn’t always clear to make out what was happening. One additional trio appeared to have Josh Jobe at outside corner, Patrick Surtain Jr. at Star and Mayden at safety.

— Stephon Wynn was seen on crutches walking into the weight room before practice. Wednesday, Saban said Wynn sustained a ligament injury that will keep him out for “a length of time."

 

[Tidestalker]

Thanks for the report, 17.

-I love the idea of Robinson & Clark working at H Back. Seems so much more explosive than a TE type. And the more Brian Robinson can be on the field the better off we'll be... :hyper:

-That Wynn injury is a bummer. No idea if he would have factored in this season, but the depth is obviously a bonus. Terry's report that Mathis has looked good is a big deal. Need a few more for a nasty rotation.

-Seems like that top 5 in the secondary could be: Smith, Diggs, Carter, MicKinney, Thompson. Mayden as a floating 6th?? Lots of talent... Hope they grow up quickly.

RTR

 

[TerryP]

After spending the past three practices with the inside linebackers, Christopher Allen was back working with the outside linebackers Thursday

I'm really beginning to believe he doesn't know the players' numbers. Allen was working inside yesterday during the viewing period. This makes two practices in a row where he's missed on which players are where.

It really doesn't matter too much in the end, but good lord...

 

[Rainer Sabin | rsabin@al.com]

Alabama held its first night practice of fall camp on Thursday.

Alabama returned to the field Thursday, holding a preseason practice at night for the first time this year. The Crimson Tide was in full pads with the temperature 78 degrees and the skies clear.

Here are a few observations from limited period of access provided to the media:

-- During a pass rushing drill, redshirt senior outside linebacker Christian Miller offered some advice to freshman Eyabi Anoma about arm positioning.

-- Sophomore Chris Allen was seen working with the outside linebackers after he had been spotted with the inside linebackers earlier this week. The imminent arrival of Ale Kaho, who was released from his letter of intent with Washington before committing to Alabama, may have prompted the move. Ben Davis was also working with the outside linebackers and was at the back of the line during an early drill.

-- Both Ronnie Clark and Brian Robinson were spotted at H-Back in an I-formation look out of Pistol at the outset of practice.

-- Alabama appeared to be working various combinations in the secondary. In one group, Xavier McKinney was at safety, Trevon Diggs at cornerback and Shyheim Carter at Star. In another, Deionte Thompson was at safety, Saivion Smith at cornerback and Jared Mayden at Star.
-- The ESPN presence remains strong in Tuscaloosa. Seen on the sideline were ESPN host Maria Taylor and reporter Holly Rowe.


Rainer Sabin | rsabin@al.com
Alabama practice report: More movement in LB corps

 

[Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com]

A rundown of what Alabama football players said this week.

The first full week of Alabama preseason practice brought six veteran players to the media room for a light-to-medium grilling.
In case you missed anything, here's a quick rundown of the things said when the mics and cameras came on:

-- Deionte Thompson graduated with a degree in environmental science Saturday. He said getting the undergrad degree out of the way should help on the field. "I'll probably have a few online classes and I won't be in class that much," Thompson said, "so I'll be up here watching film and taking care of my body."

-- Thompson said among the differences between spring ball and now is the coaches "picked up the intensity."

-- Junior defensive back Shyheim Carter "can play just about any position in the secondary," Thompson said.

-- Thompson still gets nervous around Nick Saban at times. "Oh yeah, he's watching us all the time. Even if he's not around he's watching. In the sky, he's watching, he's going to be watching the film. He'll tell you exactly what you're doing wrong in meetings even before the play pops up."

-- Alabama's stepped up its social media video game in recent years. Among the clips that went to the web this week was a shot of tight end Hale Hentges saying he planned on being in the Bay Area in January (where the national title game is played this
season). He explained that Thursday. "I really just want to get the guys focused on the big picture," he said. "We all preach 'one-day at a time,' and I'm a firm believer of that, but we can't forget what the end goal in mind is. When you start in the beginning, you have the end in mind. That was the first day of pads and I really wanted to get the guy motivated, because sometime whenever you get in camp you get so lost in the monotony of every day just grind, grind, grind that you're like, 'What are we working for?' And I wanted to get in the guys' minds that 'this is a big deal, guys.' I mean, we can do really big things, so let's focus on what we're doing and let's have the end in mind."

-- Hentges said he's always been a lead-by-example guy but he's challenged himself to step outside his comfort zone to be vocal as one of the veterans on this team.

-- Linebacker Anfernee Jennings' injured knee feels "great," he said. "That's the best I can explain it."

-- A typical day at camp for Jennings means arriving at 7:15 a.m. and staying to approximately 9:30 every night. He loves it.

-- Center Ross Pierschbacher graded the offensive line at a "B or B-minus" in spring. "We're hard on ourselves, and I know the media is hard on us as well, so we get the brunt of the blame. But that's fine. We need to be on point, on our game."

-- Pierschbacher confirmed Josh Casher, Deonte Brown and 2017 starter Matt Womack worked with the second group on the offensive line but there's always some shuffling.

-- Lester Cotton is playing "probably better than he ever has" at left guard," Pierschbacher said.

-- Linebacker Christian Miller caught what he estimates was a 50-pound carp when he went fishing this summer.

-- Damien Harris had promised to get a tattoo if Alabama won last season's national championship but he admits he backed out of that pledge.

-- The first scrimmage of the season is Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium.


Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com
A few things we learned talking to Alabama football players this week

 

[TUSKtimes]

I think Mayden, Carter, and McKinney are going to be crucial to early success. It also sounds like Carter is getting to be the most versatile DB in the group. Maybe put in this years Minkah role. We need these guys to step up early and often for us to start the season with a bang.

 

[JoshB]

Alabama held its first night practice of fall camp on Thursday.

Alabama returned to the field Thursday, holding a preseason practice at night for the first time this year. The Crimson Tide was in full pads with the temperature 78 degrees and the skies clear.

Here are a few observations from limited period of access provided to the media:

-- During a pass rushing drill, redshirt senior outside linebacker Christian Miller offered some advice to freshman Eyabi Anoma about arm positioning.

-- Sophomore Chris Allen was seen working with the outside linebackers after he had been spotted with the inside linebackers earlier this week. The imminent arrival of Ale Kaho, who was released from his letter of intent with Washington before committing to Alabama, may have prompted the move. Ben Davis was also working with the outside linebackers and was at the back of the line during an early drill.

-- Both Ronnie Clark and Brian Robinson were spotted at H-Back in an I-formation look out of Pistol at the outset of practice.

-- Alabama appeared to be working various combinations in the secondary. In one group, Xavier McKinney was at safety, Trevon Diggs at cornerback and Shyheim Carter at Star. In another, Deionte Thompson was at safety, Saivion Smith at cornerback and Jared Mayden at Star.
-- The ESPN presence remains strong in Tuscaloosa. Seen on the sideline were ESPN host Maria Taylor and reporter Holly Rowe.


Rainer Sabin | rsabin@al.com
Alabama practice report: More movement in LB corps

Bama adding a little more of an I look is definitely interesting. Neither Robinson or Clark jump out at you as a traditional fullback but both are big body guys, still. Then again, I cover a team that runs a single-wing formation and they regularly practice out of the spread, too. So, maybe just an "in case we need it thing" more so than something we will see much of it.

 

[BamaFan334]

Man, we once thought the secondary would be bare, but just hearing the names moving around in practice I have zero worries about our abilities. I've been saying that for months, but I definitely hear these names and try to figure how we can play them all at once and just destroy offenses.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Friday Insider Report (seventh practice)

Friday Insider Report (seventh practice) | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama practiced Friday for the final time before its first scrimmage of preseason camp Saturday inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Players were dressed in shorts and shells under cloudy, 88-degree weather for their seventh of a total of 20 preseason practices this fall. Here are a few notes from the media viewing period.

— Still no sign of four-star linebacker Ale Kaho who was granted his release from Washington earlier this week. Kaho, who never enrolled in Washington and would be able to play at Alabama right away, will most likely join the team next week. Alabama has a day off after Saturday’s scrimmage before returning to the field Monday.

— Two other key absences Friday came in the secondary as safeties Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney were not present during the media viewing period. Both players were full participants during Thursday’s practice.

McKinney had been practicing alongside Deionte Thompson on Alabama’s first unit, while Daniel Wright had been working on the second unit.

— Jamey Mosley was also missing from the outside linebackers. Mosley was also ara full participant Thursday.

— Alabama’s secondary practiced guarding pick plays with separate groups on either side of the field. Trevon Diggs was an outside corner, while Shyheim Carter played Star and Jared Mayden played safety in one trio. On the other side of the field, Saivion Smith served as an outside corner while Thompson played close to the line inside. Thompson was later replaced by Eddie Smith, while Saivion Smith stayed at outside corner.

— Another trio we saw was Josh Jobe at outside corner, Patrick Surtain Jr. at Star and Keaton Anderson at safety. On the other side of the field, Mayden played close to the line inside while Jayln Armour-Davis was the outside corner.

— Alabama’s offensive line worked in groups of four out of chutes. Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher and Alex Leatherwood were in the first group. Scott Lashley, Deonte Brown, Chris Owens and Joshua Casher were in the second group. Elliot Baker, Hunter Brannon, Richie Petitbon and Jedrick Wills were in the third group. Tommy Brown, Jackson Roby, Kendall Randolph and Matt Womack were in the fourth group.

— So far this offseason, Alabama’s first unit on the offensive line has been Williams, Cotton, Pierschbacher, Wills and Leatherwood. Barring a sudden change, that figures to be the first unit for the scrimmage.

— Christopher Allen continued to practice with the outside linebackers for a second straight day. Ben Davis also remained outside.

— Alabama’s receivers worked on blocking during individual drills. Due to our position on the field, it was hard to see much. However, 6-foot-6 Tyrell Shavers looked impressive during the drill.

 

[Max]

The plan for the Alabama offense is to make sure everyone is on the same page. That much was made clear when Nick Saban fielded questions about his new coordinators.

“We have an Alabama defense and we have an Alabama offense,” Saban said. “It was an Alabama defense and an Alabama offense last year. Just because we change the people that implement those things doesn’t mean that we’re going to change everything about it.”

Minutes later, new offensive coordinator Mike Locksley ran the same play.

“Let’s be clear: This is Alabama’s offense,” he said. “This isn’t Mike Locksley’s system. Our offensive philosophy starts with Coach Saban and what he wants us to do. He sets the culture for how the offense is run and what type of things he wants done. As you see, this offense hasn’t changed a lot.”

Regardless of whether the Alabama offense has changed, perhaps no position on the coaching staff has seen turnover like offensive coordinator in recent years. Locksley will be the fourth play caller since the start of the 2016 season, following Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian and Brian Daboll.

Locksley has been part of the program that entire time, beginning with his role as an analyst in 2016 before coaching the wide receivers for the last two seasons. He had been a head coach and an offensive coordinator before arriving at Alabama, and he’s been able to pick the minds of several other play callers since he got here. Locksley’s tenure overlapped with Mario Cristobal, Billy Napier, Bobby Williams, Brent Key and Butch Jones in addition to the offensive coordinators that preceded him. All had been head coaches or offensive coordinators before they came to Alabama.

“That’s one of the benefits of going into year three,” Locksley said. “I came in under Lane and had a chance to see how things worked there. I had a chance to be with Brian last season. Then all the great coaches that have been around the program the last two years that I’ve been here, it’s hard to say one or two things that I’ve learned from them.”

The last three years ensure he’s well-acquainted with “Alabama’s offense” and has what it’s been capable of. The Crimson Tide averaged 37.1 points and 444.1 yards per game last season. Alabama was also second-best nationally with 10 turnovers lost, and some of those came on special teams.

He’s also well-acquainted with the Alabama roster. He sees the running backs as “the strength of our offensive unit.” He deferred to Saban on most questions about the quarterback battle, but said he was excited about his group of receivers and an offensive line that returns four starters.

Locksley knows the opportunity ahead and the resources he has to work with.

“The good thing about our offense is that it’s been really diverse over the years in terms of the pro-style, the spread, the tempos, the huddling, running the ball, throwing the ball, all of these things have elements of this offense throughout the course of coach’s tenure,” Locksley said.

“That won’t change. What will change is us figuring out which guys are the playmakers in the system and finding ways to get them the ball.”

https://www.tidesports.com/mike-locksley-not-planning-on-rebuilding-alabama-offense/

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Will Lowery......

quote:
Disclaimer: this is the first scrimmage of camp, and the only practice I’ve seen. But from what I watched today, I’ll be shocked if Tua isn’t day 1 starter, and it isn’t close. Don’t expect an announcement prior to opening kickoff tho..

Will Lowery's latest update:

quote:
Situational periods now, red zone. Tua to Shavers for 6. Shavers is a huge target, ran a good route and used his body well there to shield the defender off the catch​

Surprised that Nick would approve of Will bringing the play by play from a scrimmage....we'll see

 

[TerryP]

Sophomore safety Daniel Wright has a shoulder issue that, according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, may prevent him from playing this season.

"I don't think we've come to a conclusion on what the best course of action is," Saban said. "(Alabama team surgeon) Dr. Cain and the family are sort of working through that right now. We're hopeful that this is something that can be managed and maybe he can play this season. But that kind of remains to be seen."

 

[bama alum]

Sophomore safety Daniel Wright has a shoulder issue that, according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, may prevent him from playing this season.

"I don't think we've come to a conclusion on what the best course of action is," Saban said. "(Alabama team surgeon) Dr. Cain and the family are sort of working through that right now. We're hopeful that this is something that can be managed and maybe he can play this season. But that kind of remains to be seen."

Damn! That's not good news!

On the other hand...

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

From The Boz...posted on the Rant


Hey folks,

Ok I’ll make it brief.

QBs- Tua is really good, and it’s not really that close at this point. I don’t want to talk bad about Jalen but he had 3 picks and if it was a prize it would have been stopped early Tua had 4 touchdowns a great run, a sack juke miss type thing, it was borderline unbelievable. I’m not sure how Desean Watson or Cam looked when they were this age but we may have something brewing in the Legend category. I’ll go on record now and say All 1 team reps should be shifted to Tua and he should start again LV game 1.

OL- looked pretty good actually, I didn’t see a glaring issue

DL- solid crew here, buggs, Kwon, Jennings Williams etc all look good

ILB- same solid starting two, depth may be an issue

Secondary- can tell they are a little raw but they are a scrappy bunch and great speed. I feel fine here

WR- Top are 5 are outstanding as you already knew, Juedy, Ruggs, Smith are elite

TE- didn’t see any real issues here, seem pretty steady

Kicker/Punter- Delong isn’t JK but he kicks the ball well and is consistent

Bul looked pretty good

 

[JoshB]

I hate to be that guy (no I dont) but yeah, the guy that got criticized all the time for being "too safe" totally threw 3 picks in the scrimmage. Sure...

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Saturday Insider Report (eighth practice) | BamaInsider.com

Saturday Insider Report (eighth practice)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players worked out inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium before their first scrimmage of preseason camp. The team was dressed in full pads under sunny, 87-degree weather. Saturday’s scrimmage was the eighth of a total of 20 preseason practices this fall. Here are a few notes from the media viewing period.

— Four-star linebacker Ale Kaho made his debut in an Alabama uniform as he worked with the inside linebackers during the media viewing period. Kaho was wearing No. 10 and practiced near the end of the unit. Due to the NCAA’s acclimation period, it will be a couple of practices until Kaho can work out in full pads. However, he will still be able to go through drills until then.

— At first look, Kaho can move well for an inside linebacker. He looked impressive tracking back for balls during a coverage drill. He’s a little bit on the lighter side at the moment and looks more like a Star or a Money. One reporter said he reminded him of Vinnie Sunseri, and that’s pretty accurate right now. Expect Kaho to put on some more weight once he gets in the program. When he does that, he has plenty of potential to make an impact.

— All three players absent from Friday’s viewing period were seen at practice. Safety Xavier McKinney was wearing a crimson jersey, while safety Daniel Wright and outside linebacker Jamey Mosley were in black jerseys. Wright had his right arm in a sling.

— Mack Wilson led the inside linebackers and was followed by Dylan Moses, Markail Benton, Joshua McMillon and Jaylen Moody. Saturday’s scrimmage will be a big opportunity for both Benton and Moody to prove themselves as they compete for playing time this season.

— Alabama’s starting offensive line heading into the scrimmage appears to be Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher, Jedrick Wills and Alex Leatherwood. Scott Lashley, Deonte Brown, Chris Owens, Joshua Casher and Matt Womack made up the second unit. Tommy Brown, Hunter Brannon, Richie Petitbon, Emil Ekiyor and Kendall Randolph made up the third unit. Elliot Baker and walk-on Jackson Roby worked alone in the fourth group.

— Henry Ruggs III led one outside group of receivers, DeVonta Smith led the other and Jerry Jeudy led the slot receivers. Behind Ruggs was Derek Kief, Xavian Marks and Slade Bolden. Behind Smith was Tyrell Shavers and Xavier Williams and walk-on Chris Golden. Behind Jeudy was Chadarius Townsend, walk-on Bryce Moody and Jaylen Waddle.

— Hale Hentges led the tight ends followed by Irv Smith Jr., Miller Forristall, Kedrick James, Major Tennison and Michael Parker.

— Both quarterbacks appeared to be throwing the ball well while I was watching. They started by throwing out routes before progressing to deeper throws at the end of the period.

 

[crimsoncorner]

I hate to be that guy (no I dont) but yeah, the guy that got criticized all the time for being "too safe" totally threw 3 picks in the scrimmage. Sure...

He looked terrible today. He's lost all confidence. All 3 interceptions were just bad. Mac Jones looked really good. Tua should have had 6 total TDs. 2 were dropped. TE Kedrick James caught 2 of his TDs. James caught a bunch of passes. Shavers caught 1 TD. Jeudy caught 1 as well. Ruggs dropped 1. I think Williams dropped the other.

Bama has 4 stud RBs. I'd say it's the best group since Drake, Henry Yeldon were all in the backfield.

Najee had an ankle sprain or cramps. Was hard to tell.

Offense is loaded.

 

[#80]

When Jalen stood on the sideline and watched the second half of the NCG he knew there was a new sheriff in town. No other way to put it.
I think Tua wins a Heisman before he leaves.

 

[Bama Guy]

How long till kickoff??????

 

[UAgrad93]

I hate to be that guy (no I dont) but yeah, the guy that got criticized all the time for being "too safe" totally threw 3 picks in the scrimmage. Sure...

Highly likely if he is pressing and has lost his confidence. I’ll be in attendance next weekend and I will let you guys know what I see.