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

[TUSKtimes]

Tall receivers and Alabama football haven't really been a thing under Nick Saban. Julio being the outlier. Whatever Ole Miss is doing and how they continue to evaluate these receivers that all look like clones of the last guy is rather amazing. A.J. Brown being the latest out their cookie cutter machine.

I think after 6'5"Cam Sims and 6'6" OJ Howard and even 6'5" Derek Kief up to now, I'm going to wait it out. Our tall guys should have a big advantage with separation and frankly anything near the red zone and goal line. Hasn't worked out that way.

 

[UAgrad93]

@TerryP , you are correct about Shavers. He had several catches Saturday and they were on crossing routes. He did have a drop or two as well. I'm not sure what his listed weight was last year, but he is listed at 6'6" 216lb this fall. BIG target!! I did add him in with the others when I listed Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, and Waddle.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Nuggets from Alabama's second scrimmage

Nuggets from Alabama's second scrimmage | BamaInsider.com

Alabama’s final preseason scrimmage was closed to the general public Saturday. However, BamaInsider.com was able to track down information from some exclusive members in attendance. Here are some nuggets from the day.

— Tua Tagovailoa started with the first-team offense, but there wasn’t a true starter on the day. Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts took the same number of reps with first and second unit.

— After a nightmare first scrimmage, Hurts was vastly improved Saturday. He still showed a tendency to tuck and run with the ball at times but also flashed his arm on multiple occasions. The highlight of his scrimmage came when he hit freshman Jaylen Waddle on a 75-yard strike down the sideline. The ball was said to be dropped in perfectly from Hurts to his fellow Houston, Texas native.

— Both Hurts and Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns and did not throw an interception, according to a source. The quarterback battle appears a lot closer than some are making it out to be and could extend into the season.

— Waddle was one of the standout players on offense. The 5-foot-10, 177-pound receiver made a circus catch along with the big gainer from Hurts. According to a source, Saban was asked about Waddle after the game and responded “you watched, what do you think?” The freshman’s performance spoke for itself.

— Wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Devonta Smith were both on the other end of long receptions as well. Smith appeared to pick up a knock early in the scrimmage but wasn’t mentioned in Saban’s injury report.

— One freshman that didn’t perform as well on the day was cornerback Patrick Surtain. The defensive back played at both cornerback and Star and was beaten on several occasions. Fellow freshman defensive back Josh Jobe also had a few plays he’d like back.

Saban addressed the young secondary following the scrimmage, stating it still had a long way to go.

"We didn't play well today,” Saban said. “They gave up a lot of big plays and made a lot of mental errors. I'm not pointing out anybody or anything, but we need to do better. We need to play better as a group. We have some individuals that are playing well and some guys that need to play with a lot more discipline, eye control and understand what they do. They're young players, I believe in them. I have a lot of confidence that we can get them where they need to be, but they need to realize they have a lot of things to work on and that's something that we definitely want to get back at.

“These guys that work really, really hard. I think sometimes when things go fast out there, it's hard for them to figure it out and then they don't play with a log of confidence and focus.That just goes with being a young player. We'll keep working with those guys and go from there."

— The running game was up-and-down throughout the scrimmage. Running back Josh Jacobs had a good day and so did freshman Jerome Ford.

— Defensive backs struggled on the day. Trevon Diggs performed well at cornerback but was one of few Alabama defensive backs who didn’t fall victim to big plays. Safeties Deionte Thomson and Xavier McKinney also came up with a few highlights.

— Alabama’s front seven had a good day. The starting defensive line of Isaiah Buggs, Quinnen Williams and Raekwon Davis all did well, while Dylan Moses stood out at linebacker. Freshman outside linebacker Eyabi Anoma also showed plenty of promise as a pass rusher and should be a capable replacement for injured Christopher Allen and Terrell Lewis.

— Both kickers were 2-for-3 on their field-goal attempts. Graduate transfer Austin Jones made a field goal from more than 50 yards

 

[TerryP]

Smith appeared to pick up a knock early in the scrimmage but wasn’t mentioned in Saban’s injury report.

"...pick up a knock...???"

Is that a version of being knocked up? Synonymous? Nicked up, okay. Picked up a bit of a nick sounds foreign, literally.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Hopefully the worst of all injuries for this bunch are behind them.

 

[TUSKtimes]

— Both Hurts and Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns and did not throw an interception, according to a source. The quarterback battle appears a lot closer than some are making it out to be and could extend into the season.

Let us pray that doesn't happen. The worst that could happen is to draw out the inevitable in this 2 horse QB derby. I'm glad Jalen had a better scrimmage, he was definitely due. But he will always be a one-look-and-run QB. It is just much better for the team to get this settled and start building around him.

 

[alagator]

There's a lot of depth and multiple positions with the 'tight end group' with mixing H and blocking groupings together. Some good hands in that group complimented by a guy like Robinson being able to slide in.

There's an area we don't see a lot of production from but a bunch of talent. How many receptions out of that group this year?

 

[Tidestalker]

I dig it. Thanks TerryP

 

[Tidestalker]

-- Najee Harris wasn't spotted. The sophomore running back has been sidelined for more than a week with a foot injury.

-- Shyheim Carter was grouped with the safeties during an individual period.

-- The first-team offensive line remained static. Jedrick Wills was at right tackle, Alex Leatherwood at right guard, Ross Pierschbacher at center, Lester Cotton at left guard and Jonah Williams at left tackle. At one point, Kendall Randolph joined the starters at right tackle.

-- In wake of Chris Allen's injury, there didn't appear to be any movement within the linebacker corps. The primary edge defenders continue to be Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings and Jamey Mosley.

-- ESPN's Joey Galloway was seen during practice.

-- Toward the end of the viewing session, quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa practiced an option pitch.

More here:
Alabama practice report: Tide heads indoors

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Monday Insider Report: Practice No. 15

Monday Insider Report: Practice No. 15 | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama kicked off its final week of camp Monday with its 15th preseason practice. Players were dressed in shorts and shells while practicing indoors for the first time. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Jalen Hurts took the first snap at quarterback during team drills. Hurts was followed by Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones as the team worked on shovel passes with the running backs. There wasn’t much to see regarding actual passing as the wide receivers worked separately during the viewing period.

— Najee Harris (foot) was seen before practice walking in a walking boot. Other injured players spotted walking into the weight room included outside linebacker Christopher Allen (knee), who was limping while wearing a brace on his left leg, and offensive lineman Matt Womack (foot), who was pushing himself on a scooter.

— DeVonta Smith, who reportedly was banged up during the scrimmage was a full participant during the workout.

— Jedrick Wills continued to work at right tackle, while Alex Leatherwood stayed at right guard. To the left of the two were Chris Owens and Joshua Casher. Another group of four featured Deonte Brown at right guard with Lester Cotton at left guard and Jonah Williams at left tackle.

— With Womack out, freshman Tommy Brown appeared to be the second-team right tackle. However, redshirt freshman Kendall Randolph got a couple of reps next to Leatherwood while trainers were tending to Wills’ helmet.

— Alabama’s secondary worked out of the nickel unit. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith were the two cornerbacks with Shyheim Carter at Star. Xavier McKinney and Deionte Thompson were at safety.

— With Allen out, Anfernee Jennings led the outside linebackers followed by Jamey Mosley, Jarez Parks, Cameron Latu Ben Davis, Christian Miller and Eyabi Anoma. I wouldn’t take too much out of the order as Miller looked fine.

— Damien Harris led the running backs. He was very vocal after beating Josh Jacobs during individual drills and made sure the media knew about it.

 

[Tidestalker]

JUCO dudes - Buggs has been a huge pick up. HUGE. Absolutely need him to stay healthy this year.

Savion Smith - Need him! Looks like a shoe in to start. Can he ball though, this year?? Sure looks the part.

Seems like we may need the Musika kid. Would be great if he came on to be a legit run stuffer and free up other dudes as he's just flat out wider than Williams and Dwight. Personal opinion is he's a fringe contributor this year and hopefully in great shape for next season.

E. Baker... Remember him? Got the red shirt last year but I don't think I've seen him mentioned in the 3 deep let alone the 2 deep. He seemed way raw out of HS, and I know we have a lot of depth on the OL, but I'm sure Saban was thinking he could at least compete for a job. Bummer

 

[JoshB]

Just got word that I've been credentialed for the Iron Bowl, Alabama-Missouri and one more game (likely Arkansas State). Here's to hoping I don't break my ankle this year lol

 

[TerryP]

@BamaBoyJosh, Break a leg.

 

[JoshB]

@BamaBoyJosh, Break a leg.

:shock:

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Tuesday Insider Report on Alabama Crimson Tide football (practice No. 16)

Tuesday Insider Report on Alabama Crimson Tide football (practice No. 16) | BamaInsider.com

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved back outside Tuesday as it took part in its 16th preseason practice. Players were dressed in full pads while working under partly cloudy, 87-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the dime formation during team drills. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith were the two cornerbacks while Shyheim Carter was at Star and Xavier McKinney was at Money. Jared Mayden took McKinney’s spot at safety next to Deionte Thompson.

— The second-team secondary consisted of Josh Jobe and Patrick Surtain II at cornerback while Diggs played at Star and Kyriq McDonald played Money. Mayden was shadowed Daniel Wright at one safety position while Keaton Anderson was shadowed by Eddie Smith at the other.

— Nothing new on the injury front. Wright (shoulder) and outside linebacker Jamey Mosley (shoulder) both practiced without limitations. Offensive lineman Matt Womack (foot) was seen before practice pushing himself on a scooter. Running back Najee Harris (foot) and defensive lineman Stephon Wynn (ligament strain) were not seen at practice.

— Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses led the inside linebackers and were followed by Markail Benton and Joshua McMillon. Jaylen Moody and Ale Kaho were in the third unit.

— Isaiah Buggs led the defensive ends followed by Raekwon Davis, Quinnen Williams, LaBryan Ray, Johnny Dwight, Phidarian Mathis and Christian Barmore. There was a bit of drama as Barmore continually had to redo the drill. After getting it right on his final attempt, he had a little flare-up with one of the assistant coaches.
— Anfernee Jennings led the outside linebackers followed by Christian Miller, Mosley, Cameron Latu, Jarez Parks, Eyabi Anoma and Ben Davis.

— Jedrick Wills continued to practice out of the tackle position, while Alex Leatherwood remained at guard. Alabama switched things up on several occasions with Deonte Brown working next to Wills and Leatherwood working with Ross Pierschbacher and Lester Cotton in a group of three. As reported last week, Brown looks vastly improved from last year and could be in the mix at right guard.

— Nothing new to report at quarterback. Jalen Hurts took the first rep followed by Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Like Monday, the quarterbacks worked on shovel passes with the running backs while the receivers worked separately.

 

[UAgrad93]

quarterbacks worked on shovel passes with the running backs while the receivers worked separately.

I saw some video footage of this and some shotgun action speed option. None of that fake the short toss to the RB, but attack the inside shoulder on the end man at the LOS and option pitch it to the RB. A good wrinkle to have for anything involving Jalen. A good short yardage/red zone package play.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Wednesday Practice Report (17th practice)

https://alabama.forums.rivals.com/threads/wednesday-practice-report-17th-practice.88113/

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Wednesday was the first day of classes at Alabama as the Crimson Tide hit the field an hour later than usual for its 17th preseason practice. Players were dressed in full pads under sunny, 87-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Najee Harris was back at practice but spent his time away from the other running backs. The sophomore was in a black, no-contact jersey walking off to the side with head trainer Jeff Allen. He did not have a boot on his foot and seemed to be moving well.

— Alabama’s outside linebackers have a drill defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi calls the “Vonn Miller Takeout.” It requires players to hop-step around a giant hoop before swatting a dummy. Anfernee Jenning led the unit followed by Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Cameron Latu, Jarez Parks, Ben Davis and Eyabi Anoma.

— Jedrick Willas remained at right tackle while Alex Leatherwood stayed at right guard next to Ross Pierschbacher when the offensive line was working in groups of threes. The line later moved to groups of four which included Wills, Leatherwood, Chris Owens and Pierschbacher from left to right. Another foursome had Richie Petitbon, Deonte Brown, Emil Ekiyor and Lester Cotton.

— Alabama practiced out of the dime unit for a second straight day. The first unit did not change from Tuesday as Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith worked at corners while Shyheim Carter played Star and Xavier McKinney played Money. Deionte Thompson and Jared Mayden were the two safeties, while Mack Wilson played as the lone linebacker.

— The second unit included Josh Jobe and Patrick Surtain II at cornerback with Trevon Diggs at Star and Kyriq McDonald at Money. Daniel Wright and Eddie Smith were at safety. Ale Kaho took a rep at the line inside linebacker spot, and so did Markail Benton.

— Offensive lineman Matt Womack (foot) was seen before practice pushing himself on a scooter, while defensive lineman Stephon Wynn (ligament injury) was also absent from practice.

 

[Tidestalker]

I know there's not much breaking news in any practice report, but have noticed LB Latu moving up that order the last week or so. At the very least a good sign for his future. Hopefully Mosley can be a difference maker this year as it appears he, Jennings, and Miller are the anchors on the edge. Absolutely need those first 2 healthy though... That D changes a lot if them or Mack goes down.

 

[Tidestalker]

Videos from yesterday and todays practices:

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]