Friday Insider Report (19th practice)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama held its penultimate preseason practice Friday as the team continues to gear up for game week of its season-opener against Louisville on Sept. 1. Players were dressed in full pads under sunny, 89-degree weather for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— As head coach Nick Saban said on Thursday, Najee Harris (foot) was back participating with the rest of the running backs. Harris was in a white jersey and went through reps at the back of the group. When I was watching, Damien Harris led the unit followed by Brian Robinson, Ronnie Clark, Jerome Ford, Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris.
— Clark, 6-foot-2, 230-pound, was wearing a No. 25 scout-team representing Louisville running back Dae Williams, 6-foot-2, 232 pounds.
— Defensive end Raekwon Davis left practice with head trainer Jeff Allen but returned toward the end of the viewing period. He appeared fine after rejoining the team.
— Isaiah Buggs led the defensive ends followed by Quinnen Williams, Phidarian Mathis, LaBryan Ray, Tevita Musika and Christian Barmore. Johnny Dwight and Stephon Wynn (ligament strain) were missing from practice.
— Anferenee Jennings led one side of Alabama’s outside linebackers followed by Jarez Parks, Cameron Late and Eyabi Anoma. Christian Miller led the other side and was followed by Jamey Mosley and Ben Davis.
— Alabama’s first-team offensive line consisted of Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher, Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills from left to right. The second unit was made up of Chris Owens, Joshua Casher, Emil Ekiyor, Deonte Brown and Richie Petitbon. Scott Lashley still appeared to be limited.
— Shyheim Carter practiced with the safeties and spent time at both star and safety during team drills.
— Alabama’s first-team nickel package featured Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith at corner and Carter at Star. Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney were the two safeties, while Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson were the two inside linebackers.
— Alabama worked a lot of players in their second group. Patrick Surtain II played outside corner, while Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis worked inside. Carter was working as a safety when he repped with the second unit.
— Kyriq McDonald and Daniel Wright both worked inside. Both are candidates for the Money role out of the dime package. Eddie Smith saw time at safety with the second unit.
Friday Insider Report (19th practice) | BamaInsider.com
Saturday Insider Report (20th practice)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama held its final preseason practice Saturday as it prepares to move into game week for its season-opener against Louisville on Sept. 1. Players practiced indoors and were in shorts and shells for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Defensive tackle Johnny Dwight was back at practice after missing the past two media viewing periods. He was dressed in a red jersey and was a full participant during drills.
— Trevon Diggs was not wearing cleats and did not participate with the rest of Alabama’s secondary during team drills.
— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the dime package. The first team featured Saivion Smith and Patrick Surtain II at cornerback with Deionte Thompson and Jared Mayden at safety. Shyheim Carter played at Star while Xavier McKinney played at Money.
— The second-team secondary was made up of Jayln Armour-Davis and Josh Jobe at cornerback with Daniel Wright and Eddie Smith at safety. Mayden played Star, while Kyriq McDonald played Money.
— Alabama’s starting offensive line remained the same with Jonah Williams, Lester Cotton, Ross Pierschbacher, Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills from left to right. The second unit featured Chris Owens, Joshua Casher, Emil Ekiyor, Deonte Brown and Tommy Brown.
— Scott Lashley still appeared limited during the practice. Earlier this offseason, he was working with the second unit at right tackle.
— Damien Harris led the running backs followed by Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Jerome Ford and Josh Jacobs.
— Alabama’s quarterbacks threw to receivers on deep routes. Both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts made some nice throws. There wasn’t much to separate them.
— Three stationary bikes were present during the viewing period.
Saturday Insider Report (20th practice) | BamaInsider.com