🏈 Fall practice notes & CNS Presser

Al.com Friday practice report:
Alabama practice report: Star player not spotted

On Wednesday. Nick Saban seemed miffed by his team's performance in a practice that was accompanied by high temperatures. Then, Alabama went through drills in the cool of the evening on Thursday. Well, on Friday, the Tide was back in the heat.

And it was toasty. Aa blazing sun meant the mercury in the thermometer reached 90 degrees. Here are some observations from the limited access period provided to the media:

-- One of Alabama's star players -- junior Bo Scarbrough -- was not spotted. It's uncertain why he was not present. In recent days, the depth at Alabama's well-stocked running back position has taken a hit, in part, because....

-- Josh Jacobs has been out. He was not seen again Friday. He has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and has not participated in practice since last week.

-- During individual drills, Minkah Fitzpatrick was working with the cornerbacks.

-- Raekwon Davis was back working with the first-team defensive line. The sophomore was positioned at the left end of a group that included Da'Shawn Hand, Da'Ron Payne and Josh Frazier. On Thursday, he had been with a set of second-string players while Quinnen Williams supplanted him in the first-team unit.

-- The first four outside linebackers taking reps in individual drills were Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings, Terrell Lewis and Mekhi Brown. Jamey Mosley was not spotted. Saban said last week that Mosley was going through the program's concussion protocol.
 
Some interesting stuff there... First off, Bo being out is a little worrisome. Since it appears Jacobs may miss FSU, losing Bo would put Najee or BR right in the spot light. Could be fun though...

The other thing that stood out - Quinnen Williams took first unit reps yesterday. That's a great sign for him. If he's battling it out with Davis and Buggs as a RS freshman, the future is bright.

Looks like the Frazier & Payne would be our DT's in 4-3 run defense... Glad to see Frazier is still in the mix. We will need him.

Everything pointing towards Christian Miller being a big deal this season... I'm thinking "The Good" Adrian Hubbard...Before he went weird... Was this his RS soph year? Tall, long, athletic and a mess on the edge. Jennings with the power-Upshaw game. Lewis the young gun. What a group.

RTR
 
Practice Day 13
By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama remained outside for its 13th practice of preseason camp Thursday night. Players were dressed in full pads in cool 83-degree weather, a nice break from Wednesday’s scorching workout. Alabama will have another practice Friday before holding its second scrimmage of camp Saturday at 1 p.m. inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here are some notes from Thursday’s viewing period:

— Running back Josh Jacobs was not present for the fourth straight practice. The sophomore is dealing with a hamstring according to head coach Nick Saban and was held out of the first scrimmage last weekend. Bo Scarbrough led the running backs and was followed by Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Ronnie Clark and Damien Harris. Don’t take too much from the order as it typically doesn’t matter in the running back group.

— There appeared to be some change in the defensive line unit as Quinnen Williams was practicing with the first group alongside Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne and Joshua Frazier. Isaiah Buggs and Raekwon Davis were both with the second grouping. Much has been said about the battle between Davis and Buggs for the starting spot at defensive end, although Williams might be one to watch moving forward.

— We saw Alabama work out of its base formation on defense for the first time since preseason camp opened. Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett were at the corners, while Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick were at the safety positions. Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller were the outside linebackers, while Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton were the inside linebackers. Mack Wilson was shadowing Hamilton at inside linebacker.

— Cam Sims led the slot receivers and was followed by Xavian Marks and Jerry Jeudy. Calvin Ridley led one group of outside receivers and was followed by Derek Kief and Henry Ruggs. Robert Foster led the other outside group and was followed by DeVonta Smith. Tyrell Shavers and Chadarius Townsend were working on the scout team.

— Smith took a tumble coming off the line as he lost his footing while kicking up some grass in the process. The fall didn’t look pretty, but the freshman didn’t appear to be injured by the play, getting back up immediately to run the drill again.

— Jalen Hurts made a couple of very nice throws to Ridley and Kief, hitting both receivers on 30-yard go routes during the first period of practice. Quarterbacks worked on bubble screens with receivers during the second period.


Practice day 14
By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama practiced outside Friday afternoon for its 14th practice of preseason camp. Players were in shorts and shells in hot, 90-degree weather for the workout. Alabama will return for its second scrimmage of camp Saturday at 1 p.m.

Here are some notes from an abbreviated viewing period:

— Running backs Bo Scarbrough and Josh Jacobs were both absent from practice Friday. Jacobs (hamstring) did not participate in last week’s scrimmage and has been absent at every practice this week. Scarbrough has been practicing this week and did not appear to be limited during Thursday’s practice. It is yet to be seen if his absence was due to injury or another circumstance.

— Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis was back with the first unit on the defensive line after practicing with the second unit on Thursday. Joining Davis in the first group were Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne and Joshua Frazier. The second unit consisted of Isaiah Buggs, Jamar King, Johnny Dwight and Quinnen Williams, who was with the first unit Thursday. LaBryan Ray, Taylor Wilson, Daniel Powell, Phidarian Mathis and Vohn Keith Jr.

— We didn’t get to see the wide receivers split into groupings. Instead, they went through individual drills together. Calvin Ridley led the group followed by Robert Foster, Cam Sims, Derek Kief and Jerry Jeudy. Tyrell Shavers and DeVonta Smith went together as a pair as did Henry Ruggs and Donnie Lee Jr.

— Minkah Fitzpatrick was working with the cornerbacks during coverage drills. Thursday night he was seen at strong safety in the base package.

— The tight ends were working on short catches where they were immediately met with contact. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the tight ends to be utilized better this season under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

“I think systematically, we'll probably use the tight end a little better,” Saban said Thursday. “Systematically. I'm not making comparisons. Good coaches coach good players to play well. We have some good players there and I think our coaches are doing a good job of helping them play well. That's what our expectations and goals are for them are."

BamaInsider.com - Thursday Insider Report
 
Practice day 15

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked out inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday as it prepared for its second scrimmage of preseason camp. Players were dressed in full pads in 90-degree weather.

Here are some notes from the media viewing period.

— Alabama was once again missing running backs Bo Scarbrough and Josh Jacobs from practice. Jacobs (hamstring) was not seen during any of the media viewing periods this week, but was spotted before practice walking with a limp earlier this week. Scarbrough has been missing from practice the past two days.

— We will ask Alabama head coach Nick Saban for a status on Scarbrough following the scrimmage. So far his injury status is unknown. Last week, Saban said Jacobs would be out for an indefinite period of time. As of now, it appears both running backs will not be available in the scrimmage.

— With the two running backs missing, Damien Harris led the group and was followed by Brian Robinson, Najee Harris, Zavier Mapp, and Ronnie Clark.

— Saturday might be judgment day for the right side of Alabama’s offensive line. The first unit during the viewing period remained Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack from left to right.

— The second unit consisted of Alex Leatherwood, Dallas Warmack, Brandon Kennedy, J.C. Hassenauer and Jedrick Wills. The third unit was made up by Richie Petitbon, Josh Casher, Chris Owens, Deonte Brown and Scott Lashley.

— Calvin Ridley led one outside receiver group and was followed by Tyrell Shavers and Henry Ruggs. Robert Foster led the other outside group and was followed by Derek Kief and DeVonta Smith and Jonathan Rice. Cam Sims led the slot receivers and was followed by Xavian Marks, Jerry Jeudy and Chadarius Townsend.

— Minkah Fitzpatrick was practicing with the safeties. It seems like after moving around at different positions this offseason, the All-American is most likely to remain there for the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State in two weeks. However, Saturday’s practice might reveal more information.

TEAM NEWS - Practice No. 15 (8/19) | BamaInsider.com
 
Talked with a source directly after the scrimmage.... here are some nuggets I learned

Kicking stats

Joseph Bulovas 2 of 3 ... 35-40, 49
Andy Pappanastos 3 of 3 long of 49
JK Scott 2 of 3 51... his miss was blocked

Nick Saban told my source after the practice that Pappanastos will be used on short field goals and JK Scott will be used on long field goals.

DeVonta Smith had a 60 TD. He got broke a tackle from Levi Wallace before turning on the jets for the score.

Henry Ruggs had close 10 catches. He high-pointed a ball and came down gimpy at one point but was fine.

Jalen Hurts struggled on the day. He threw 2 INTs, one to Xavier McKinney and one to Mack Wilson.

Tua looked good but had two fumbles while it was raining.

Najee looked the best from the running backs. Although, he lost the ball trying to hurdle early in the scrimmage.

Irv Smith is working with the first-team tight ends, while Miller Forristall and Hale Hentges were with the second unit.

Some nuggets I picked up after the scrimmage | BamaInsider.com
 
I got to attend the scrimmage today and I will say this, JK's kick from 51 would have been good from 60!
Tua's fumbles were in a DRIVING RAINSTORM!!! It wasn't misting rain, more like someone with a fire hose!!
The 1's and 2's on defense fly to the ball and will be just as stingy as past defenses!
Mac Jones would be starting if Jalen and Tua weren't on the roster. He looked good and confident in his arm. He did try to force a couple of balls because of his confidence.
TE and RB were more involved in the passing game than at any point the last 3 years. Najee and Brian received most of the reps and they looked good.
 
Let me add that Ridley, Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, Cam Sims, and even the Shavers kid are a special group!! Shavers high pointed a ball in traffic, broke a tackle and took it to the house via Tua I believe.
Jalen's picks came in the Red Zone during 2 minute drill. To me, you need to know the context in which they are thrown. Was it 1st and 10, middle of the field, minus 25 coming out, etc. The first offense struggled at times, but they were going against some serious talent in the 2's!!
Dylan Moses, Chris Allen WILL PLAY A LOT in my opinion and it won't just be on special teams. Allen spent a lot of time harassing Jalen.
Najee's fumble came while hurdling 2 guys with the ball in his right arm as he was going to his left. The kid is going to be a monster!! Robinson, the forgotten 4* in all fans eyes, is a hard runner, one cut and get up the field.

I didn't try to take notes or anything. Just pass along what I best recall to feed that hunger we all have! We are 2 weeks from game time!!!
 
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama battled the elements Saturday during its second scrimmage of preseason camp at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Players first sustained stifling 90-degree weather before a severe downpour saw the scrimmage delayed for 22 minutes due to lightning. Nevertheless, the Crimson Tide carried on, completing its 15th day of camp exactly two weeks from its opener against Florida State on Sept. 2.

“We stayed out there in the rain and got some lightning and had to go in,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “But it was 22 (minutes), so I was saying 'That's just like halftime, so let's see how we go out play in the second half.' I actually thought the energy was a little better. A lot of good things that are encouraging today.”

While media was not allowed to view the scrimmage, Saban held a news conference afterward, providing several answers surrounding the state of the team.

Here are five things we learned on Saturday:

Bo Scarbrough is sick, not injured
After a day of worry and speculation, Alabama fans can rest easy knowing their star running back will be just fine. Bo Scarbrough was absent at practice Friday and was also missing from pre-scrimmage workouts early Saturday afternoon, leaving many concerned the oft-injured junior had picked up another knock.

However, following the scrimmage, Saban updated Scarbrough’s status, stating the 6-foot-2, 235-pound back is sick and has no long-term issues.

“From an injury-standpoint, Bo has been ill for two days, very sick — I’m talking ill enough to be in bed,” Saban said. “We don’t think this is a serious illness or anything like that, but it is something that we didn’t think it would be good for him not to be in a position where he could be resting.”

Fellow running back Josh Jacobs was also held out of the scrimmage after missing the past week with a hamstring injury. Jacobs was absent in each of the media viewing periods during practice this past week and was also held out of last week’s scrimmage. Saturday, Saban listed the sophomore as “day-to-day.”

Alabama also received bad news, as walk-on wide receiver Donnie Lee Jr. injured his knee in the scrimmage.

“Donnie Lee, who has been a very productive, good team player for us, got a knee injury today,” Saban said. “We’ll have to confirm the seriousness of that for us with an MRI.”

Scarbrough finished third on the team in rushing last season, gaining 812 yards and 11 touchdowns on 125 carries. He was held out during spring camp while recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the third quarter of Alabama’s national championship loss to Clemson.

Jacobs is coming off of a promising freshman season that saw him rush for 567 yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries. The 5-foot-10, 212-pound back also led all Alabama running backs in receiving with 156 yards on 14 receptions.

The kicking game is improving
Scarbrough’s status was not the only thing that had Alabama fans breathing easier Saturday. Following a troublesome performance in its first scrimmage, the Crimson Tide saw a big improvement from all three of its kickers on the afternoon.

"We were much better,” Saban said. “JK (Scott) made a 51-yard field goal. Joseph (Bulovas) kicked two field goals, made one, missed one. Andy (Pappanastos) was 3-for-3.”

Alabama has struggled to find a replacement for graduated kicker Adam Griffith this offseason. Scott, the Tide’s starting punter, and Pappanastos, a walk-on kicker, combined to go 3 of 6 during the A-Day game this spring. Scott went 3 of 4, including the game-winner from 30 yards out, while Pappanastos missed both his attempts from inside 40 yards. Bulovas, the No. 1 kicker in the 2017 class, joined the team over the summer.

Not only did Saturday’s performance instill more confidence into a unit Saban said “had work to do” last week, the head coach was also encouraged by all three of the kickers' ability to respond to adverse conditions.

“It was really a good sort of situation for us to have to play in,” Saban said. “We've had some good wet ball practices in fall because we've had quite a few rainy days, but it certainly paid off. When I was at LSU, we played a game against Oregon State in the first game of the season, and it rained as hard as you've ever seen it rain for a whole game. I think we won the game by one point. There may be a certain situation like we had today.

“Missouri, a few years ago. Sat in the locker room for 45 minutes or an hour, came back out and played a game. None of these experiences are bad, they're all good for players to learn how to respond to."

Following the practice, a source close to the university revealed Alabama will strongly consider using two kickers this season with Pappanastos coming in for shorter field goals and Scott serving as the long-range kicker. Alabama has used a two-kicker system in the past, as Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster split the kicking duties from 2010-12.

Backup quarterbacks showing promise
According to sources, starting quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled at times during the scrimmage. The reigning SEC Player of the Year was reportedly intercepted twice — once by freshman safety Xavier McKinney and another time by sophomore linebacker Mack Wilson.

While Hurts didn’t have his best day, Alabama’s two freshmen backups, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones fared much better on the afternoon, showing promise on several big plays.

"I think Tua has really progressed nicely,” Saban said. “He had a good day today. Probably had a few more opportunities, made a couple of explosive plays. He's making very good progress. I think Mac is doing the same.”

Saban has remained adamant that there is no quarterback competition, stating all offseason that Hurts will keep his role as the starter. However, signs of improvement from both backups come as welcomed news, as the Tide looks to build up depth at the position.

Saban has yet to name Tagovailoa as the team’s first backup but has stated several times that the 6-foot-1, 219-pound Hawaiian will receive playing time this season.

“We have the first quarterback, Jalen, then we have a guy that we have ready to play as a backup,” Saban said. “Then we have to bring Mac along the best we can. He's made good progress. He had some opportunities today and didn't do a bad job."

Stats were not made available following the scrimmage.

Brian Daboll will likely call plays from the sidelines
Earlier this week, Saban said the second scrimmage would take on a more game-like feel with coaches working the way they would against actual competition. That brought about the question of where first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll would call the game.

The past three years, former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin coached his players from the sidelines, while Steve Sarkisian worked from the press box in his lone game in charge of the offense during the national championship game. Other former offensive coordinators Major Applewhite, Jim McElwain and Doug Nussmeier all coached from the press box.

If Saturday’s scrimmage is any indication, Daboll appears to have opted for the more close-up approach with his players this season.

"Coach Daboll was on the sidelines,” Saban said. “We had press box organization today. The coaches that are going to be in the press box were in the press box, the ones who could be on the phone and talk, the ones who couldn't be on the phones and talk, the ones doing administrative work on the sideline."

Saban talks solar eclipse
An avid viewer of The Weather Channel, Saban is well aware of Monday’s solar eclipse. The natural phenomenon in which the moon passes between the earth and the sun, is scheduled to be visible in Tuscaloosa from noon until about 3 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 1:30 p.m.

With Alabama’s Monday practice scheduled for 2:40 p.m., Saban was asked if he had anything planned with his players to take in the rare event.

"We'll set it up so if the players want to go out there and get some sunglasses and look at it, I guess they can,” Saban said. “That's not something that I'm really that focused on right now. I watch the Weather Channel everyday, they're already saying what it's going to be like in every city in America. So what's going to be significant?

“You can watch the Weather Channel, you can see what it's going to be like in Portland, Oregon. Clayton, Georgia is the No. 1 place in the country. There are all kinds of people there. My house will probably be the only empty house on the whole lake. I'm going to watch it on TV.”

Of course, if Alabama is to take in the eclipse certain precautionary measures must be taken. Without the right viewing protection, watching the eclipse can be extremely damaging to the eyes.

“Maybe we'll have a team meeting about how we're going to do this,” Saban said with a slight grin. “I haven't thought of that yet."
BamaInsider.com - Five things we learned from Alabama's second scrimmage
 
Thanks for the updates UA Grad. Good stuff!

Sounds like weather made a mess of the scrimmage. Tough to get accurate evaluations under those conditions, but it sounds like our D is going to be a handful.

Super excited about Chris Allen... Really think he's got potential to be a more consistent long term version of Tim Williams. Already ahead physically. Do you know if Moses played more at OLB or ILB? Sounds like he's got a chance to play either spot this year

Mix of vet and young WR's is awesome. Tough, touch decisions with those guys... Some good players will get their feelings hurt. D. Smith was impressing early, now Ruggs... And Shavers has that freakish size. RTR!!!
 
Tidestalker said:
Thanks for the updates UA Grad. Good stuff!

Sounds like weather made a mess of the scrimmage. Tough to get accurate evaluations under those conditions, but it sounds like our D is going to be a handful.

Super excited about Chris Allen... Really think he's got potential to be a more consistent long term version of Tim Williams. Already ahead physically. Do you know if Moses played more at OLB or ILB? Sounds like he's got a chance to play either spot this year

Mix of vet and young WR's is awesome. Tough, touch decisions with those guys... Some good players will get their feelings hurt. D. Smith was impressing early, now Ruggs... And Shavers has that freakish size. RTR!!!
Click to expand...

I saw Moses lined up on the inside. Mack Wilson and Ben Davis looked good as well. I read on the rant where someone claimed BAMA was short on DL and LBs. I about died!!! We are LOADED at the LB position. We might be lacking in experience BUT DAMN!!! We seem to be 3-4 deep at each spot!!!
I failed to mention Robert Foster!! That just shows you how deep we are at WR.

I'm ready for some football guys!!!
 
I mentioned context in an earlier post and how they mentioned Tua had a fumble when it was raining. They didn't mention it was a freaking monsoon, just rain. Well, Jalen's second pick came on the final play of the scrimmage. It did come in the Red Zone or right outside around the 25 going in and occurred in the end zone with no time left on the clock. Take it for what it's worth, but I looked at it as a 2 minute drill, down by 4 with no timeouts. The ball couldn't be thrown short and risk getting tackled in the field of play. There was 7-8 seconds left on the clock before the snap. McKinney made a good play on the ball to be honest.
 
Tidestalker said:
An interesting tidbit reported in this article that Jedrick Wills took approx half the 1st team snaps at right tackle (along with Womack).

Really nice article from Tidesports:
Inside the Crimson Tide: What I've learned through two scrimmages | TideSports.com
Click to expand...

Martin Houston mentioned something about this in an interview he did with Ryan Fowler. His take was it was to get Womack as many reps 1's and 2's in order to get him and Wills into more of a game shape. Basically, increase their rep load as opposed to the other guys already entrenched in their positions.
 
uagrad93 said:
Martin Houston mentioned something about this in an interview he did with Ryan Fowler. His take was it was to get Womack as many reps 1's and 2's in order to get him and Wills into more of a game shape. Basically, increase their rep load as opposed to the other guys already entrenched in their positions.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. But the idea that Wills who just showed up is already getting reps with the 1's, and likely has jumped Leatherwood, is really impressive.

I just realized Womack is a RS sophomore... For some reason I was thinking he was a RS freshman. We've got 5 OT's right now that haven't played a meaningful snap that are big time prospects... Basically battling for 1 spot the next 2 seasons since Jonah has a spot locked down. Womack, Wills, Leatherwood, Lashley, Randolph... Amazing job of recruiting. RTR
 

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