🏈 Fall practice notes & CNS Presser

[Tidestalker]

Where did that come from? His dad was posting on facebook about the scrimmage and said nothing about him being hurt and said he got two sacks and two picks in the scrimmage.

I also read he got carted off... But follow up said not a big deal. Either way I think he's good to go

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Tony's Take: Examining Alabama's kicking conundrum
Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer

Of the many ties Nick Saban has in the coaching world, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter isn’t one of them.

The two have never worked together and have met on the field only once — a 1995 game between Michigan State and Boston College, as Saban served in his first year as head coach of the Spartans while Koetter was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles. (In case you're wondering, Saban came out on top, 25-21.)

That being said, it's easy to see how the Alabama head coach could relate with his Tampa Bay counterpart.

The Buccaneers made news Saturday when they released kicker Roberto Aguayo after drafting him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The decision to select a kicker in the second round instantly raised eyebrows. However, Aguayo, seemingly automatic while at Florida State, was thought to be the kind of sure bet worth investing in. Instead, the rookie kicker connected on just 22 of 31 (71 percent) of his field goal attempts, making just 4 of 11 from 40 or more yards while also missing two extra points.

Like Koetter, Saban knows what it's like to see a highly-rated kicker struggle under pressure at a higher level.

While Saban didn’t make the same investment in his kickers as Koetter, he also spent Saturday reeling over his team’s performance in the kicking game. Concern was raised this offseason as walk-on kicker Andy Pappanastos and punter JK Scott combined to go just 3 of 6 during A-Day. The answer was supposed to come in true freshman Joseph Bulovas, who joined the Crimson Tide as the No. 1 kicker in the 2017 class this summer.

However, following Alabama’s first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday, Saban was left no more confident in his team’s ability to put the ball through the uprights than he was this spring.

“I think we have things to work on relative to some of the other areas in the kicking game,” Saban said while praising the other aspects of Alabama’s special teams Saturday. “Missed a couple field goals. We had a couple blocked because we didn't really have good protection. So we really need to work hard on that part of it.”

While it’s certainly not time to write off Bulovas’ career one scrimmage into his time with the program, seeing yet another top kicker fail to live up to the hype has to be frustrating for Saban.

Alabama has dealt with inconsistencies on field goals the past three seasons with Adam Griffith lining up at kicker. The No. 2 rated kicker in the 2012 class converted on 21 of 28 (75 percent) of his tries last season after making 23 of 32 (71.9 percent) in 2015 and 12 of 19 (63.2 percent) in 2014.

Before that it was Cade Foster, who never seemed to live up the No. 10 ranking he was given upon joining the Tide in the 2010 class. Foster made just 25 of his combined 44 attempts during his four-year college career.

Leigh Tiffin, the son of former Alabama kicker Van Tiffin, was the last regular kicker to make at least 80 percent of his kicks in a season, going a stellar 30 of 35 (85.7 percent) for the Tide in 2009. Unfortunately for Alabama, the former Tide legend is all out of offspring to send to Tuscaloosa.

Saban has also been burned by the ones that got away. Former Alabama commit Eddy Pineiro, who spurned the Tide to play stay at home and sign with Florida in 2015, connected on 21 of 25 (84 percent) of his kicks last season. The SEC’s top kicker, Daniel Carlson wasn’t recruited by Alabama but grew up a fan of the Tide. Last year, he was a Lou Groza Award finalist, connecting on 28 of 32 (87.5 percent) of his kicks for in-state rival Auburn.

There’s no use crying over any of that now. Unlike Koetter, Saban won’t be cutting one of his kickers loose anytime soon. Instead, the head coach will do what he has always done — support and try to develop whoever he has on the roster.

As the head coach put it, Alabama will need plenty of work at the position. History says the Tide will need plenty of patience, too.

Tony's Take: Examining Alabama's kicking conundrum | BamaInsider.com

 

[Tidestalker]

JK Scott.... He was a great HS kicker and obviously has a huge leg. Has played under pressure. I know it's putting a lot on his plate but he's got a chance to leave as a legend. If he's the best kicker, why not?

 

[JoshB]

JK Scott.... He was a great HS kicker and obviously has a huge leg. Has played under pressure. I know it's putting a lot on his plate but he's got a chance to leave as a legend. If he's the best kicker, why not?

That would probably be the best option at this point.

 

[EasyTider]

Article above says Pappanastos and Scott went 3-6. Did Bulovas attempt any at all? Is the article suggesting he's so far behind he isn't even getting any attempts? I'm confused, did he kick at all during scrimmage???

 

[Alabama17Tide]

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players returned for their 10 practice of preseason camp Monday two days after their first scrimmage. Players were dressed in full pads under cloudy, 77-degree weather.

Here are some notes from the media viewing period:

— After being held out of Saturday’s scrimmage, running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) was not present during the viewing period on Monday. Fellow running back Najee Harris (hamstring) also missed the scrimmage but was back working with the rest of the running backs during drills.

— There were some reports that Rashaan Evans was injured during Saturday’s scrimmage. However, the senior looked fine Monday, leading the rest of the inside linebackers during drills. Evans was followed by Shaun Dion Hamilton, Keith Holcombe, Joshua McMillon, Mack Wilson, Dylan Moses and Markail Benton.

— It’s been widely reported how athletic Moses looks, especially for a true freshman. However, after getting another close-up look at the 6-foot-3, 232-pound linebacker on Monday he continues to impress. Moses looked quick and powerful during his individual drills and could very well be a contributor this season.

— The outside linebackers worked on resistance training. Terrell Lewis looked the most explosive of the bunch. It’s also worth noting that the 6-foot-5, 254-pound linebacker is built like a complete pass-rushing nightmare. On top of his size, Lewis has freakishly long arms.

— Alabama’s first unit offensive line remained the same with Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack lining up from left to right.

— There was a noticeable change in the second unit, though. Alex Leatherwood moved to left tackle with Dallas Warmack at left guard, J.C. Hassenauer at center, Chris Owens at right guard and Jedrick Wills at right tackle. The third unit lined up with Scott Lashley, Josh Casher, Brandon Kennedy, Richie Petitbon and Kendall Randolph from left to right. Deonte Brown was present during practice but was not in the three-deep rotation.

— Saban was very complimentary of Wills and Leatherwood following Saturday’s scrimmage.

"I think both those guys have done well in practice. I can't honestly say how well they did in the scrimmage today. We think both of those guys have potential to help us. I think one of the big goals of the scrimmage today is that at some point in time when this camp is over, and we have another week of camp and another scrimmage… We have to say 'These are the guys that we're going to invest time to try to develop and help our team.' I think those two guys are most certainly two guys that at this point you would say that's probably going to be the case.”

— It’s also interesting that Leatherwood was switched to left tackle. With Williams having the first-team left tackle spot locked up, reps at right tackle would seemingly be more valuable at the moment. That just highlights the progress made by Wills since joining the team this summer.

— Alabama practiced out of the dime formation at secondary. Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett lined up at the cornerback positions, while Tony Brown played Star and Minkah Fitzpatrick played Money. Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones were the two safeties in the rotation.

TEAM NEWS - Practice No. 10 - August 14 | BamaInsider.com

 

[Tidestalker]

Interesting stuff! Thanks for posting

-Looks like Wills is now the 3rd Tackle... Kid has made up a ton of ground for not enrolling early. Might be onto something special there

-Deionte Brown fell out quickly. Wonder if it's "doghouse" off the field issues or he just played poorly. You'd think 1 bad scrimmage wouldn't move a guy that they like from the 2's to the nones.... But if the practice report is accurate it appears so. Good opportunity for Chris Owens and Dallas Warmack though. See what happens there

-Back to Tony Brown at Star like we figured before season. Damn if he could finally put it together.... Now or never

-I absolutely hate hearing Jacobs isn't practicing. A serious Hamstring issue could absolutely roll into week 1. He's a game breaker (if actually used). Get better soon!

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Tuesday's scoop

Alabama heads into practice No. 11 on Tuesday

Alabama continues to move through August Camp with the Florida State game inching closer and closer. Our staff with boots on the ground in Tuscaloosa provides another scoop report with intel from the players entering practice No. 11.

Damien Harris who led the team rushing last year with 1,037-yards talked about finishing recently. “I think one of the biggest things we learned from last year, was that we have to finish. All we can do is think about how we did not finish and we know that last year is finished and that chapter is closed, but we do not want to forget that and have to use that to our advantage this upcoming year.”

Harris also spoke about his relationship with former Alabama linebacker and now 49ers linebacker Rueben Foster and what he learned from Foster's game.

“Rueben was a guy that everyone looked up to. His work ethic and obviously, he made play after play, and that is something that you look up to, but just the way that he worked in practice. We had a lot of fun, but seeing how serious he took this game was it was meeting, practice, watching film, those qualities made him the player he was, and I know he’ll be a great player at the next level, and taking that from him, I think will help me a lot.”

Harris on running backs being complete backs

“Being a dual threat back, I mean not just someone who can run the ball is definitely going to help not only you as a player, but help the team as well. We have been working all off-season to be not only better receivers out of the backfield, but being better in protection, and being more well-rounded backs. That is really something that we are focusing on. Coach Burns tells us all the time, we came here to play running backs, so everyone knows that we can run the ball, but you need those intangibles, blocking, run routes right, catch out of the backfield, that is what really makes you a complete player.

***

Alabama Defensive Back Minkah Fitzpatrick spoke to the media on Monday and provided his thoughts on how the secondary fared in Saturday's scrimmage.

“We actually did a really good job. Usually, the first scrimmage as a secondary, we allow a whole bunch of big plays and things like that just because we haven’t been working together in a game situation. But we only allowed one or two with the ones (first team), just like of fluke stuff -- the ball popping up and somebody catching it. I think we did a really good job and I like where we are right now.”

Fitzpatrick on teammate Ronnie Harrison

“From my freshmen year to now, Ronnie has been the same type of player, just physical and dominating out there. He is not going to take anything from anybody. He has definitely turned more into a leader now and a lot of guys look up to him in the secondary. A lot of people try to play like him and I feel that he leads by example and he does what he is supposed to do. He’s a big guy and an athlete at the same time. He can come down and cover people when he needs to and come down and fill a hole when he needs to, so he is a complete defensive back.”

Quick Hit: Alabama Defensive Back Anthony Averett on Jalen Hurts

“Jalen has improved very well, definitely. He’s worked very hard over the summer. He is throwing more accurate and throwing the ball downfield better. I felt like he was a leader last year, felt like he took command of the offense and stepped into that role quick, since you know, day one.”

Bradley Bozeman on Raekwon Davis and his relationship with Hurts

Senior offensive center Bradley Bozeman spoke to the media on Monday and gave high praise to Alabama Defensive End Raekwon Davis. “He’s a big human being. He’s a great player. He’s good for us. He definitely gives us work. It’s good when you’re playing against really good people, big people. It helps you out every day. Bradley on if Davis has improved since last year. “Yeah, for sure. All of our defensive linemen are working really hard to get better. It’s an everyday grind that they’re trying to get that starting role or produce for our team.”

Obviously, the chemistry between the offensive line and the quarterback is vital, especially between the center and the quarterback. When asked about his relationship and the confidence of Hurts, Bradley said their relationship is strong and that Hurts has always had confidence.

“Jalen and I are very close, mess with each other all the time, just playing around, FaceTime whenever we’re off, whatever it may be, we are very close and have a very good relationship. Jalen has always been a confident guy ever since he walked into the doors, you have seen it on TV, he does not show any emotion, he just tries to get his job done, and goes to the next play.”
BamaInsider.com - AUGUST CAMP: Tuesday Scoop

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Practice day 11

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama stayed outside for its 11th practice of preseason camp Tuesday night. Players were wearing full pads in comfortable 78-degree weather, a nice break from some of the hotter practices recently. Less than three weeks away from the season opener against Florida State on Sept. 2, the Million Dollar Band could be heard practicing nearby.

Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:

— Running back Josh Jacobs was absent for the second straight day of practice after he was held out of Saturday’s scrimmage. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Saturday that Jacobs was dealing with a hamstring and did not know how long he’d be out.

— Najee Harris was back again practicing with the running backs after also missing Saturday’s scrimmage with a hamstring. The freshman looked fine as he and the rest of the backs worked on catching passes out of the backfield. That looks as though it is going to be a feature in first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s offense.

— One thing I forgot to mention the other day is that Ronnie Clark is now working with the running backs. It will be interesting to see if he takes on an H-back role or maybe even comes on as a fullback in certain packages.

— While Jacob’s No. 8 wasn’t at practice, a new one emerged. Freshman linebacker Dylan Moses has changed his number from 7 to 8. This appeared to be coming, as it was announced Trevon Diggs, who also wears the No. 7, would stay on the defensive side of the ball. In order for Diggs and Moses to play together on the field, they’d have to be wearing different numbers.

— Alabama’s secondary worked out of the nickel package with Diggs and Anthony Averett at cornerback. Minkah Fitzpatrick was at the Star position, while Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones were at the safety positions.

— The second unit consisted of Jared Mayden and Levi Wallace at corners (Nigel Knott was shadowing Wallace). Tony Brown was at the Star position and was shadowed by Kyriq McDonald. Deionte Thompson was shadowed by Daniel Wright at free safety, while Xavier McKinney was shadowed by Keaton Anderson at strong safety.

— Offensive line stayed the same as Monday. Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack made up the first unit from left to right. The second unit consisted of Alex Leatherwood, Dallas Warmack, J.C. Hassenauer, Chris Owens and Jedrick Wills.

*** Bonus notes ***

— Freshman VanDarius Cowan has earned the unfortunate nickname “VD” outside linebacker coach Tosh Lupoi could be heard calling him that multiple times during practice.

— Isaiah Buggs is one of the more vocal players during practice. The 6-foot-5, 293-pound defensive lineman was barking at his teammates, literally, as the rest of the unit ran to a different part of the field.

— In more irrelevant kicking news, Joseph Bulovas has a nice arm. The freshman kicker was seen before and after practice whipping the ball back and forth with true freshman Thomas Fletcher in the indoor facility. Bulovas played quarterback during his earlier years of high school and also pitched and played third base on the baseball team. (Direct-snap fake, anyone?)

Practice No. 11 (8/15) | BamaInsider.com

 

[BamaFan334]

I was pretty curious when the number change between Moses and Diggs would happen. I guess this means Moses will be seeing the field on defense and Diggs is definitely going to be as well. Very excited to see both these boys hunting on defense.

 

[JoshB]

I was pretty curious when the number change between Moses and Diggs would happen. I guess this means Moses will be seeing the field on defense and Diggs is definitely going to be as well. Very excited to see both these boys hunting on defense.

Doesn't mean that at all. Diggs is the primary returner, Moses will likely play special teams.

 

[BamaFan334]

Doesn't mean that at all. Diggs is the primary returner, Moses will likely play special teams.

I'll bet you a million dollars. After all the reports it's a foregone conclusion. Barring injury, crossing my fingers for not.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Could be both, Dylan is a man-child.

Freshman LB Dylan Moses changes number to accommodate Trevon Diggs' switch to defense

 

[It Takes Eleven]

 

[TUSKtimes]

My Terrell Lewis pick is looking good. Below is a brief shot of Mr. Lewis this Saturday taking Jalen's pass the other way for yet another pick 6.

"Outwork Yesterday" that's the mantra this season and it sounds like it's catching on.

 

[JoshB]

I'll bet you a million dollars. After all the reports it's a foregone conclusion. Barring injury, crossing my fingers for not.

Hope you're right, Moses looks like one that's going to be special but with him playing inside backer and all that talent there (Hamilton, Evans, Mack Wilson, Holcombe, Davis, etc.) I just find it hard for him to make his way on the field this early. Maybe in the package that has been teased with Evans putting his hand in the dirt and rushing off the edge, Moses or someone else comes in to fill in that inside backer role.

 

[PurlJam]

The one position that has me mortified is the place kicking. I haven't seen anything during spring ball that suggested we have a reliable ace to go to. Now, after the first scrimmage under their belt, it still feels like a position of need.

This seems like its a wash, rinse, and repeat kind of thing. Our field goal tries have been spiking my pucker meter for years now.... sad that the strongest muscle on my body during football season is my anal sphincter.

 

[JoshB]

This seems like its a wash, rinse, and repeat kind of thing. Our field goal tries have been spiking my pucker meter for years now.... sad that the strongest muscle on my body during football season is my anal sphincter.

Well that was TMI... but yeah, since Leigh Tiffin's first cpl years (though he became very reliable in the end) its been a rocky relationship between fans and kickers. Hell, really we can go back to the 1999 season and the Phlugner debacle at the Orange Bowl.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Practice day 12
By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama stayed outside for its 12th practice of preseason camp Wednesday afternoon. Players were dressed in full pads in hot, 88-degree weather and had coaches routinely spraying them with water in order to stay cool. Wednesday’s practice serves roughly as the halfway point in the preseason, as the Crimson Tide has 13 more practices until its opener against Florida State on Sept. 2.

Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:

— Running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) was seen inside of Alabama’s athletic facility prior to practice. The sophomore was not dressed out and walking with a limp toward the weight room, but did appear to be in good spirits. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he did not know how long Jacobs would be out with the injury. The 5-foot-10, 212-pound back was held out of Saturday’s scrimmage and was not present at any of the Tide’s three practices this week.

— Damien Harris led the running backs and was followed by Bo Scarbrough, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson.

— We got a good look at the outside linebackers who were working on shedding blocks in one segment before switching to coverage drills. Outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi is always the most animated coach in practice. Wednesday, he was calling for “active, wild and loaded hands.” Of course, he was saying a lot of other stuff, but in order to keep everything PG, we’ll leave that out.

— Terrell Lewis is the linebacker that stands out for me. On top of being one of the most explosive in the group on pass-rushing drills, he also showed the athleticism needed to drop back in coverage on occasion.

— Chris Allen is also explosive as well but still needs to work on the coverage part of his game. Once he gets fully comfortable with the defense, he’s someone who could break out late in the year.

— Minkah Fitzpatrick was working with the cornerbacks during individual drills but moved to Money when Alabama was working out of the dime package.

— The two cornerbacks in the first unit were Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett, while Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones played the safety positions. Tony Brown was working at Star and Shaun Dion Hamilton was being shadowed by Mack Wilson at the lone linebacker spot.

— The second team appeared to practice out of the nickel and consisted of Jared Mayden and Levi Wallace at corners. Deionte Thompson was shadowed by Daniel Wright at one safety position, while Xavier McKinney was shadowed by Hunter Bryant at the other. Shyheim Carter was being shadowed by Kyriq McDonald at Star, while Keith Holcombe manned the lone linebacker spot.

— Alabama’s first unit on defensive line remained the same as it has been with Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne, Joshua Frazier and Raekwon Davis lining up from left to right.

— Isaiah Buggs, Jamar King, Johnny Dwight and Quinnen Williams made up the second unit while LaBryan Ray, Taylor Wilson, Daniel Powell, Phidarian Mathis and Vohn Keith Jr. were in the third grouping.
BamaInsider.com - Wednesday Insider Report

 

[Alabama17Tide]

The real reason behind Nick Saban's mini rant
Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Welcome to the dog days of preseason camp.

Wednesday’s practice marked the proverbial halfway point for Alabama as it participated in its 12th workout of the 25 it is allowed prior to its season opener against Florida State on Sept. 2.

For the sake of everyone involved, here’s hoping the next 13 practices won’t be as hot.

Players sweated through two hours of 90-degree weather Wednesday with coaches routinely spraying them down with hoses to keep them cool. While Alabama head coach Nick Saban didn’t directly state that the heat affected his players, he didn’t seem to leave the workout particularly pleased with their performance.

“You can have success on one play and one game. But if you're successful, you have consistency in performance over a long period of time,” Saban said referencing a speech gave by NBA legend Charles Barkley to Alabama players Tuesday night. “And you develop an identity. That takes a lot of competitive character. You can't be complacent. It's a lot of hard work and perseverance.

“Can't get affected by external circumstances. Because basically, if you can't give effort, you can't play with toughness, you can't focus and be responsible to do your job. How can you ever develop and get the trust of your teammates, who know what you're supposed to do, but are you able to go out there and do it on a consistent basis? Do they trust that you will do your part for what you need to do? So, our focus this week has been to get more people to do that.”

By the time Saban moved on to the question and answer portion of his news conference, it was clear he was a little heated himself. Tensions only elevated when he asked about two things he doesn’t generally like to talk about — freshmen and social media.

It began with a question about freshman DeVonta Smith and his two highlight catches in recent video clips tweeted out by the university. Always guarded concerning both praise toward freshmen and giving away practice information, the head coach quickly turned toward an Alabama official and raised concern over how such footage was released.

After a quick explanation, Saban continued, albeit a bit put off by the situation.

"Well, for what we do in individual periods, I say he looks really good," Saban said jokingly referring to when the videos clips should have been taken. "Which is running routes on air, right? Yeah, really good catches in routes on air. That's all you're supposed to see. So that's all I can comment on."

Eventually, Saban got around to giving the four-star freshman some praise while still making sure not to signal him out too much.

"DeVonta is doing really, really well," Saban said. “But I would also say that several of the other freshmen receivers are doing well, too. I think they are going to make a contribution, and I think they are creating a lot of competition at those positions.”

Things only got juicer from there. When asked about cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, Saban made sure to praise the junior’s work ethic, seemingly holding him up as an example to the rest of the team while also using some colorful language.

“Minkah does it as well as anybody I've ever coached, in terms of how he works every day, how he finishes plays, his conditioning level, just phenomenal,” Saban said. “Pays attention to detail. It's important to him. Makes sure he knows what to do. A lot of players that are good players I've heard them say 'I'm saving it for the game.' Every one of those players, and all those teams that I’ve been on that the players say that, none of them are worth a [expletive]. He doesn't do that. He works every day to get better.”

Clearly frustrated by several things, Saban was also in no mood to single individual players out. After being asked about the progress of redshirt junior Christian Miller, the head coach reached the precipice of his rant.

"I don't know," Saban said. "You guys make all these predictions about everything, about guys that are going to be great players who have been here for two years and who is going to win all the games. I don't even know why we play. Why do we even play? Why do we even have practice? Why do we compete? Why do we coach guys? Why do we need to improve when you guys have all the answers to how guys are going to be or how they're going to do.

"I mean, sometimes I wonder why do we play? Why do we even have practice because you guys have all these conclusions drawn about who's what, how good they are, what they can do. I mean, so why would you ask me? That's puzzling to me. Why would you ask me? I read stuff all the time like ‘Hmm, that's nice to know. Where did that come from?’ And then you ask me?"

A smile soon slipped over Saban’s face as he calmed himself back down and eventually answered the question, stating that Miller has “had a very nice camp” and is “doing a nice job.”

In the end, Saban made it clear that he wasn’t actually too ruffled up by any of the questions presented to him. The head coach even fired off one last friendly parting blow, sarcastically saying “and thanks for asking,” before leaving the podium with a grin.

What Saban truly hates is complacency and the distractions that so often pop up on mid-August afternoons before the season. Wednesday, he handled those with the best way he knows how — with a little heat.

The real reason behind Nick Saban's mini rant | BamaInsider.com