Monday Insider Report (Louisville week)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama held its first game-week practice Monday as the team geared up for Saturday’s season-opener against Louisville in Orlando, Fla. Players were dressed in full pads and worked under sunny, 91-degree weather for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Defensive back Trevon Diggs was back in action after appearing limited during Saturday’s viewing period. The junior took his normal spot at cornerback when the secondary participated in team drills.
— Najee Harris (foot) was also moving well during drills with the running backs. Harris has looked good since returning to practice last Friday. He is expected to be full-go for the season-opener.
— Stephon Wynn (ligament strain) was seen before practice walking toward the weight room with a brace on his left leg. He was in a black, no-contact jersey.
— Alabama’s defense worked out of the nickel package with Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith at cornerback, Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney at safety and Shyheim Carter at Star. Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson were the two linebackers.
— On one rep, Alabama had Moses playing man coverage on what would have been a running back. Moses flashed his coverage ability several times this offseason and could be an asset in that area. Wilson is also a threat in coverage after leading Alabama with four interceptions last season.
— Alabama’s defensive line and outside linebackers worked together during team drills out of its dime package. Isaiah Buggs played one defensive end position, while outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings played with his hand on the ground on the other side. Raekwon Davis shifted inside at defensive line to play alongside Quinnen Williams at defensive tackle. Markail Benton blitz from the linebacker position. Benton’s role would likely be handled by either Moses or Wilson during a game, but they were practicing with the secondary.
— Alabama continued to keep Alex Leatherwood at right guard and Jedrick Wills at right tackle, as reflected by the depth chart the Crimson Tide released earlier today. Interestingly enough, Leatherwood is listed as both the starting right guard and backup right tackle.
“I think Jed’s more of a rangy guy, so I think that’s why tackle suits him better,” center Ross Pierschbacher said. “Leatherwood’s really good in short spaces, so I think that was a good move for them. Just getting their confidence up, knowing the game plan, getting as many reps with those two.”
— Wills left to get water on one rep and was replaced by redshirt freshman Kendall Randolph at right tackle.
— Jalen Hurts continued to lead the quarterbacks followed by Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. This has been the case for most of the offseason. Earlier in the day, Saban said he was not ready to announce a starter for the season-opener.
Monday Insider Report (Louisville week) | BamaInsider.com