🏈 Practice Notes: Colorado State

[Alabama17Tide]

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved inside for practice Monday to escape the rain as the Crimson began its preparations for Saturday’s game against Colorado State. Players were dressed in shorts and shells for the practice.

Here are a few notes from the practice:

— Matt Womack slid over to right guard to replace injured Lester Cotton on the first-team offensive line, as freshman Jedrick Wills stepped in at right tackle. The left side of Alabama’s line stayed the same with Jonah Williams, Bradley Bozeman, Ross Pierschbacher and Bradley Bozeman from left to right.

— The second unit offensive line was Alex Leatherwood, Chris Owens, Brandon Kennedy, Josh Casher and Scott Lashley from left to right.

— Lester Cotton (unknown) was not seen with the rest of the offensive linemen. In other injury news, linebackers Dylan Moses (unknown), Rashaan Evans (groin) and Anfernee Jennings (ankle) were all wearing black jerseys, while running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) was a full participant with the running backs.

— Before practice, Saban said Cotton and Moses would miss Monday but would return soon. Evans and Jennings are questionable, and Saban said a decision would be made on Wednesday as to whether they could play on Saturday. Jacobs appears to be the most likely to be ready for Saturday’s game.

— During practice, Jennings and Evans were working with trainers to the side while Moses was standing with the rest of the inside linebackers.

— Running back Brian Robinson was wearing a No. 1 scout-team jersey, playing the part of Colorado State Dalyn Dawkins (5-9, 185 pounds).

Monday practice Colorado State game week | BamaInsider.com

 

[bama alum]

Both Womack and Wills on the right side? I like that line up a lot!

 

[Alabama17Tide]

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama practiced indoors for a second straight day Tuesday as the Crimson Tide prepared for its game against Colorado State on Saturday. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.

Here are a few notes from the practice:

— Lester Cotton was back at practice working at right guard with the first unit during individual drills as Matt Womack slid back over to right tackle. However, as the media was leaving practice, Womack was at right guard and Jedrick Wills was at right tackle. Saban said Cotton was “dinged” during Alabama’s game against Fresno State last week.

— During the practice, Alabama offensive linemen all ran a lap around the practice field. This is something we haven’t seen before. Always one of the more animated assistants, offensive line coach Brent Key did not seem very pleased with the unit on the day.

— Rashaan Evans (groin) was wearing a black jersey. He was doing lunges with team trainer Jeff Allen. I was not able to spot Anfernee Jennings (ankle) or Dylan Moses during practice.

— Alabama’s secondary worked out of the nickel package. Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace were the cornerbacks, while Minkah Fitzpatrick was at Star. Hootie Jones and Ronnie Harrison were the two safeties, while Shaun Dion Hamilton and Keith Holcombe were the two linebackers. Mack Wilson shadowed Hamilton at linebacker.

— On the second unit, Trevon Diggs and Shyheim Carter were the cornerbacks, while Tony Brown played Star. Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney were the two safeties, while Daniel Wright shadowed Thompson. Wilson and freshman Markail Benton were the two linebackers.

— Alabama quarterbacks worked with receivers on various different routes. The quarterbacks began with bubble screens then moved to quick outs and then wheel routes. Toward the end of the viewing period they were throwing more deep balls. Both quarterbacks looked sharp during the workout. On an interesting note, there was a camera man that seemingly followed Jalen on the field. Not sure if that’s just for a video or if it’s some type of extra film to critique.

— Josh Jacobs (hamstring) looks to be moving well and was a full participant with the running backs for a second straight day. Najee Harris too a little spill, slipping during a drill but got up and was fine moving forward.

Tuesday practice report (Colorado State game week) | BamaInsider.com

 

[Tidestalker]

First time I've seen M. Benton in the practice reports running 2 deep. That's awesome. He can fly for a LB... Seems like a perfect fit for these hurry up/quick pass attacks. Should be a good one down the road

 

[BamaFan334]

Both Womack and Wills on the right side? I like that line up a lot!

Two big ole boys.

 

[UAgrad93]

Two big ole boys.

I seem to think that this could be a possible solution should Cotton struggle or go down with injury. Another possibility would be Wills at guard and Leatherwood at tackle, even though that puts 2 young pups side by side. I know Saban doesn't like doing that though.

 

[TUSKtimes]

First time I've seen M. Benton in the practice reports running 2 deep. That's awesome. He can fly for a LB... Seems like a perfect fit for these hurry up/quick pass attacks. Should be a good one down the road

Most of these guys just need the opportunity to make it happen. I would imagine we have true freshman along the lines of McClain, Hightower, Devall that saw a lot of time on the field in their first year. I would think a lot of that is circumstances, not just maturity.

 

[BamaFan334]

I seem to think that this could be a possible solution should Cotton struggle or go down with injury. Another possibility would be Wills at guard and Leatherwood at tackle, even though that puts 2 young pups side by side. I know Saban doesn't like doing that though.

I personally would love to see Wills and Leatherwood manning the right if Saban could be sold on it. I think both guys are massive and can use their size to take away from any smaller mistakes they'll make. All of the reports have shown both guys clicking and their progression improving each and every practice with the ability to start. I don't mean just send Womack off, but I think these two are our future and the game experience will be more beneficial to the team.

I see some issues with our line, but I was always a skill player and more a defensive guy, so offensive line is not where my experience or even my eyes are trained to go when re-watching games or film on our team. Most of y'all boys know more about what is needed than me in that area, so this is just opinion from myself.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved outdoors Wednesday for its third practice in preparation of Saturday’s game against Colorado State on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Players were dressed in full pads in cloudy, 69-degree weather.

Here are some notes from the media viewing session:

— Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses was not spotted at practice for the third time this week. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he would be out due to injury on Monday but said the freshman would return soon.

— Anfernee Jennings (ankle) was with the rest of the outside linebackers during practice wearing a black jersey. He did not have on gloves or cleats and only took part in individual drills, helping teammates with resistance training.

— Inside linebacker Rashaan Evans (groin) was in a black jersey running on the side away from the team with trainers. He looks to be moving well.

— Offensive lineman Lester Cotton was not in a black jersey but did not participate with the rest of the unit during individual or team drills. Cotton was seen standing off to the side behind his teammates with his helmet off for most of the viewing period.

— During individual drills, Joshua Casher took Cotton’s role at right guard with the first-team offensive line, while Matt Womack played right tackle. However, when offensive line switched to team drills, Womack moved to right guard while Jedrick Wills and Scott Lashley took turns at right tackle.

— Alabama’s secondary worked out of the dime package. Levi Wallace and Anthony Averett were the two cornerbacks, while Tony Brown played Star and Minkah Fitzpatrick played in the Money role. Hootie Jones and Ronnie Harrison were the safeties. Keith Holcombe was shadowed by Shaun Dion Hamilton as the lone linebacker in the formation.

— I didn’t see Josh Jacobs with the rest of the running backs when they moved to team drills. Instead, Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris were the three backs to take reps behind the offensive line.

Wednesday practice report (Colorado State week) | BamaInsider.com