Opening Statement
“I think today’s scrimmage was a lot of what we expected for the eighth practice of the year. I think it was a great opportunity to get players on the field (and) see what they know. A lot of the stuff was game-like but we also did a lot of situational things.”
Saban then said several players missed the scrimmage including freshman quarterback Bryce Young, who Saban expects back on the practice field Monday.
“We had some players who didn’t participate today. Hopefully, we’ll get them back soon,” Saban said. “We’re going to treat those players as if they are injured.”
Saban, per UA policy, did not say if any absentees had been diagnosed with COVID.
Other than Young, names weren’t given, but sources say the number of missing players was in double digits and some were projected starters.
On quarterback play
“Mac Jones was 21-for-36 today with three touchdowns. Mac did some good things. I think Mac’s got to play within himself, be confident, be positive, and not beat himself up.
“The other guys have got work to do. Pace of play. Speed of the game. I think those guys are going to improve.”
On conditioning
“I think the injuries have gone fairly well, knock on wood. This is an abnormal fall camp. We’ve practiced every other day. It’s a little different to judge where the team is. You’re used to seeing a different kind of grind. It’s challenging to the player mentally but it helps them to focus in adverse circumstances.
“I think they like the new strengrh and conditioning coaches and I like sports science aspect.”
On freshman Brian Branch at Star
“Brian Branch and Malachi Moore have played Star (the fifth defensive back) and both have shown the potential to play the position and play winning football. Patrick Surtain can play Star, but he’s just so valuable at corner.
“(Freshman defensive back) Marcus Banks and (junior) Josh Jobe made significant progress.”
On being back at Bryant-Denny and scrimmaging
“To go back into the stadium today was exciting. I’m excited for the players. It’s about them having an opportunity to create value for themselves. Every day we can go out there and work hard to get better its exciting for me. Every step we take makes it feel like we are playing.
“It has been a long time and it’s not been normal. There’s been a lot of uncertainty..”
On the outside linebackers
“I like Chris Allen and Ben Davis. They’ve done well and had experience. Freshmen Drew Sanders and Will Anderson are both guys I think who can contribute to the team.”
On the offensive line
“We feel good about three guys that can play center. Darrian (Dalcourt) is only playing center. Everyone else is moving around. Emil (Ekyor) is playing some at center. We need to develop depth in the offensive line. If we can stay healthy there we’re going to have a pretty good offensive line.”
(The other center candidate is senior Chris Owens, who iis said to be running first for now.)
On his leadership having to change with the times
“These are opportunities for you to grow. How do you do things to serve (the players)? You’ve got to bring people together. They've been pretty responsive. New challenges are also new opportunities. There’s a lot of things happening right now and that’s created opportunities for those of us in leadership positions about sending positive messages so we can create positive change and do it in a safe way.”
On the team’s planned march for social justice Monday
“The players have made these choices and decisions about what they want to do and how they want to be heard, and we want to support them.”
Saban said that topic was addressed to the team when players heard via ZOOM from speakers like Condoleezza Rice, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Tony Dungy, Stephen A. Smith and Joey Galloway.
“They all did s phenomenal job explain to players how we can have a plan,” Saban said.
(The team is off Monday, but will also watch scrimmage film and “stretch and stride.”)
