š Spring camp 2015: Tide through second of three scrimmages
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By Alex Byington Sports
TUSCALOOSA ā Spring break is done and now itās back to work for defending national champion Alabama.
Following a 9-day layoff the Crimson Tide return to the practice fields at 3 p.m. Monday for the second of 15 spring practices over the next four weeks.
Of course, there will be several players that return in name only, including a trio of potential starters who were wearing black, non-contact jerseys during the first day of spring practice March 11, and are expected to miss most if not all of spring rehabbing from offseason surgeries.
That trio includes junior starting left tackle Cam Robinson (shoulder surgery), senior free safety Eddie Jackson (left knee surgery) and senior defensive end Jonathan Allen (shoulder surgery), who opted to return and forgo the NFL draft after leading the team with 12 sacks a year ago.
All three would appear safe to return to their starting spots once theyāre healthy enough and cleared for duty, but in the meantime, their absences will allow others eager to turn heads this spring the opportunity and practice reps to do so.
While quarterback and running back will be the most scrutinized position battles this spring, the battles at tackle, safety and defensive end could be the most important in helping replenish the strong depth which was key to helping Alabama win it all last season.
Among the players that could see increased reps in place of Robinson include early enrollee freshman tackle Jonah Williams, who like Robinson came to Alabama as a highly-recruited five-star product, as well as second-year players including sophomore and former four-star tackle Lester Cotton and redshirt freshman Matt Womack, a former three-star product from Mississippi. All three could work their way into the offensive line rotation this fall with a strong showing this spring, even if itās not necessarily at left tackle. Another option is junior college transfer Charles Baldwin, who is the presumptive favorite to win the starting job at right tackle, but could also see some cross-training opportunities this spring.
Safety is another wide-open position, especially with Jackson likely to spend much of the next few weeks rehabbing his left knee on a stationary bike. New defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley is already looking to find a replacement for graduated strong safety Geno Matias-Smith, and has plenty of options to choose from.
That group senior Maurice Smith, juniors Tony Brown and Hootie Jones, and sophomores Ronnie Harrison and Shawn Burgess-Becker.
Harrison and Jones would appear to be frontrunners for the starting strong safety position given their prototypical size at 6 foot 2-plus and 220 pounds, but Matias-Smith and Jackson are both converted corners who did well after the preseason move a year ago.
Given his disciplinary issues, including getting sent home from the College Football Playoff last season the day before the Cotton Bowl semifinal, the talented Brown could have the most to gain with a strong spring.
A former five-star cornerback, Brown is still facing potential āsuspensionsā according to head coach Nick Saban and is seemingly remains in Sabanās doghouse for the forseeable future, which means his production this spring could go a long way of securing himself a place in the two-deep rotation this coming fall. Burgess-Becker, a key reserve who saw time in 13 games last season, is another with a chance to impress, as is redshirt freshman Deionte Thompson, who is back at safety after spending much of last season working with the receivers.
The final position where thereās room for movement is at defensive end, where Allen and fellow senior Dalvin Tomlinson are the presumptive favorites to slide into the starting jobs at each side of the line after serving as key members of a deep defensive line rotation last season.
Among those with a chance to make that coaching decision more difficult include junior DaāShawn Hand, a former five-star product considered the nationās No. 1 player according to Rivals, and sophomore O.J. Smith, a reserve last season. With junior college addition Jamar King and four-star freshman Terrell Hall arriving this summer, this spring will be important for both Hand and Smith to secure their place ahead of the newcomers in the pecking order.
Decatur DailyāContinue reading...
Following a 9-day layoff the Crimson Tide return to the practice fields at 3 p.m. Monday for the second of 15 spring practices over the next four weeks.
Of course, there will be several players that return in name only, including a trio of potential starters who were wearing black, non-contact jerseys during the first day of spring practice March 11, and are expected to miss most if not all of spring rehabbing from offseason surgeries.
That trio includes junior starting left tackle Cam Robinson (shoulder surgery), senior free safety Eddie Jackson (left knee surgery) and senior defensive end Jonathan Allen (shoulder surgery), who opted to return and forgo the NFL draft after leading the team with 12 sacks a year ago.
All three would appear safe to return to their starting spots once theyāre healthy enough and cleared for duty, but in the meantime, their absences will allow others eager to turn heads this spring the opportunity and practice reps to do so.
While quarterback and running back will be the most scrutinized position battles this spring, the battles at tackle, safety and defensive end could be the most important in helping replenish the strong depth which was key to helping Alabama win it all last season.
Among the players that could see increased reps in place of Robinson include early enrollee freshman tackle Jonah Williams, who like Robinson came to Alabama as a highly-recruited five-star product, as well as second-year players including sophomore and former four-star tackle Lester Cotton and redshirt freshman Matt Womack, a former three-star product from Mississippi. All three could work their way into the offensive line rotation this fall with a strong showing this spring, even if itās not necessarily at left tackle. Another option is junior college transfer Charles Baldwin, who is the presumptive favorite to win the starting job at right tackle, but could also see some cross-training opportunities this spring.
Safety is another wide-open position, especially with Jackson likely to spend much of the next few weeks rehabbing his left knee on a stationary bike. New defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley is already looking to find a replacement for graduated strong safety Geno Matias-Smith, and has plenty of options to choose from.
That group senior Maurice Smith, juniors Tony Brown and Hootie Jones, and sophomores Ronnie Harrison and Shawn Burgess-Becker.
Harrison and Jones would appear to be frontrunners for the starting strong safety position given their prototypical size at 6 foot 2-plus and 220 pounds, but Matias-Smith and Jackson are both converted corners who did well after the preseason move a year ago.
Given his disciplinary issues, including getting sent home from the College Football Playoff last season the day before the Cotton Bowl semifinal, the talented Brown could have the most to gain with a strong spring.
A former five-star cornerback, Brown is still facing potential āsuspensionsā according to head coach Nick Saban and is seemingly remains in Sabanās doghouse for the forseeable future, which means his production this spring could go a long way of securing himself a place in the two-deep rotation this coming fall. Burgess-Becker, a key reserve who saw time in 13 games last season, is another with a chance to impress, as is redshirt freshman Deionte Thompson, who is back at safety after spending much of last season working with the receivers.
The final position where thereās room for movement is at defensive end, where Allen and fellow senior Dalvin Tomlinson are the presumptive favorites to slide into the starting jobs at each side of the line after serving as key members of a deep defensive line rotation last season.
Among those with a chance to make that coaching decision more difficult include junior DaāShawn Hand, a former five-star product considered the nationās No. 1 player according to Rivals, and sophomore O.J. Smith, a reserve last season. With junior college addition Jamar King and four-star freshman Terrell Hall arriving this summer, this spring will be important for both Hand and Smith to secure their place ahead of the newcomers in the pecking order.
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Matt Zenitz |
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Vasha Hunt | vhunt@al.com
Watch Nick Saban speak at his 6 p.m. press conference above - while you wait the practice photo gallery is below. ...
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By Alex Byington Sports
TUSCALOOSA ā Junior linebacker Rashaan Evans has moved from outside linebacker to inside as the Crimson Tide experiments with former five-star prospect from Auburn.
Decatur DailyāContinue reading...
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Alabama17Tide
Member
After a week off for spring break, the football team underwent its second practice of the spring in helmets and shorts. Here is what caught my eye during the media viewing period.
Rashaan Evans was again with the inside linebackers. This is no surprise given what we saw from the first spring practice. I plan on asking Nick Saban about the move and where Evans stands during tonight's press conference.
Speaking of the inside linebackers, they worked in pairs for certain drills: Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton, Keith Holcombe and Rashaan Evans and Adonis Thomas and Keaton Anderson. In another drill, Foster was working beside Holcombe.
The outside linebackers went through drills in the following order: Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Anfernee Jennings, Mekhi Brown, Derrick Garnett and Christian Bell.
On the bike in black jerseys were the same rotation of Shawn Jennings, Eddie Jackson, Raheem Falkins and Dakota Ball.
Cam Robinson and Jonathan Allen, both of who Saban said would likely be out for most if not all of spring, wore black jerseys and worked in their respective position groups. **The work they were doing was all for conditioning purposes. They were not doing any contact work**
The defensive linemen went through drills in the following order: Dalvin Tomlinson, Jonathan Allen, Da'Shawn Hand, Daron Payne, Joshua Frazier, and Johnny Dwight.
For the second consecutive practice Mario Cristobal was with the tight ends and Brent Key was with the offensive line.
With Cam Robinson out, the offensive line saw a lot of different bodies in different places. Matt Womack, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound redshirt freshman, took some reps at right tackle as did reserve lineman Korren Kirven. At left tackle, former Tuscaloosa-Central standout Lester Cotton got a few reps as did true freshman Jonah Williams and junior college transfer Charles Baldwin.
Notables
Reggie Ragland was spotted at practice hanging with 2016 signee Mack Wilson.
Former nose guard Jesse Williams was in attendance.
Derrick Henry took in the action.
SUTTLES: Monday, March 21 Spring Practice Report | TideSports.com
Rashaan Evans was again with the inside linebackers. This is no surprise given what we saw from the first spring practice. I plan on asking Nick Saban about the move and where Evans stands during tonight's press conference.
Speaking of the inside linebackers, they worked in pairs for certain drills: Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion Hamilton, Keith Holcombe and Rashaan Evans and Adonis Thomas and Keaton Anderson. In another drill, Foster was working beside Holcombe.
The outside linebackers went through drills in the following order: Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Anfernee Jennings, Mekhi Brown, Derrick Garnett and Christian Bell.
On the bike in black jerseys were the same rotation of Shawn Jennings, Eddie Jackson, Raheem Falkins and Dakota Ball.
Cam Robinson and Jonathan Allen, both of who Saban said would likely be out for most if not all of spring, wore black jerseys and worked in their respective position groups. **The work they were doing was all for conditioning purposes. They were not doing any contact work**
The defensive linemen went through drills in the following order: Dalvin Tomlinson, Jonathan Allen, Da'Shawn Hand, Daron Payne, Joshua Frazier, and Johnny Dwight.
For the second consecutive practice Mario Cristobal was with the tight ends and Brent Key was with the offensive line.
With Cam Robinson out, the offensive line saw a lot of different bodies in different places. Matt Womack, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound redshirt freshman, took some reps at right tackle as did reserve lineman Korren Kirven. At left tackle, former Tuscaloosa-Central standout Lester Cotton got a few reps as did true freshman Jonah Williams and junior college transfer Charles Baldwin.
Notables
Reggie Ragland was spotted at practice hanging with 2016 signee Mack Wilson.
Former nose guard Jesse Williams was in attendance.
Derrick Henry took in the action.
SUTTLES: Monday, March 21 Spring Practice Report | TideSports.com
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Vasha Hunt | vhunt@al.com
Alabama beat reporters Michael Casagrande and John Talty discuss the ramp-up of Alabama football spring practice, including the usual suspects of position experimentation, after the second practice Monday, following a long spring break in the video above. Also check out...
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Max
Member
TRANSCRIPT:
Opening statement:
Pierschbacher worked at center the first two days
Spring practice is something you do to make progress so that you're ready for the season. We want to have a great spring practice -- we had a very good off-season program -- so that we're ready for the opener. It's a process that every team has to go through. I think it's something that you need to move forward in terms of learning your position, which is the technique, the fundamentals, what to do, how to do it, why it's important to do it that way. But also in effort, discipline to finish plays, mental toughness to be able to focus and sustain when things don't go right.
All these things require players to take ownership for how he makes progress to become a complete player in the spring. Then everybody has to assess, are you a liability or an asset in this process for yourself and for your teammates. So you can't be casual in the way you approach spring practice. I don't care how good of player you are. I don't care what you've done in the past. I don't care how many games we've won. It doesn't really matter. There's a standard that we need to do it to and everybody needs to buy into that standard.
Spring practice is like a project. It's like building a house. You're building a new team. It's got a beginning. There's a process of things that you have to do to build that. Then spring practice will end and we'll have another phase when summer comes. So where will you take yourself to become a complete player is what I asked the players. What kind of effort, what kind of toughness,what kind of mental intensity are you going to have? What kind of sense of urgency are you going to have to do it right now? And that's going to help you become a smart and intelligent player, which is going to help us become a better team. That's really what were focused on trying to do.
Everybody made it back today from spring break. Practiced in helmets and shorts again. Had a good practice. Had more guys doing it right today than the practice before. So we made progress. We will practice Wednesday and Friday again this week and there will not be practice on Saturday, because of Easter Sunday.
On Rashaan Evans' working at inside linebacker this spring:
He's done a really good job. We recruited him because he had such a fast-twitch ability to rush on the edge. He did a good job of that last year and we still have every plan to use him at that, but we were looking to where he could have an every-down position the best. We do a lot of experimenting in the spring. We want to know who can do what, so we know how to put the pieces together in the fall. So we move guys around, play them at different positions. But I've been impressed with what he's been able to do so far. He is naturally instinctive, so it's going to be a matter of learning the position. Being a linebacker, I don't think that's going to be overly difficult for him to do.
On if the coaching staff monitors the player workouts during the break:
We tell players when they go on spring break that we would like for you to work out four times. You're going to be going out of here for eight or nine days. We would like for you to work out four times. We'll know the players who worked out four times, who did not dissipate in terms of gaining weight and who took care of themselves, because you won't be able to respond in practice the way you want to if you don't do those things. We don't call and make sure they do it and we don't have a postcard that we make them fill out. We can't make them do it, but we encourage them to do it.
The one thing I've been really pleased about our players here is that when we encourage them to do things that they usually respond pretty positive way, they usually buy into it. I didn't ask anyone how much they worked out over spring, but it's a real indicator as to how important football is to him. How important it is to be a good player. If a guy just went and did nothing for the whole time, he's not very committed to improving himself or his ability to have a significant role on the team. So I think it tells you a lot about the player's competitive character, how important football is to him, how important it is to him, based on how he does those things.
On the importance of the center in zone blocking scheme:
We run zone blocking. We run gap blocking. And we run man blocking. We run all three. I think the center is a very important part of any of those schemes. What are some things for us that makes it even more important is that he is sort of the leader up front in terms of making the calls, and pointing out the Mike (linebacker), which tells everybody who they should block, and who we're working to, especially when we're zone blocking.
We've tried Ross (Pierschbacher) there and he's done a really nice job in two practices. Haven't had pads on yet, so I really can't tell much about that. But that (position) is certainly critical in terms of the guy who handles the ball every snap and develops confidence with the quarterback that we're not going to have problems in that part of the game when it comes to the exchange and the gun snap and all those types of things. But it's also important that the guy can reach somebody if you're going to be a zone blocking team and it's also important that you can play with some power so that you don't get a lot of penetration inside. We obviously lost a great player at that position and its going to be critical for us to be able to develop somebody who can play it in the fall.
On the progress of WR Robert Foster from shoulder surgery last season:
He's doing a good job, a really good job. He's out there practicing. We put him in a black shirt, because he's coming off injury. He's doing everything that everybody else is doing. Running all the routes. Learning. He's playing with a lot of confidence. He's got better knowledge of position. I think sometimes you can learn a lot when you don't play. In Robert Foster's case, he learned a lot when he wasn't playing in terms of what he needed to do to play winning football at his position, and he's played with a lot more confidence in these two practices in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it.
On Reuben Foster's taking the next step in his development:
Reuben played very well for us last year. I don't think we have any players that are good players that can't make improvement. That's the expectation we have for any player on our team, regardless of what they've done in the past or how good they've been. We've got everybody that's got a lot of room to improve. That's what we tell the players. Every player can improve. Reuben played a lot of good football for us last year, but I think he'd be the first one to tell you but there's a lot of things he could improve on and we're going to work on everyone of those things this spring.
On what went into the decision to experiment with Ross Pierschbacher at center:
I think that experience is always a valuable commodity for any player. But you look at certain type of players in terms of what are their assets -- quickness, moving feet, balance and body control are really important aspects of being a good center. Playing with power is somewhere in there. So we have several guys on our team that we said we're going to look as centers. We want to know if we have some guys other than J.C. (Hassenauer) and some of the other guys that have played center here that could play it in the fall, because that would give us the best opportunity to put our five best offensive linemen on the field, whether that's tackle, guard or center. We feel like Ross has those attributes as a player, so he was a natural to take a look at at that position.
On areas RB Damien Harris needs to improve from last season:
I think some young players are not really ready to take the responsibility of the role that some guys have the opportunity to take as a freshman. I think the experience that Damien gained last year certainly helped his maturity in terms of what he needs to do to be a productive player and how he needs to go compete at this level. I think he learned a lot of those things last year. In the two days so far, he's done a really nice job. So has Bo Scarbrough. Those guys will compete. Obviously, the freshmen that we recruited will be able to compete and add depth as well. I think that consistency in performance is the one thing (he could improve) and I think that comes from confidence and knowledge, and I think we see more a more confident and knowledgeable guy in Damien this spring so far.
On the importance of TE O.J. Howard's returning for his senior season:
I think O.J. is an outstanding player. I think there are things he knows he can improve on as a player. I think there's things we can improve on to utilize him better on a more consistent basis, which we certainly plan on doing. He's been very productive in the two practices that we've had. I think it's going to work out great for him and I think it'll work out great for us the decision that he made. So we're excited about it and we're looking forward to him being very productive for us next year.
Opening statement:
Pierschbacher worked at center the first two days
Spring practice is something you do to make progress so that you're ready for the season. We want to have a great spring practice -- we had a very good off-season program -- so that we're ready for the opener. It's a process that every team has to go through. I think it's something that you need to move forward in terms of learning your position, which is the technique, the fundamentals, what to do, how to do it, why it's important to do it that way. But also in effort, discipline to finish plays, mental toughness to be able to focus and sustain when things don't go right.
All these things require players to take ownership for how he makes progress to become a complete player in the spring. Then everybody has to assess, are you a liability or an asset in this process for yourself and for your teammates. So you can't be casual in the way you approach spring practice. I don't care how good of player you are. I don't care what you've done in the past. I don't care how many games we've won. It doesn't really matter. There's a standard that we need to do it to and everybody needs to buy into that standard.
Spring practice is like a project. It's like building a house. You're building a new team. It's got a beginning. There's a process of things that you have to do to build that. Then spring practice will end and we'll have another phase when summer comes. So where will you take yourself to become a complete player is what I asked the players. What kind of effort, what kind of toughness,what kind of mental intensity are you going to have? What kind of sense of urgency are you going to have to do it right now? And that's going to help you become a smart and intelligent player, which is going to help us become a better team. That's really what were focused on trying to do.
Everybody made it back today from spring break. Practiced in helmets and shorts again. Had a good practice. Had more guys doing it right today than the practice before. So we made progress. We will practice Wednesday and Friday again this week and there will not be practice on Saturday, because of Easter Sunday.
On Rashaan Evans' working at inside linebacker this spring:
He's done a really good job. We recruited him because he had such a fast-twitch ability to rush on the edge. He did a good job of that last year and we still have every plan to use him at that, but we were looking to where he could have an every-down position the best. We do a lot of experimenting in the spring. We want to know who can do what, so we know how to put the pieces together in the fall. So we move guys around, play them at different positions. But I've been impressed with what he's been able to do so far. He is naturally instinctive, so it's going to be a matter of learning the position. Being a linebacker, I don't think that's going to be overly difficult for him to do.
On if the coaching staff monitors the player workouts during the break:
We tell players when they go on spring break that we would like for you to work out four times. You're going to be going out of here for eight or nine days. We would like for you to work out four times. We'll know the players who worked out four times, who did not dissipate in terms of gaining weight and who took care of themselves, because you won't be able to respond in practice the way you want to if you don't do those things. We don't call and make sure they do it and we don't have a postcard that we make them fill out. We can't make them do it, but we encourage them to do it.
The one thing I've been really pleased about our players here is that when we encourage them to do things that they usually respond pretty positive way, they usually buy into it. I didn't ask anyone how much they worked out over spring, but it's a real indicator as to how important football is to him. How important it is to be a good player. If a guy just went and did nothing for the whole time, he's not very committed to improving himself or his ability to have a significant role on the team. So I think it tells you a lot about the player's competitive character, how important football is to him, how important it is to him, based on how he does those things.
On the importance of the center in zone blocking scheme:
We run zone blocking. We run gap blocking. And we run man blocking. We run all three. I think the center is a very important part of any of those schemes. What are some things for us that makes it even more important is that he is sort of the leader up front in terms of making the calls, and pointing out the Mike (linebacker), which tells everybody who they should block, and who we're working to, especially when we're zone blocking.
We've tried Ross (Pierschbacher) there and he's done a really nice job in two practices. Haven't had pads on yet, so I really can't tell much about that. But that (position) is certainly critical in terms of the guy who handles the ball every snap and develops confidence with the quarterback that we're not going to have problems in that part of the game when it comes to the exchange and the gun snap and all those types of things. But it's also important that the guy can reach somebody if you're going to be a zone blocking team and it's also important that you can play with some power so that you don't get a lot of penetration inside. We obviously lost a great player at that position and its going to be critical for us to be able to develop somebody who can play it in the fall.
On the progress of WR Robert Foster from shoulder surgery last season:
He's doing a good job, a really good job. He's out there practicing. We put him in a black shirt, because he's coming off injury. He's doing everything that everybody else is doing. Running all the routes. Learning. He's playing with a lot of confidence. He's got better knowledge of position. I think sometimes you can learn a lot when you don't play. In Robert Foster's case, he learned a lot when he wasn't playing in terms of what he needed to do to play winning football at his position, and he's played with a lot more confidence in these two practices in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it.
On Reuben Foster's taking the next step in his development:
Reuben played very well for us last year. I don't think we have any players that are good players that can't make improvement. That's the expectation we have for any player on our team, regardless of what they've done in the past or how good they've been. We've got everybody that's got a lot of room to improve. That's what we tell the players. Every player can improve. Reuben played a lot of good football for us last year, but I think he'd be the first one to tell you but there's a lot of things he could improve on and we're going to work on everyone of those things this spring.
On what went into the decision to experiment with Ross Pierschbacher at center:
I think that experience is always a valuable commodity for any player. But you look at certain type of players in terms of what are their assets -- quickness, moving feet, balance and body control are really important aspects of being a good center. Playing with power is somewhere in there. So we have several guys on our team that we said we're going to look as centers. We want to know if we have some guys other than J.C. (Hassenauer) and some of the other guys that have played center here that could play it in the fall, because that would give us the best opportunity to put our five best offensive linemen on the field, whether that's tackle, guard or center. We feel like Ross has those attributes as a player, so he was a natural to take a look at at that position.
On areas RB Damien Harris needs to improve from last season:
I think some young players are not really ready to take the responsibility of the role that some guys have the opportunity to take as a freshman. I think the experience that Damien gained last year certainly helped his maturity in terms of what he needs to do to be a productive player and how he needs to go compete at this level. I think he learned a lot of those things last year. In the two days so far, he's done a really nice job. So has Bo Scarbrough. Those guys will compete. Obviously, the freshmen that we recruited will be able to compete and add depth as well. I think that consistency in performance is the one thing (he could improve) and I think that comes from confidence and knowledge, and I think we see more a more confident and knowledgeable guy in Damien this spring so far.
On the importance of TE O.J. Howard's returning for his senior season:
I think O.J. is an outstanding player. I think there are things he knows he can improve on as a player. I think there's things we can improve on to utilize him better on a more consistent basis, which we certainly plan on doing. He's been very productive in the two practices that we've had. I think it's going to work out great for him and I think it'll work out great for us the decision that he made. So we're excited about it and we're looking forward to him being very productive for us next year.
Tidestalker
Member
I did not see the Piersbacher move to Center coming... I thought for sure he would get a look at Tackle.
We have a ton of capable Guards on the roster. If Piersbacher could play Center, look out! Hopefully Baldwin could step in at RT and Lester Cotton could play guard. Hassenhauer just doesn't have that dominant size, but he could still end up winning the gig.
Still pumped about Evans at MLB. As long as he's still involved in the pass rush, he will be a difference maker.
I guess Johnny Dwight is back at DL. We may need him this year if some of those freshman aren't ready to roll..
Thanks for the updates. RTR
We have a ton of capable Guards on the roster. If Piersbacher could play Center, look out! Hopefully Baldwin could step in at RT and Lester Cotton could play guard. Hassenhauer just doesn't have that dominant size, but he could still end up winning the gig.
Still pumped about Evans at MLB. As long as he's still involved in the pass rush, he will be a difference maker.
I guess Johnny Dwight is back at DL. We may need him this year if some of those freshman aren't ready to roll..
Thanks for the updates. RTR
J
John Talty |
J
John Talty |
New defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt led his group through a spirited collection of drills.
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18Champs
Member
--Team working outside in full pads. First day of pads.
--First guy that jumped out was redshirt freshman Jack LB Anfernee Jennings. Extremely well put together.
--Fellow outside linebacker Jamey Mosley has filled out some. Long frame.
--Redshirt freshman OLB Mekhi Brown is another one with an impressive frame. It appears he's filled out some over the off-season.
--Jeremy Pruitt was really coaching up redshirt freshmen ILBs Joshua McMillon (impressive on the hoof) and Adonis Thomas (still a bit slight). Pruitt clearly expects his guys to be physical/strike hard on every play.
--The quarterbacks were literally throwing against air (a very stiff breeze in their face) . The challenege was throwing the deep ball into the wind. Cooper Bateman had a nice deep.
--Freshman Jalen Hurts threw a couple of deep ones basically on a line that cut through the wind. Strong arm.
--Hearing some promising comments on the progress of true freshman tackle Jonah Williams, who has worked on both sides. Apparently has impressed some at LT.
--The team will practice again on Friday and then return on Monday after two days off for Easter.
--First guy that jumped out was redshirt freshman Jack LB Anfernee Jennings. Extremely well put together.
--Fellow outside linebacker Jamey Mosley has filled out some. Long frame.
--Redshirt freshman OLB Mekhi Brown is another one with an impressive frame. It appears he's filled out some over the off-season.
--Jeremy Pruitt was really coaching up redshirt freshmen ILBs Joshua McMillon (impressive on the hoof) and Adonis Thomas (still a bit slight). Pruitt clearly expects his guys to be physical/strike hard on every play.
--The quarterbacks were literally throwing against air (a very stiff breeze in their face) . The challenege was throwing the deep ball into the wind. Cooper Bateman had a nice deep.
--Freshman Jalen Hurts threw a couple of deep ones basically on a line that cut through the wind. Strong arm.
--Hearing some promising comments on the progress of true freshman tackle Jonah Williams, who has worked on both sides. Apparently has impressed some at LT.
--The team will practice again on Friday and then return on Monday after two days off for Easter.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Alabama went outside for practice No. 3 of spring on a beautiful sunny day here in Tuscaloosa. Here is what I noticed during the media viewing period.
The quarterbacks threw in the following order: Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts. Don't read anything into that because it's meaningless at this point. It was a somewhat windy day and the QBs were throwing into the wind while I was watching. The wind was knocking some balls down and made it difficult for the quarterbacks. Given that, the wide receivers were often overrunning the deep passes.
The same as the last two seasons, the quarterback competition will play out into fall camp. I do think Cooper Bateman has more of a chance than anyone thinks. I'm not saying he's going to be the starter, but I don't think its a given that Blake Barnett is automatically the starter either.
The wide receivers looked good led by Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. From what I've seen of Robert Foster, I think he's going to be a huge addition to the passing game that will give the offense three legitimate deep threats. Add into that O.J. Howard and the graduate transfer and Alabama has plenty of receiving targets.
Nick Saban was pleased with particular thump by safety Ronnie Harrison, telling him, "That a boy Ronnie. Just like that."
I like the physicality that Tony Brown plays with. We're still waiting to hear what disciplinary action he'll face after his Cotton Bowl suspensions.
The SEC Network's Marcus Spears and Laura Rutledge were at practice.
SUTTLES: Wednesday, March 23rd Practice Report | TideSports.com
The quarterbacks threw in the following order: Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts. Don't read anything into that because it's meaningless at this point. It was a somewhat windy day and the QBs were throwing into the wind while I was watching. The wind was knocking some balls down and made it difficult for the quarterbacks. Given that, the wide receivers were often overrunning the deep passes.
The same as the last two seasons, the quarterback competition will play out into fall camp. I do think Cooper Bateman has more of a chance than anyone thinks. I'm not saying he's going to be the starter, but I don't think its a given that Blake Barnett is automatically the starter either.
The wide receivers looked good led by Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. From what I've seen of Robert Foster, I think he's going to be a huge addition to the passing game that will give the offense three legitimate deep threats. Add into that O.J. Howard and the graduate transfer and Alabama has plenty of receiving targets.
Nick Saban was pleased with particular thump by safety Ronnie Harrison, telling him, "That a boy Ronnie. Just like that."
I like the physicality that Tony Brown plays with. We're still waiting to hear what disciplinary action he'll face after his Cotton Bowl suspensions.
The SEC Network's Marcus Spears and Laura Rutledge were at practice.
SUTTLES: Wednesday, March 23rd Practice Report | TideSports.com
Tidestalker
Member
Awesome news on Anfernee Jennings. He has the Upshaw body type and really came on strong his senior year.
The news that Mekhi Brown filled out is good too. To me, he could be a candidate to end up at DE. We are really thin on those guys right now, and stacked at OLB. Not sure Mekhi will ever have that burst off the edge that our stud OLB's showed last year. Tall as hell kind of like Adrian Hubbard, and when hubbard put on the weight, he was more of a set the edge guy than a pass rusher. Jamie Mosley is not going to be a typical walk on... He's pretty much been ahead of Christian Miller since they showed up on campus, and if he can put on weight I'm thinking he will contribute in some fashion!
Josh McMillon is a huge MLB candidate. I honestly thought there was a chance he would end up at DE also, but if he's starting at MLB that's awesome since we need those too. Makes sense that Pruitt is pushing him and Thomas already, because there's a good chance one will be needed this season. Also - I think it's great news that Thomas is lighter than the other MLBs... Maybe he can be a pass coverage type of guy. He must be in great shape because he was pushing 220 in high school.
Great news on the WR's and Jonah Williams... If he's already impressing at OT, then the redshirt isn't a good option. Stud OT's can easily be 3 year guys anyway.
Thanks for the udpates! RTR
The news that Mekhi Brown filled out is good too. To me, he could be a candidate to end up at DE. We are really thin on those guys right now, and stacked at OLB. Not sure Mekhi will ever have that burst off the edge that our stud OLB's showed last year. Tall as hell kind of like Adrian Hubbard, and when hubbard put on the weight, he was more of a set the edge guy than a pass rusher. Jamie Mosley is not going to be a typical walk on... He's pretty much been ahead of Christian Miller since they showed up on campus, and if he can put on weight I'm thinking he will contribute in some fashion!
Josh McMillon is a huge MLB candidate. I honestly thought there was a chance he would end up at DE also, but if he's starting at MLB that's awesome since we need those too. Makes sense that Pruitt is pushing him and Thomas already, because there's a good chance one will be needed this season. Also - I think it's great news that Thomas is lighter than the other MLBs... Maybe he can be a pass coverage type of guy. He must be in great shape because he was pushing 220 in high school.
Great news on the WR's and Jonah Williams... If he's already impressing at OT, then the redshirt isn't a good option. Stud OT's can easily be 3 year guys anyway.
Thanks for the udpates! RTR
Last edited:
Max
Member
*** Keeping in mind that it's just individual drills that media are able to see, I've still seen enough from the four scholarship quarterbacks to feel like Alabama will field a more than capable replacement for Jake Coker come September. Granted, much of that belief comes from having seen what Lane Kiffin was able to get out of Coker and Blake Sims the last two seasons.
Still, the fact that Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, David Cornwell and Jalen Hurts have all shown good enough arm strength and, more importantly, improving accuracy leads me to believe that Kiffin has talent with which to work. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the ball hasn't been on the ground as much in March as it was a week or so before the start of the 2015 season.
*** I don't know how quickly Hurts will make an impact, but after watching the true freshman rip throws through a pretty good headwind yesterday, I'm confident he has the arm strength box checked. From that standpoint, there hasn't been a discernible difference between the new guy and the returnees.
*** How about a potential front seven consisting of linebackers Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Ryan Andersonand Tim Williams working in support of defensive ends Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson or Da'Shawn Handand nose tackle Daron Payne?
Between those eight players, the Crimson Tide welcomes back 38 sacks and 58 tackles for loss from the 2015 season. Considering UA led the nation in sacks last season with 52, it's reasonable to think that this group could set a new Nick Saban-era high in that department in 2016.
With what this team will have in the secondary, we could see a shift from last year, when Alabama was better equipped to handle power teams like LSU and Arkansas. With athletic playmakers at virtually every spot, the next bunch may very well prove to be the best Saban has had when it comes to dealing with spread offenses and dual-threat quarterbacks.
*** Got a close look at Evans during yesterday's practice and walked away thinking that stuffing the run won't be a major problem for the junior if he's asked to play inside in more than dime situations. He's listed at 230 but it's evenly proportioned. Besides, the area a linebacker needs to be the strongest (lower body) when working between the tackles has never been a problem for Evans. Physically, after two years in the program, he appears to be where C.J. Mosely was after three. More than anything, it will be about getting a grasp for technique.
*** Plenty of competition for spots in the wide receiver rotation, especially after you move past Calvin Ridley,ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster. Obviously, much will be expected of graduate transfer Gehrig Dieter when he arrives at the start of summer classes.
I wouldn't sleep on Cameron Sims, Derek Kief and Daylon Charlot just yet, though. We seem to forget that it was Sims who was likely on his way to winning a spot in the top four in the rotation before a torn ACL sustained 51 weeks ago cost him a valuable opportunity. On Wednesday, the junior looked more like the guy we saw pre-injury than the one we saw grind through the 2015 season.
*** When a budding star is doing the little things right, you know a position is in good shape for the next few years. That's what I saw from safety Ronnie Harrison during individual drills Wednesday. Harrison's good work came in a basic form tackling drill, but it was important enough for Saban to give the sophomore a "That's what I'm talking about!". When that happens, you know something has been done as close to perfect as possible.
Thursday Morning Thoughts
Still, the fact that Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett, David Cornwell and Jalen Hurts have all shown good enough arm strength and, more importantly, improving accuracy leads me to believe that Kiffin has talent with which to work. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the ball hasn't been on the ground as much in March as it was a week or so before the start of the 2015 season.
*** I don't know how quickly Hurts will make an impact, but after watching the true freshman rip throws through a pretty good headwind yesterday, I'm confident he has the arm strength box checked. From that standpoint, there hasn't been a discernible difference between the new guy and the returnees.
*** How about a potential front seven consisting of linebackers Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Ryan Andersonand Tim Williams working in support of defensive ends Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson or Da'Shawn Handand nose tackle Daron Payne?
Between those eight players, the Crimson Tide welcomes back 38 sacks and 58 tackles for loss from the 2015 season. Considering UA led the nation in sacks last season with 52, it's reasonable to think that this group could set a new Nick Saban-era high in that department in 2016.
With what this team will have in the secondary, we could see a shift from last year, when Alabama was better equipped to handle power teams like LSU and Arkansas. With athletic playmakers at virtually every spot, the next bunch may very well prove to be the best Saban has had when it comes to dealing with spread offenses and dual-threat quarterbacks.
*** Got a close look at Evans during yesterday's practice and walked away thinking that stuffing the run won't be a major problem for the junior if he's asked to play inside in more than dime situations. He's listed at 230 but it's evenly proportioned. Besides, the area a linebacker needs to be the strongest (lower body) when working between the tackles has never been a problem for Evans. Physically, after two years in the program, he appears to be where C.J. Mosely was after three. More than anything, it will be about getting a grasp for technique.
*** Plenty of competition for spots in the wide receiver rotation, especially after you move past Calvin Ridley,ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster. Obviously, much will be expected of graduate transfer Gehrig Dieter when he arrives at the start of summer classes.
I wouldn't sleep on Cameron Sims, Derek Kief and Daylon Charlot just yet, though. We seem to forget that it was Sims who was likely on his way to winning a spot in the top four in the rotation before a torn ACL sustained 51 weeks ago cost him a valuable opportunity. On Wednesday, the junior looked more like the guy we saw pre-injury than the one we saw grind through the 2015 season.
*** When a budding star is doing the little things right, you know a position is in good shape for the next few years. That's what I saw from safety Ronnie Harrison during individual drills Wednesday. Harrison's good work came in a basic form tackling drill, but it was important enough for Saban to give the sophomore a "That's what I'm talking about!". When that happens, you know something has been done as close to perfect as possible.
Thursday Morning Thoughts
To me, that falls to Jennings. I'm not saying Brown won't end up playing with 'a hand in the dirt,' I'm thinking Anfernee (around that 270-275 mark) is really beginning to have that look.
BAMANEWSBOT
Staff
TE Hentges progressing in Year 2
While senior O.J. Howard is expected to be the leader among Alabamaās tight ends, another is emerging as a potential playmaker himself.
After seeing time as a backup tight end last season, including a pair of starts, sophomore Hale Hentges is coming on strong as he enters his second full year with the Crimson Tide.
āHeāll be a lot better (in Year 2). Haleās mature, heās had one year under his belt,ā Howard said Monday. āHe knows how it is in the SEC. You just gotta play fast, be physical. Heās doing that. He knows what to do.ā
Although he appeared in 14 of the 15 games last season, Hentgesā contributions were more as a blocker, finishing with just one catch for five yards.
But after checking in this spring at 6-foot-5 and 256 pounds, Hentges fits the prototypical size that Alabama coaches look for in their tight ends, and is already making strides as a potential teamer behind Howard.
āHeās coaching up younger guys now (so) I donāt have to,ā Howard said. āHale knows what to do, so he can teach. Once you learn to teach somebody, of course you know it already. So heās going to be a lot better this year.ā
New Tide assistants drawing rave reviews from players
While senior O.J. Howard is expected to be the leader among Alabamaās tight ends, another is emerging as a potential playmaker himself.
After seeing time as a backup tight end last season, including a pair of starts, sophomore Hale Hentges is coming on strong as he enters his second full year with the Crimson Tide.
āHeāll be a lot better (in Year 2). Haleās mature, heās had one year under his belt,ā Howard said Monday. āHe knows how it is in the SEC. You just gotta play fast, be physical. Heās doing that. He knows what to do.ā
Although he appeared in 14 of the 15 games last season, Hentgesā contributions were more as a blocker, finishing with just one catch for five yards.
But after checking in this spring at 6-foot-5 and 256 pounds, Hentges fits the prototypical size that Alabama coaches look for in their tight ends, and is already making strides as a potential teamer behind Howard.
āHeās coaching up younger guys now (so) I donāt have to,ā Howard said. āHale knows what to do, so he can teach. Once you learn to teach somebody, of course you know it already. So heās going to be a lot better this year.ā
New Tide assistants drawing rave reviews from players
Tidestalker
Member
Agreed. At some point, one or a few of these guys will have to make that move. Too many at the position and DE's needed
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