🏈 Spring Camp: 2016 Practice/Session #1

[TerryP]

• Commentary, Video, Links/Articles ... counting down to A-Day!

 

[By Alex Byington Sports]

Spring brings questions for Alabama

TUSCALOOSA — Spring is nearly here and Alabama will be searching for answers on the football field.

Still riding high from its fourth national championship in the past seven years, Alabama is tasked with another offseason overhaul of its offense. It must replace not only its starting backfield but two key members of the line.

And don’t forget about the departures of several important figures on defense, including leading tackler Reggie Ragland, of Madison, and two vital cogs along the front line.

So, as Alabama kicks off practice today before a 10-day layoff to allow the players and coaches to participate in the university’s spring break, here’s a look at some of the team’s personnel issues.

Top 4 positional questions for spring:

1. Who will be the next starting quarterback?

This has become an annual point of interest entering spring each of the past three offseasons.

Except, unlike those years, there is no presumptive rising senior to step up and take control of the team as was the case with Blake Sims and Jake Coker.

The candidates: Cooper Bateman, junior; David Cornwell, sophomore; Blake Barnett, redshirt freshman; Jalen Hurts, freshman.

The answer: Bateman is the frontrunner simply because he was Coker’s backup last season and is the only other QB to play significant minutes last season, earning the surprising start against Ole Miss.

Of course, that opportunity didn’t go particularly well, and Bateman was replaced by Coker before halftime.

Barnett will be the fans’ choice, at least early, and appears to have the most ability to help the offense take the next step under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. But Cornwell is a guy who came on strong last spring before falling out of favor with the coaching staff.

2. How will the Tide replace the production of Derrick Henry?

Trying to replace someone who not only won the Heisman Trophy but also had arguably the greatest single rushing season in SEC history will be the challenge.

Fortunately for the Alabama coaches, they have options because of the five-star recruit running backs the program has landed in recent years.

The candidates: Bo Scarbrough, sophomore; Damien Harris, sophomore.

The answer: Scarbrough, who at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds is as close to a clone of Henry as there is, enters as the favorite after emerging as Henry’s backup late last season.

The biggest concern this spring might be if Alabama can keep both healthy enough to make it to preseason practice.

3. Who will step into the role of defensive leader that Ragland held last season?

There’s no question that Ragland and his big smile had a major impact on his teammates last season. The emotional core of the defense led not just by barking directions, but also by example. Ragland led the team in tackles in seven games last season.

The candidates: Jonathan Allen, senior; Ryan Anderson, senior; Reuben Foster, senior.

The answer: While Foster appears to be the one to fill Ragland’s place at middle linebacker, and the one to make the proper pre-snap adjustments that Ragland did, he has not shown the capacity to step in and be a similar emotional leader. Allen, who like Ragland bypassed a chance to leave early for the NFL, is another option, and has been a leader on the field. But don’t discount Anderson, who has proven his playmaking ability as one of Alabama’s most feared pass rushers after his 11½-sack performance last season.

4. Who will help shore up the offensive line, especially at center?

While losing the entire starting backfield might be a bit jarring to fans, the team’s most glaring hole might be at center.

Replacing three-year starter Ryan Kelly will be a big concern. Kelly provided stability through each of the past two quarterback competitions, both of which dragged on well into preseason practice.

The candidates: Bradley Bozeman, junior; J.C. Hassenauer, junior; Brandon Kennedy, redshirt freshman.

The answer: Hassenauer and Kennedy were listed behind Kelly last season, though Hassenauer was the only one to play when he filled in after Kelly suffered a concussion against Texas A&M. It was that game, and the multiple botched snaps, that showed just how valuable Kelly was.

Kennedy is certainly capable of stepping up after redshirting last season.

Top four players with most to prove:

1. Blake Barnett, QB, R-Fr.: Barnett came to Alabama as the highest-rated quarterback prospect during Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach. Redshirting last season helped the former five-star prospect with his transition to college, allowing him to grow and learn as the scout-team quarterback. Barnett will have an opportunity to end the revolving door at Alabama’s starting quarterback position the past few years.

2. Tony Brown, CB, Jr.: Thought to be the frontrunner to start opposite Cyrus Jones a year ago, Brown’s star has faded after a tumultuous year that ended when he was suspended for the playoffs last season. Brown will have the most to prove to the coaching staff this spring. It’s not certain whether he has been cleared to return to duty after Saban announced in January that Brown faces “future suspensions.” If Brown can stay out of the doghouse, his natural athleticism could boost Alabama’s secondary.

3. Rashaan Evans, OLB, Jr.: After two seasons of biding his time and learning under the tutelage of Denzel Devall and Ragland, the dynamic Evans will get to prove he can be an every-down outside linebacker. Ultra athletic and physical, Evans is a physical freak who filled in last season as a pass-rushing specialist. He showed he can fill that role admirably with a two-sack performance in the national championship game, but this spring will be about showing consistency and an ability to cover and play in space.

4. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Soph.: Whether his body, which has proven to be somewhat unreliable after two separate knee surgeries, can handle the same load Henry did is up for debate, but expect Scarbrough to get the opportunity to be the man in the backfield, even though he’ll be challenged by fellow sophomore Damien Harris.


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[Tidestalker]

Nice!! When is the first practice? Looking forward to hearing about the DB movement

 

[TerryP]

Nice!! When is the first practice?

Today.

 

[TerryP]

^^ Scarborough entertains once again ... ^^

In this piece off of Twitter, he asks "Can the defense be as good as last season?"

About 24 hours ago, he wrote this piece ...

Don't expect Alabama's defensive line to fall off

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[Max]

I don't get Casgrande's point here, do you? What's unique?

 

[Tidestalker]

Today.

Hell yeah!! Thank goodness.

 

[Michael Casagrande |]

Alabama practice report: Plenty of news, updates, changes observed in first spring drills

Continue reading...

 

[TerryP]

QB's ... Coop and Blake with one group, Cornwell and Hurts with the second. The depth chart hasn't changed over the 4th quarter program.

Foster is now wearing #1, Hurts #2, Blake #8, and Sims with #17.

Linebacker groups started off with Foster and SDH in the middle, Evans and Williams on the outside. The quote was "good, deep group" after seeing them in drills. (RE was inside some as well.)

Tony was practicing today (still has suspension time due according to CNS.)

Should be a video of the presser up in a little while.

 

[planomateo]

So what's the significance of Sims at #17? He was #1 in high school.

 

[Max]

Practice report: Alabama's first spring practice

Alabama hit the field Friday for its inaugural practice of the 2016 spring season. The Crimson Tide practiced outdoors and in helmets and shorts on a cloudy, 70-degree afternoon in its first action since the CFP national title game.

Here are several tidbits from the media viewing portion of Alabama's Friday practice session in Tuscaloosa:

- The quarterback position will be the most discussed topic of the offseason for a third straight year, but there was nothing ground-breaking to report from the first spring practice. Cooper Bateman lead one line, followed by Blake Barnett and threw to one group of receivers, while David Cornwell headed the other with Jalen Hurts behind him.

- The two wide receiver lines were made up of ArDarius Stewart, T.J. Simmons, Cameron Sims, who was wearing No. 17, and Xavian Marks. The other was headed by Calvin Ridley with Derek Kief and Daylon Charlot behind him.

- Wide out Robert Foster (shoulder) was behind Charlot and wearing a black, no-contact jersey. The rising redshirt junior practiced for the first time since Week 3 of the 2015 season and ran routes / caught passes with ease.

- Foster was sporting a No. 1 jersey, while Barnett wore a No. 8 during the two media viewing periods of practice.

- Left tackle Cam Robinson and defensive end Jonathan Allen both wore black, no-contact jerseys and appeared to be limited on the first day of spring. A quartet of Eddie Jackson, Dakota Ball, Raheem Falkins and freshman Shawn Jennings also donned black jerseys and rode stationary bikes under the watchful eye of Scott Cochran.

- As for movement, we saw outside linebacker Rashaan Evans work with the inside 'backers and new defensive coordinatorJeremy Pruitt. He saw reps alongside Keith Holcombe, who will play a baseball game after football practice, and afterReuben Foster and Shaun Hamilton. Adonis Thomas was also in the mix at inside linebacker.

- Cornerback Tony Brown appeared to be participating in individual drills with the safeties and Derrick Ansley.

- Brent Key was another new face on the practice field, and he led the interior offensive linemen through drills, mixing things up with the bounty of depth the Tide has at center and guard. Mario Cristoball worked with tight ends and tackles.

- Running back will likely be a close second when it comes to cooler talk this spring, and two rising sophomores -- Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris -- led the position group through individual drills Friday afternoon.

- Early enrollee linebacker Christian Bell was at practice Friday afternoon and was wearing a No. 49 jersey.

- There was no sign of linebacker Walker Jones during the viewing portion and he's not listed on the roster.

 

[Tidestalker]

Thanks for the update & links 12gage. A few things come to mind:

-So glad to see Evans working with MLB's. I don't think it matters where he plays, he's going to find the ball. Teach him MLB stuff and let him pass rush on third and longs and I bet he has a terrific season

-Still not sure why they rushed Cam Sims back last season. Should've let him heal up and red shirt. Not sure he ever got healthy

-Surprised to see Keif start ahead of Charlot. I know it doesn't mean much at this point

-Not surprised to see Walker Jones no longer around... I literally had not heard a single peep about him since being on campus besides listed in position groups. Have to make space somehow... I guess his number got called

-Awesome that Tony Brown is practicing. He could have a huge role this year

 

[TerryP]

-Surprised to see Keif start ahead of Charlot. I know it doesn't mean much at this point

It's my impression that has more to do with how Kiffin lines them up in drills. It seems we saw something similar to this last year with the WR's. I know we did with the QB. IE: Last spring, we saw Coker leading one group, then a mix of Coop/DC leading another.

Following that model, I'm inclined to think they want at least one starter working with each QB to get a good look. In this case, Coop working with Ridley and DC working with ArDarius (or vice-versa.)

-Awesome that Tony Brown is practicing. He could have a huge role this year

Changing the subject here, slightly.

After seeing Tony with the team in DC meeting POTUS, and seeing him with the team in the NC celebration, him practicing with the team isn't much of a surprise with me. That said, Saban's comment did grab my attention: "He is facing some suspensions. When I get the final date on that, I'll definitely let you know."

I've long maintained if people watch and listen closely it's not hard to figure out what's going on with the team. One example is his refusal to discuss depth charts, but if you look and see which players are allowed to speak to the media you'll get a really good idea how the rotations are shaking out.

"When I get the final date on that,..." goes to show there's more than one person involved with Tony and the decision on when/if he returns to the playing field.

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[BAMANEWSBOT]

Transcript from today's presser:

The Tide opened drills this afternoon. The team worked outdoors in helmets and shorts. Here are Coach Saban's post-practice comments.

Opening statement:

We've had a really good off-season program. We really like the players' effort. Saw a lot of improvement in the players leading up to today. I think there's a lot of anxiety anytime you have a lot of new players and that have new roles when you have first practice. But I was pleased with the effort, and obviously it tells you where you are. We've got some things to work on to get where we want to be. When we have Easter fall into our spring practice calendar, we don't practice on the Saturday before Easter so that the players can go home, and we move practice to one day ahead. It just happened this year it was right before spring break. It's happened on several occasions before. It does more good than harm, because the players understand what they need to do to get through a practice, the kind of condition they need to be in, and maybe they do a little bit better while they're away.

We've got some guys who are going to probably miss most of the spring, maybe all of the spring. Jonathan Allen, who had shoulder surgery. Cam Robinson, who had shoulder surgery. Eddie Jackson, who had a leg issue. Raheem Falkins, who had a leg issue. Dakota Ball, who had a foot issue. (true freshman linebacker) Shawn Jennings came here with an injury from high school that he's still not healed from. Those guys will have a difficult time to participate at all this spring.

We had eight early enrollees that all are sort of getting inundated into what is expected of them and what the standard is around here. We've got three new assistant coaches. Two of them have been here before, so they pretty much know what to expect.

We've talked before about hiring another offensive line coach (Brent Key) and Mario (Cristobal) coaching tackles and tight ends. Burton Burns has taken over the special teams and Bobby Williams will be a special assistant to me. We're excited about how all of those people can contribute at new positions.

We've got a lot of people to replace. That's what makes it fun when you lose 25-percent of your team every year. New opportunities for a lot of people. New roles that other people have to sort of take on on the team.

One thing that was obvious today is that we have some good players but that we have a long ways to go to get to where we want to be.

On whether Bo Scarbrough's losing 10 pounds down to 230 had anything to do with his injury history:

We give everybody a muscle-mass, body-fat, hydration, functional-movement test. We try to work hard with Miss Amy (team nutritionist) to come up with what's the most efficient, effective weight for a guy. We see how the guy is moving, how he's running relative to how he used to run. Sometimes these guys keep lifting weights and they just keep getting bigger, bigger and bigger. I think at certain positions, especially skill positions, that's not always advantageous. We felt that Bo's efficient weight had nothing to do with injuries. It was just, how can you play the best?

On what went into the thought process of hiring Brent Key as the center/guards coach:

We interviewed Brent when we hired an offensive line coach three years ago. I was very impressed with him and thought that he would be somebody that we would always want to hire if we had the opportunity to. We felt like this was a good fit for him and he's obviously had a lot of experience. He's got a lot of energy and enthusiasm and he's got a great reputation. We been pleased so far with the progress we've made with him.

On how Blake Barnett has matured since he's been at Alabama:

It's hard to answer that question after just one practice. We've got three young quarterbacks that all we're going to have an opportunity to compete at a position that maturity is a very important factor. Blake had some ups and downs last year with some injuries and illness, which probably held him back a little bit. I'll be anxious to see how he matures and how he does this spring.

On the suspension status of defensive back Tony Brown:

He is facing some suspensions. When I get the final date on that, I'll definitely let you know.

On how to fight complacency after losing so many leaders from last year's team:

We want everybody to have a get-it-done type attitude. I think that everybody not only has to have a get-it-done type attitude, they also have to take ownership for people who aren't getting it done, because they're unable to do things to the standard we want to do it. I do think that this is a work in progress, and I do think the players have to accept roles. So far these are things that need to continue to develop. I think this is kind of a work in progress. This is not something that just happens. The team chemistry last year happened over time. We'll see how this team develops over time.

 

[PurlJam]

Kind of surprised there wasn't much mentioned about Tim Williams, but hey, it was just the first day.

 

[Tidestalker]

After seeing Tony with the team in DC meeting POTUS, and seeing him with the team in the NC celebration, him practicing with the team isn't much of a surprise with me. That said, Saban's comment did grab my attention: "He is facing some suspensions. When I get the final date on that, I'll definitely let you know."

I've long maintained if people watch and listen closely it's not hard to figure out what's going on with the team. One example is his refusal to discuss depth charts, but if you look and see which players are allowed to speak to the media you'll get a really good idea how the rotations are shaking out.

"When I get the final date on that,..." goes to show there's more than one person involved with Tony and the decision on when/if he returns to the playing field.

Some suspended guys aren't allowed to practice. The fact that he is practicing is a good sign to me.

 

[TerryP]

Some suspended guys aren't allowed to practice. The fact that he is practicing is a good sign to me.

I'll chalk it up to too many brain cells burnt in my lifetime ... can't recall a situation like this one where actions/disciplinary situations floated into spring camp and the player didn't get to practice. I do recall a few times in the fall camp and during the season.

I'm likely just forgetful.