🏈 Spring Camp - 2017

[TerryP]

So, on the defensive line bit. Quick compilation of what/how the defensive line is coming along from my side of the world.

In these media viewing periods there's always a story line most, if not all are following. "They're just all abuzz" was the phrase I've heard a half of a dozen times the last few days when talking about the media guys. The chatter, if you will, has been about the middle of the line. Payne is in better shape this spring than he's been since he's been in Tuscaloosa. The general consensus on Buggs is "he looks like he can be special." (I tend to roll my eyes when I hear that.) I come away with the impression "he fits the bill." I'm left wondering can he play angry, ya know?

People have been describing Davis as one of those that doesn't stop—you know, the old motor references? It's a reps thing, assignment work. He's going to be fun to watch the next few years.

Frasier is said to have had a good winter and did well last week. I'm getting optimistic.

I'm wanting to see Hall with his hand in the dirt on third downs.

 

[TUSKtimes]

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[RTB X Bot]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Thursday’s practice for the University of Alabama football team had a feel of alumni day as numerous former players were on hand of the fifth practice of spring.

Among them were Wallace Gilberry, O.J. Howard, Ryan Anderson, Derrick Henry and Rueben Foster.

The team worked outside the media viewing period as high winds and rain were felt due to another storm threatening the area.

Injury updates

• Running back Damien Harris (ankle) practiced, but was still a bit limited after suffering a minor sprain during last Saturday’s practice inside the Hank Crisp Facility. “It’s good,” Harris told reporters earlier Thursday.
• Running backs Bo Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) continued to wear black no-contact jerseys and go through individual drills with teammates. Coach Nick Saban told reporters on Tuesday that Scarbrough might be back to full strength by the end of spring, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll participate in any scrimmages.
• Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (knee) is slowly beginning to go through drills with the other interior linebackers. Considering he had surgery in December to repair a torn ACL, Alabama’s in no rush to bring him back.
• Safety Jared Mayden (hip) was off the stationary bike and wearing a black jersey while working with head trainer Jeff Allen. Hamilton was with them for a while before joining his position group.
• Safety Ronnie Harrison was practicing with support on the back his left leg, which is often used for a strain of some sort.

Alabama football: What we saw
• The players worked in full pads again. Tuesday was the first practice of spring in full pads.

• After working with the running backs last week, early enrollee Chadarius Townsend was again with the wide receivers.

• For the second straight practice the nickel package sported a veteran group with cornerbacks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Anthony Averett, safeties Harrison and Hootie Jones and Tony Brown at star.

• Spring practices ramp up next week, with four practices, the first scrimmage on Saturday and the annual coaches’ clinic. This year’s guest speakers include Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn, Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien, Duke coach David Cutcliffe, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo and former Miami Dolphins head coach and current Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano.

 

[RTB X Bot]

 

[Max]

Nick Saban discusses expectations for first scrimmage, Jalen Hurts in third press conference of spring season


The Alabama Crimson Tide football team held its sixth spring football practice indoors on Monday afternoon in the Mal Moore Athletic Complex. Saban could be seen on the field calling play after play, and drill after drill until it was done right. In fact, other coaches such as offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, could be seen on the field hovering over each player as they observed their footwork intently, timed each sprint, and critiqued each pass.

What will happen when the coaches are confined to the sidelines this season and all the players truly have to rely on are each other and their athleticism? Saban intends to find out.

“When the scrimmage comes, basically I want to see who can do all the fundamental things well,” Saban said. “It’s not going to be some schematic sort of escapade in what we’re doing. It’s going to be more how do we execute the fundamentals at this point and who shows the maturity and capability to do that with any kind of consistency?”

It could be argued that talent is what drives a team forward, but Saban argued that it boils down maturity in the face of distress. Alabama seniors Da’Shawn Hand and Rashaan Evans have waited patiently for their turn to be leaders for the Crimson Tide both physically and mentally.

“I think both of them have responded well as starters this spring and starting to show some leadership,” Saban said. “I’ve been really really pleased with those guys. So, hopefully they’ll continue to improve and grow and they’ll become the kind of people who can impact other folks on our defense, so that not only do they play great football, but they help others do the same.”

While experience can lead to maturity, certain players showed it as early as their freshman season. Last season, true freshman Jalen Hurts stepped up to the leadership role of starting quarterback and handled the newfound responsibility as well as one could have.

This season, Saban would like to focus on seeing improvements in Hurt’s passing game and his decision making. Hurts needs to get the ball out of his hands quickly by reading the play and making good decisions based on the coverage he sees, all while avoiding the pocket, of course.

“He still has the ability to run and make plays with his feet, but that's not what we want to focus on right now,” Saban said about Hurts. “I think he's kind of bought into that and done a really good job with it."

Moving forward in the practice schedule, the focus will be on installation. It will not be about what they do, but more so how it is done. Saban would like to see maturity and capability on A Day in order to deduce who has developed.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Monday’s practice report

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players moved indoors Monday for their sixth practice of spring camp. Players were dressed in full pads for the practice. Below are a few notes from the media viewing session.

— Alabama continues to have the same four players in black, no-contact jerseys. Running backs Bo Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) continued to take part in drills with the rest of the backs and do not appear too limited during practice. Defensive back Jared Mayden (hip) and linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (ACL) were both rehabbing alongside one another on the field.

— Hamilton looks a lot better and was taking part in sprints during the viewing session. That’s a long way from when he was still walking gingerly at the beginning of camp.

— The ever-changing running back order during drills saw another switch Monday as Scarbrough and Emmons led the group. Following behind the two black jerseys were Josh Jacobs, Brian Robinson, Najee Harris and Damien Harris. It’s worth nothing Damien Harris was absent during the first rep of the viewing period, so his position in the order may have just been because he was rejoining the group.

— Don’t take too much from any of the changes in the lineup at running back. Damien Harris looked fine and still projects to be one of the Tide’s No. 1 backs this season. It is just interesting to see how they line up on a day-to-day basis.

— Former Heisman winner and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry was watching over the running backs during practice. He threw out the first pitch at the baseball game on Saturday.

— The offensive line appeared to look the same across the first unit. Jonah Williams and Matt Womack worked with the first-team tackles, while Ross Pierschbacher and Lester Cotton where at guards and Bradley Bozeman manned the center position.

— One player to watch on the offensive line is Scott Lashley. His size has been talked about at length this spring, and the redshirt freshman definitely looked impressive during practice.

— Newly hired tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio worked with the tight ends, throwing quick passes over the middle. The drill involved tight ends shedding a block before catching a bullet from Pannunzio 10 yards away.

— The tight end order remained Miller Forristall, Hale Hentges, Irv Smith, Major Tennison, Ronnie Clark, Jacob Parker and Hunter Bryant.

— Toward the end of the viewing period we were able to see quarterbacks throw to wide receivers for the first time this spring. In the particular play, the outside wide receiver would come in on a hook route, serving as a pick for the slot receiver to run a wheel route. We didn’t get to watch much of the drill before being escorted out, but it was interesting to see.

— As mentioned above, we didn’t get to see much of the drill, but I did see each quarterback throw a deep ball, and all three passes looked fine. It was a very small sample size, though.

— Quarterback Jalen Hurts made one of the best plays of practice, albeit as a receiver. Before the quarterbacks started throwing to receivers, the sophomore jumped up and reeled in a nice one-hand grab with his right hand during warmups.

— The secondary worked in two separate groups with first-team players in either group. Interesting items of not include: early enrollee Daniel Wright still working with the corners, early enrollee Xavier McKinney working at Star. Trevon Diggs continued to work with the secondary as well.

Hendo Notes

Josh Jacobs looked clean, nice cuts. Najee Harris looks very solid, think his footwork is behind the upperclassmen. In my opinion, Bo Scarbrough does not seem 100%, but seems to be gaining much more confidence. It’s a big man in pads. BJ Emmons had a nice burst which you can see on the highlights, uh oh when we gets going.

Watched the Quarterbacks again for a little bit. Mac Jones threw a pass and Jalen Hurts made the best catch of the day. It was a one-handed grab that had everyone on the sidelines in awe. Hurts gave those who saw it that same look he gave when he touched Tennessee. Tua Tagovailoa continues to impress in all facets and even Mac Jones seemed to have a good rhythm today which was nice to see. It's very nice that Alabama has just three quarterbacks in the rotation, makes for plenty of one-on-one with Brian Daboll. That group seems very tight and always seem to be enjoying themselves.

Caught a few receiver reps. Robert Foster has the best feet out of the group and looks like a complete receiver. Jerry Jeudy stands out at each practice, Tyrell Shavers follows Jeudy in reps and is another target that just looks outstanding. Calvin Ridley lined up at inside receiver, Jeudy at the outside on one side of the field and Ridley went up and made a big catch. Those two on one side. My goodness.

Also watched the big boys today. We were indoors so it’s easier to see the offense. Matt Womack fires off the ball and looks massive, but not in a bad way. I mean he’s 6-foot-7, 326 pounds for crying out loud. Freshman Alex Leatherwood didn’t get off the ball as fast as a few others, but maybe it was just the rep that I saw. Still really impressed with the kid. Deonte Brown looks heavy, heavy, heavy. Looked tired today. Brandon Kennedy fired off the football well today and looked good throughout the days.
Practice No. 6 - Report Added/Hurts One-Handed Grab | BamaInsider.com

 

[TUSKtimes]

Have you ever wondered how Jalen would do at wide receiver?

 

[TerryP]

— Newly hired tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio worked with the tight ends, throwing quick passes over the middle. The drill involved tight ends shedding a block before catching a bullet from Pannunzio 10 yards away.

— Toward the end of the viewing period we were able to see quarterbacks throw to wide receivers for the first time this spring. In the particular play, the outside wide receiver would come in on a hook route, serving as a pick for the slot receiver to run a wheel route. We didn’t get to watch much of the drill before being escorted out, but it was interesting to see.

— As mentioned above, we didn’t get to see much of the drill, but I did see each quarterback throw a deep ball, and all three passes looked fine. It was a very small sample size, though.

I can see this. Three quick reads with a chance the third could be made pre-snap.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Bo Scarbrough is the most dominant running back in college football. Here's to a safe and destructive final season at the Capstone. ROLL TIDE Y'ALL!!!!!

 

[BamaFan334]

Gonna be fun watching Bo run this Fall, let's just hope he can stay healthy. I mean, I simply cannot wait to see Scarbrough, Harris, Jacobs, Emmons, and Najee run the ball. We may never need to pass!

This article above was the first time I have heard about Leatherwood. With his size and strength I was actually looking at him to push for a starting spot this Fall, maybe at right tackle like Williams did last year. Obviously his first week or so of practice so I'm sure he's just learning, but has anyone heard anything else about him?

 

[Destiny's Child]

I am excited to see a few things this year. I hope we see great growth in Jalen's ability to command the offense and complete a forward pass with consistency. I hope he has gotten the hop out of his footwork and keeps his eyes downfield. I have seen him make a few good throws that are encouraging but what concerns me greatly is the horrible throws that he made from time to time, the frequent miscommunications with the wide receivers. I hope he improves greatly.

Running backs are exciting, depth is exciting and I only hope we can find a nice rotation and avoid injuries. I believe this offensive line has a chance to be better than last year, certainly more disciplined. Mix that with a deep talented group of running backs and an offensive coordinator who believes in throwing it to the tight end and and running the ball and I think we could see a ball control, smash mouth offensive with the ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally which would make us hard to defend.

Our defense will be fast, fast, fast and while our pass rush will surely miss the allen's, Williams and Anderson's of the world, we will be a fast to the ball defense that will be next to impossible to get wide on.

Also, changing longsnapper and kicker will have an impact on our special teams. I just hope it doesn't cost us a game while we wait for them to get up to snuff.

 

[rolltide66]

— The tight end order remained Miller Forristall, Hale Hentges, Irv Smith, Major Tennison, Ronnie Clark, Jacob Parker and Hunter Bryant.

What happened to Cam Stewart? the Ex-Baseball player who walked on last year; he is listed on the RollTide.com Roster "Cam Stewart TE 6'8" 254 So San Jose, Ca/Valley Christian " A very mature addition - and a very large target. Tallest guy on the team.

 

[EasyTider]

What happened to Cam Stewart? the Ex-Baseball player who walked on last year; he is listed on the RollTide.com Roster "Cam Stewart TE 6'8" 254 So San Jose, Ca/Valley Christian " A very mature addition - and a very large target. Tallest guy on the team.

Pretty sure that's the lead singer from 38 Special.

 

[TerryP]

Pretty sure that's the lead singer from 38 Special.

I had to look twice. He looks like one of the Band of Brothers characters to me...made me google it. Now I've forgotten his name, again.

Scott ... Norris, maybe.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

How Alabama players felt about potentially canceling practice
Tony Tsoukalas | Staff


TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Due to the threat of potential severe weather Wednesday, classes and other school operations were canceled at the University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa was put under a tornado watch which included the possibility of widespread tennis-ball sized hail and winds of up to 70 miles per hour.

For the Crimson Tide, practice resumed as scheduled.

“Bama. That’s just how it goes here” Alabama offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said. “I mean, we knew that we weren’t going to have practice off, so it’s just part of the deal of being a student-athlete. Everyone else is at home relaxing, probably watching a movie, and we’ll be here.”

Alabama practiced inside Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, although the weather was hardly an issue anyway. According to meteorologist James Spann, Tuscaloosa's threat of severe weather ended at 3:30 p.m., right as the Tide was beginning its practice. By that time it was a sunny 82 degrees outside.

However, that probably wouldn't have mattered either way. Despite learning of the university’s decision to shut down the campus Tuesday night, players didn’t even need to ask if they’d be required to show up for practice the next day.

Well, most players anyway.

“I had some freshman text me this morning asking me if practice was going to be canceled,” Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison said before breaking into a laugh. “You kind of just remind him that this is Bama, this is why we’re so successful. We do stuff like this, we have practices when the whole school is canceled.”

Harrison wouldn’t call out the freshman but said he texted back a response of the laughing emoji. At Alabama, there are no off days.

Pierschbacher said he was actually glad Alabama continued on with its scheduled practice, stating that, “We would have to make up practice anyways, so might as well get it going.” When asked if he was dreading battling the weather on his way to practice the offensive lineman smiled.

The only possible storm Alabama players were worried about Wednesday was one generated by head coach Nick Saban.

“I had an image of us in the indoor and tornadoes going all around us,” Pierschbacher said. “We’re still going. Coach Saban is yelling to start the drill over or something. That’s what I had in my head.”

While Pierschbacher was kidding, that kind of focus has been the team's mindset around the program heading into camp. Coming off a last-second defeat to Clemson in the national championship game, a dedication to improvement has been a key theme among players during camp.

So far that’s been working. Before Wednesday’s practice, Pierschbacher said he has been encouraged by the Tide’s workouts so far, calling this camp “one of the more easier springs that we’ve had.”

Monday, Saban challenged his players to start paying attention to details and focus on technique heading into Alabama first scrimmage on Saturday. It’s going to take a lot more than rain to keep the Tide from doing that.

BamaInsider.com - How Alabama players felt about potentially canceling practice

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Wednesday's practice report

By Tony Tsoukals

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked indoors Wednesday for its seventh practice of spring camp. While practice was moved inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, there were sunny skies outside as severe weather moved east of Tuscaloosa. Players were in full pads for the practice.

Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:

— Nothing new in terms of black jerseys. Running backs Bo Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) continued to work with the rest of the backs, while linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (ACL) and safety Jared Mayden (hip) participated in stretches by themselves.

— Alabama stuck with the same offensive line grouping in its first unit. Alex Leatherwood, who has been practicing with the third team, moved up to the second unit at right tackle. While Matt Womack seems to have that position, for now, Leatherwood, a five-star early enrollee could make a serious push.

— Brandon Kennedy was working with the second group at right guard, while Scott Lashley was the second-team left tackle.

— Scarbrough led the running backs and was followed in order by Damien Harris, B.J. Emmons, Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson. Najee Harris looks really strong in drills. He’ll be difficult to keep off the field if he continues like this.

— Alabama head coach Nick Saban was working very closely with the corners near the sidelines. A lot is said about how vocal and angry he gets during practice, but Wednesday the head coach seemed calm and collected.

— Former wide receiver Trevon Diggs is still working with the cornerbacks, and it’s evident he’s going through a learning process. Saban provided some hands-on guidance during a coverage drill.

— Senior Tony Brown was also vocal, explaining coverage duties to the sophomore as the two worked on defending a twins set of receivers.

— Brian Daboll continues to take an active role while working with the quarterbacks. The newly hired offensive coordinator is always moving around with the quarterbacks and appears to have gelled with the unit.

— When asked about Daboll before practice, quarterback Jalen Hurts said he was very involved and that the former Patriots tight ends coach has even scheduled FaceTime meetings with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the players.

— Tight ends again worked on short passing drills where they had to quickly locate the ball. In this particular drill, they were thrown a ball between dummies.

— Notable attendees at practice were Alabama head coach Avery Johnson as well as former players Marlon Humphrey and Cam Robinson. Humphrey was wearing a Detroit Lions shirt, a team he met with earlier this offseason.


Practice No. 7 (Practice report added, Interviews, Highlights) | BamaInsider.com

 

[Max]

“I had some freshman text me this morning asking me if practice was going to be canceled,” Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison said before breaking into a laugh. “You kind of just remind him that this is Bama, this is why we’re so successful. We do stuff like this, we have practices when the whole school is canceled.”

 

[Alabama17Tide]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Around this time last year, Ronnie Harrison had Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts figured out. The starting free safety preyed on the then true freshman, reading him like a book while intercepting multiple passes during Hurts’ first few practices with the team

What a difference a year makes.

Harrison found that out this spring as he became the victim of his own medicine. Watching Harrison from behind center, the now experienced Hurts waited patiently, studying the safety to determine if he would creep down to cover a shorter route or stay back.

Despite Harrison’s best efforts to hide his intentions, he was a sitting duck.

Realizing Harrison was coming in for the play, Hurts pump-faked before dropping in a pass right over the safety’s head for a long gain downfield. For Harrison, the question as to how Hurts has progressed in the passing game was answered at that moment.

“I was like, ‘Dang, Jalen’s coming along,’” Harrison said.

There’s no question Hurts will be Alabama’s quarterback this fall. Any notion of a battle between him and either of the Crimson Tide’s two early enrollees, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, was dispelled by head coach Nick Saban earlier this spring.

Hurts athletic ability isn’t in question either. The reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 954 yards and a team-high 13 touchdowns while also completing 63 percent of his passes for 2,780 yards and 23 touchdowns with nine interceptions. His 36 combined touchdowns broke the school record of 35 set by Blake Sims in 2014.

If there’s a knock on Hurts it’s been his maturity as a passer. When asked earlier this week what he wants to see from his starting quarterback in Saturday’s scrimmage, the first words out of Saban’s mouth were “decision-making.”

“Getting the ball out of his hand more quickly, not looking at the rush, not drifting in the pocket, reading and having his eyes in the right place relative to the coverage and read that particular play has,” Saban continued. “I think those are the things that are fundamentally what we're trying to get him to improve on, and I think he's doing a much better job in that regard.”

Hurts isn’t one to wait, as evidenced by the quick start to his college career. Following a disappointing performance in Alabama’s national championship defeat to Clemson earlier this year, he didn’t waste time licking his wounds.

“Right after the championship game, I said 'My season starts on the 10th,”' Hurts said. “And, on the 10th, Coach Saban got in touch with me and was like 'OK, this is what we need to improve on.' And we've been working on it ever since the 10th of January.”

BamaInsider.com - Things are slowing down for fast-learning Jalen Hurts at Alabama

 

[TerryP]

This article above was the first time I have heard about Leatherwood. With his size and strength I was actually looking at him to push for a starting spot this Fall, maybe at right tackle like Williams did last year. Obviously his first week or so of practice so I'm sure he's just learning, but has anyone heard anything else about him?

I want to say it was @TUSKstuff that brought Leatherwood up a few weeks ago. We've talked about the line on a few occasions so you may want to run a search on his name.

On your note ... they are still working combinations, as expected, right? Lashley was repping with the 1's Monday at left tackle. Leatherwood was working behind Jonah at right tackle that day (2's.) Lashley has been working at right tackle as has ... you get the picture.

In the first spring scrimmage of last year Cotton played both tackle positions as well as a little time at guard. Williams spent some time at left tackle. I'm of the opinion there won't be a lot to take away from Saturday when it comes to the line and who starts in the fall.