🏈 Spring Camp - 2017

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

More on the Robert Foster watch:

Crazy circus catch

 

[Tidestalker]

Terry,

Interesting news on Diggs... And I'm pumped to hear that. If he sticks at CB that could fill a hole and give us better depth. Aa a first year starter who played receiver last year though, I'm sure he would have benefited from learning the tricks of the trade all last year instead of the meager role he played at WR. I'm with you, wherever they put him he will win a role. Stud.

Which brings up a few questions regarding Tony Brown... Or Hootie Jones. Does Tony move into Star and Minkah to safety? Doesn't seem likely given Minkah opening camp at CB. Looks like Diggs may have taken Brown's snaps. Won't break my heart, and also gives us a terrific option as a backup because he can play either corner or Star... With experience.

R. Davis being the 4th DL is an awesome sign. If he and Buggs are battling then we've got 5 solid dudes with Q. Williams as the wildcard. Looking forward to some info on which guys stood out on the DL. BTW - Having a guy that tall at DE could really impact the short passing game... Quick slants, WR screens, etc., if he puts himself in the way, that play is f*cked.

One more chain reaction concerning Diggs... Perhaps Rob Foster is another reason the staff likes Diggs at WR. That group is thin and inexperienced, more so than CB, seems like if they didn't like what Foster was doing it would be hard to make the move. There couldn't be a better situation for him. Ridley will take up attention and the #2 WR spot is wide open. I hope he blows up

 

[TUSKtimes]

Which brings up a few questions regarding Tony Brown... Or Hootie Jones. Does Tony move into Star and Minkah to safety? Doesn't seem likely given Minkah opening camp at CB. Looks like Diggs may have taken Brown's snaps. Won't break my heart, and also gives us a terrific option as a backup because he can play either corner or Star... With experience.

Minkah back to safety sounds ominous for safety talent. I understand that rivals had Diggs looking good at corner and Tony Brown looked good at star. 2nd and 3rd team DBs gave up a lot of big plays.

 

[TerryP]

Interesting news on Diggs... And I'm pumped to hear that. If he sticks at CB that could fill a hole and give us better depth. Aa a first year starter who played receiver last year though, I'm sure he would have benefited from learning the tricks of the trade all last year instead of the meager role he played at WR. I'm with you, wherever they put him he will win a role. Stud ...
...
...One more chain reaction concerning Diggs... Perhaps Rob Foster is another reason the staff likes Diggs at WR. That group is thin and inexperienced, more so than CB, seems like if they didn't like what Foster was doing it would be hard to make the move. There couldn't be a better situation for him. Ridley will take up attention and the #2 WR spot is wide open. I hope he blows up

They're through nine after yesterday's scrimmage and there's a few things I believe are safe conclusions.

Yes, I think Foster plays a role with this story. I don't think that story is close to be written, so to speak. We know what's in the first part because I've mentioned it to you—he had a good winter and spring. Last year we knew there were "issues." This year we also know Saban has said "he's better than last year." He also used that "hopefully" when talking about Foster having a role.

I know Jeudy has a role in this story. Tony Brown does as well but that's not a good chapter since he's still learning technique.

Every year we'll hear about some player that has "staff members fighting over them." It's just one of those generic compliments that comes up in those *Rinaldi* type stories. Diggs is one of those guys; that's another known. I raised my eyebrows a bit when descriptions of his play have included remarks about his natural instinct for the corner position. I've interpreted these conversations to mean he doesn't have the technical work down like Saban really wants, but has the instincts to make up for it on the field.

 

[BamaFan334]

They're through nine after yesterday's scrimmage and there's a few things I believe are safe conclusions.

Yes, I think Foster plays a role with this story. I don't think that story is close to be written, so to speak. We know what's in the first part because I've mentioned it to you—he had a good winter and spring. Last year we knew there were "issues." This year we also know Saban has said "he's better than last year." He also used that "hopefully" when talking about Foster having a role.

I know Jeudy has a role in this story. Tony Brown does as well but that's not a good chapter since he's still learning technique.

Every year we'll hear about some player that has "staff members fighting over them." It's just one of those generic compliments that comes up in those *Rinaldi* type stories. Diggs is one of those guys; that's another known. I raised my eyebrows a bit when descriptions of his play have included remarks about his natural instinct for the corner position. I've interpreted these conversations to mean he doesn't have the technical work down like Saban really wants, but has the instincts to make up for it on the field.

Can't really fault him for not having Saban wanted technique since he's been jerked all over tthe place since he stepped foot on campus. Diggs will excel wherever he goes and you could tell that about him from Day 1.

 

[TerryP]

Can't really fault him for not having Saban wanted technique since he's been jerked all over tthe place since he stepped foot on campus. Diggs will excel wherever he goes and you could tell that about him from Day 1.

Like the "Spread offense," technique is one of those terms with many definitions. Brown actually fits with what you'd think a team would want from a corner. Heck, he was used there a few times last year.

Minkah is a guy I see as still missing a lot of technique aspects. He's not one that's been known for being a great route reader. But, he plays the quarterback's eyes really well. Tony lacks that discipline aspect that gives me the sense he can play off of a guy and make up for it with his closing speed. He's got a lot of that closing speed. I don't like the idea of relying on it from the STAR position...gives me a "Vinnie Pt. II" feel.

 

[BamaFan334]

Like the "Spread offense," technique is one of those terms with many definitions. Brown actually fits with what you'd think a team would want from a corner. Heck, he was used there a few times last year.

Minkah is a guy I see as still missing a lot of technique aspects. He's not one that's been known for being a great route reader. But, he plays the quarterback's eyes really well. Tony lacks that discipline aspect that gives me the sense he can play off of a guy and make up for it with his closing speed. He's got a lot of that closing speed. I don't like the idea of relying on it from the STAR position...gives me a "Vinnie Pt. II" feel.

I've always said Minkah was a bettet safety, a rover on the backside, than a corner. So when others thought he wouldn't do well, I took the view that he would be a better safety than corner. Minkah gets beat at corner, not so much at safety.

Tony Brown is a guy that could have been amazing for us, but he lacks it mentally and with his personality. Hopefully he turns it on this offseason as it will be his last, but yeah, he has a ways to go before Saban unleashes him. I feel like Star allows coaches to take some responsibility off him, yet still allow him to play. At corner, you better be ready, cause it's you and a receiver one on one.

 

[Tidestalker]

Like the "Spread offense," technique is one of those terms with many definitions. Brown actually fits with what you'd think a team would want from a corner. Heck, he was used there a few times last year.

Minkah is a guy I see as still missing a lot of technique aspects. He's not one that's been known for being a great route reader. But, he plays the quarterback's eyes really well. Tony lacks that discipline aspect that gives me the sense he can play off of a guy and make up for it with his closing speed. He's got a lot of that closing speed. I don't like the idea of relying on it from the STAR position...gives me a "Vinnie Pt. II" feel.

I believe it. I was thinking out of high school that he was a sure bet on defense... But I thought it would be safety. At this size, with that speed, and high level instincts he could be a phenomenal CB draft prospect. I suspect he will have some catching up to do this year but will be great at it the following season.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Saturday's practice report

By Tony Tsoukalas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama practiced inside Bryant-Denny Stadium before its first scrimmage of spring camp on Saturday. Players, of course dressed in full pads participated in drills under sunny 69-degree weather.

Here are a few notes from the brief media viewing session:

— We got a good look at quarterbacks throwing to receivers today. Jalen Hurts took turns throwing with Tua Tagovailoa with the main group of receivers, while Mac Jones was throwing with the second group.

— It’s somewhat unfair to judge on such a small sample size, but Tagovailoa threw the best ball by far during practice. In both deep and short routes he hit receivers in stride, every time with a tight spiral. He impressed me the most out of out of anyone on the field.

— Jalen Hurts and Mac Jones also threw nice balls. Hurts threw a beautiful deep ball to Robert Foster that the receiver misjudged and was unable to catch up with. Mac Jones also looked solid.

— The first-team offensive line remained the same heading into the scrimmage, with Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack lining up from left to right.

— The second-team offensive line was Scott Lashley, Dallas Warmack, J.C. Hassenauer, Brandon Kennedy and Alex Leatherwood.

— Calvin Ridley led the outside receivers and was followed by Robert Foster, Jerry Jeudy and T.J. Simmons.

— Cam Sims was first in line at slot, followed by Xavian Marks and Chadarius Townsend.

— Miller Forristall led the tight ends and was followed by Hale Hentges, Irv Smith, Ronnie Clark and Major Tennison

— The same four players — Shaun Dion Hamilton (ACL), Jared Mayden (hip), Bo Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) were in black jerseys.

Notes From Hendo

—Beautiful day at Bryant-Denny for the latest Alabama Practice.

—As Tony mentioned, Tua Tagovailoa had the best ball (in warm ups), but then heard that Hurts had a nice showing during the scrimmage even dropping a 60-yard bomb to Robert Foster. Tagovailoa did struggle with some timing issues and overthrew a few receivers, but he can spin that deep ball, the spiral on the football is perfect.

— Watched the receivers for a while today and Calvin Ridley clearly is on another level, he could be the best in the SEC this year. Clean cuts, A+ hands, digs into the turf to make cuts, just a perfect example of a receiver.

—Ronnie Clark looked nice at the H-back position and has really great athleticism. The last tight end in the group is Major Tennison and you can tell he’s green (young) and does not look very agile. Irv Smith is a good sized tight end, think he could be someone special.

—Co-Offensive Coordinator Mike Locksley has not been mentioned much, but he has done a great job coaching up this group, he is really a hands on coach. He provides some great instruction, witnessed more of that today.

—Tony Brown looked great in drills, so much athleticism, A+ footwork, turns head and really gets around quick. Same for Anthony Averett, but think Brown is more fluid.

Practice No. 9 (Report/Video Highlights Added) | BamaInsider.com

 

[Bamabww]

A friend of my son who attended shared his thoughts / info after Saturday's practice:

OL...left to right starting: Williams 73, Ross P 71, Bozeman 75, Cotton 66 and Womack 77. The group looks like an OL should, big and tall....Cotton 324 and Womack 326 are the big ones. The group did pretty well in pass
protection...not so well in opening gaps for our RBs. Most of the running plays were stuffed at the line of scrimmage. IMO by fall we might see Leatherwood 70 and Baker 78 taking on the LG position.....gotta remember the OL was trying to run/make gaps on our D.

QBs.....JH made some long throws, against 2nd And 3rd units, had some misses, no interceptions and seemed to have learned to throw it away rather into a crowd.....can't expect a lot of change in a couple of months....maybe by the fall... Tua and Mac looking good...Tua has quite the arm....fast zip.

RB....Bo and Jacobs out....Harris pulled because of a foot injury per CNS. Najee and Robinson got a lot of carries....Najee gonna get PT this fall.

D....looking good.....gonna be hard to set up a running game against this group. Payne and Frazier will stuff the middle and be in the backfield chasing QBs......didn't see a good pass rush....Front seven will be bad again.....How bad?...take a few games to tell.

Field goals....same ole same ole....waiting on kicker arriving this fall.

DBs...Ss.....1st unit held the passing game down....2nd and 3rd gave up TDs....looking about like last year.

Overall assessment......you're gonna want to watch this team dismantle/run over people this fall. Powerful/very talented team.

 

[planomateo]

 

[BamaFan334]

I keep reading so much contradiction with this scrimmage, as is expected with a closed scrimmage based on opinion, I guess. I hear Hurts looks good, I hear he doesn't. Offensive line are beasts, but didn't create any running room, heard their run blocking was their strong suit and pass protection wasn't good. I guess I just need to have my owns thoughts on history and another #1 class.

 

[Destiny's Child]

I wanted to share some feedback from a close friend who attended the scrimmage Saturday.

He said that:
-Hurts is a clear number 1 and played pretty well. Said his delivery looked like it has been worked on and didn't see the hop on every play but it was there a few times.
- Tua - he said had a great arm but that his footwork was a mess. Said some of that was d-line in his face at times
- Najee Harris was the real deal and said he showed the smooth running, elusiveness and power like Herny
- He told me the Smith was a stud at tight end and that you will see him involved this year
- O-line was massive but you could tell that they are still gelling but said that Leatherwood looked impressive and the he may sneak in the line up before the season starts
- Said he thinks the defense will be solid again and the defensive speed was obvious.

He is pretty knowledgeable and I just wanted to share what he saw. It seems to jive pretty well with what I have heard and read from other people but with a few nuggets I hadn't heard.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

I keep reading so much contradiction with this scrimmage, as is expected with a closed scrimmage based on opinion, I guess. I hear Hurts looks good, I hear he doesn't. Offensive line are beasts, but didn't create any running room, heard their run blocking was their strong suit and pass protection wasn't good. I guess I just need to have my owns thoughts on history and another #1 class.

Well, think about how many different viewpoints we develop when we all watch the same game. Some attending in person get an entirely different perspective (and draw different conclusions), not being affected by the announcers' comments, or perhaps not aware of a back story or developing stats. We can even disagree after watching the replay a time or two. I'm just happy to get the different views.

RTR,

Tim

 

[BamaFan334]

Well, think about how many different viewpoints we develop when we all watch the same game. Some attending in person get an entirely different perspective (and draw different conclusions), not being affected by the announcers' comments, or perhaps not aware of a back story or developing stats. We can even disagree after watching the replay a time or two. I'm just happy to get the different views.

RTR,

Tim

I understand that, and I as well am just glad to get some reporting from one of my favorite things in life. I guess when I hear one person saying the line was blocking great, and another said there were no holes to run through, I just can't seem to separate where we are at as a team. Ultimately I guess Coach Saban saying he was happy about where we were is the biggest point I should take from it all since I know he's not scared to drill his team in these press conferences about getting better and being/not being where we need to be.

Although Najee and Tua are getting high praise from every point of view I have read. That's exciting.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Practice is just practice. The most important part of spring ball is the individual parts and less about the sum total. The coaches have no idea what all this is going to look like in the fall, and we won't either. It's all player development and when I hear about someone getting biggest, stronger, smarter, that's about as good as it gets for now.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

I wanted to share some feedback from a close friend who attended the scrimmage Saturday.

He said that:
-Hurts is a clear number 1 and played pretty well. Said his delivery looked like it has been worked on and didn't see the hop on every play but it was there a few times.
- Tua - he said had a great arm but that his footwork was a mess. Said some of that was d-line in his face at times
- Najee Harris was the real deal and said he showed the smooth running, elusiveness and power like Herny
- He told me the Smith was a stud at tight end and that you will see him involved this year
- O-line was massive but you could tell that they are still gelling but said that Leatherwood looked impressive and the he may sneak in the line up before the season starts
- Said he thinks the defense will be solid again and the defensive speed was obvious.

He is pretty knowledgeable and I just wanted to share what he saw. It seems to jive pretty well with what I have heard and read from other people but with a few nuggets I hadn't heard.

Word. Encouraged by Jalen's evident development in just a couple short months. And we've only had Daboll for about a month now.

If he's noticeably progressed that much this spring, it will be exciting to see how much more he develops in a full summer offseason leading into fall.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Word. Encouraged by Jalen's evident development in just a couple short months. And we've only had Daboll for about a month now.

If he's noticeably progressed that much this spring, it will be exciting to see how much more he develops in a full summer offseason leading into fall.

It's nice to hear that Daboll has the guys working on fundamental things. Last season, even carrying out fakes in the spread and play action looked like we couldn't be bothered. If we're running an offense that is trying to make multiple formations look like misdirection eye candy, why wouldn't we exaggerate the motion? I already think Daboll has a better eye for detail, the little things that mean a lot.

 

[No Huddle]

Details is the difference between a 5 yard gain and a 55 yard TD. Your play fake and carrying it out is just as important the block on the LB.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Details is the difference between a 5 yard gain and a 55 yard TD. Your play fake and carrying it out is just as important the block on the LB.

First there's fake news, and now you're telling me there are fake plays?