🏈 Spring Camp - 2017

[RTB X Bot]

 

[TerryP]

Are you undervaluing him also?

I've been high on Cotton since the day he signed. In fact, thought he'd made his way permanently into the starting rotation until the shuffling began. I don't know if we're seeing it the same way though.

he did lose his spot last year as the season progressed. It wasn't because he was playing well.

I don't think it's a fair statement to say he ended up losing his position due to poor play either. It's a bit of a stretch to say it lies somewhere in between. If we look at the beginning of the season he was replaced at left guard by a guy who was a frosh AA at the same position last season. Piers played really well there and to me it seemed the staff thought they could "Barrett Jones" him a bit in the interior. Shank gets a nod at RG if for no other reason than experience. I wanted him there with a frosh at the tackle spot. Then we got into the injury bug and they're back to looking for the best five.

All along several of us have talked about Cotton's need for improvement in the passing game (pass pro.) Yet, there's always room for that with anyone. There's never been a doubt, at least in my mind, that he's a road grader when it comes to run blocking. Hell, we saw that quite a bit last year.

Bottom line, in my eyes, it's far too soon to make any judgement or to be surprised with Cotton especially if those are made based on last season. Too much has changed.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

With A-Day just days away, we take a closer look at the Alabama Projected Depth Chart. Scroll down for our latest projection at each position.

6-foot-7, 303 pound Raekwon Davis has had a very strong spring season for Alabama

Quarterbacks

1 Jalen Hurts

2 Tua Tagovailoa

3 Mac Jones

Notes: Jalen Hurts is the clear starter, and his performance in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage did nothing to change that. Tagovailoa has appeared to separate himself from fellow early enrollee Mac Jones for the No. 2 role. The left-hander has a tight spiral during practice and gets receivers the ball on a rope.

Running Backs

1 Damien Harris or Bo Scarbrough

2 Josh Jacobs

3 Najee Harris

4 Brian Robinson

5 B.J. Emmons

Notes: Not a lot changes here, but Brian Robinson’s extended carries and impressive performance in the scrimmage move him above injured B.J. Emmons. This could change when Emmons fully recovers from his injured foot.

Wide Reciever X

1 Robert Foster

2 T.J. Simmons

3 Tyrell Shavers

Notes: Robert Foster is participating with the outside receivers and appears to be in good shape to earn one of the Crimson Tide’s three starting spots. T.J. Simmons moves up after a seven-catch performance in the scrimmage. He might be one to watch as the offseason progresses.

Wide Reciever Z

1 Calvin Ridley

2 Jerry Jeudy

3 Derek Kief

Notes: Calvin Ridley will be the leader of Alabama’s receiving corps this season. Behind him is true freshman Jerry Jeudy, who many are referring to as a “Ridley clone.” Jeudy, a five-star early enrollee, has been impressive this offseason and appears to be the biggest threat to break into one of the Crimson Tide’s three starting spots at receiver.

Wide Reciever H

1 Cam Sims

2 Xavian Marks

3 Chadarius Townsend

Notes: It’s somewhat surprising to see 6-foot-5 receiver Cam Sims lining up in the slot. However, his size does create a big matchup problem coming across the middle and should give Jalen Hurts a big target to throw to on intermediate routes. Behind him are shifty Xavian Marks and early enrollee Chadarius Townsend, who Alabama moved from running back to receiver this spring.

Tight End

1 Miller Forristall or Hale Hentges

2 Irv Smith

3 Major Tennison or Ronnie Clark

Notes: Nothing changes at tight end, although Irv Smith has looked impressive this spring and could push either Forristall or Hentges for playing time.

Left Tackle

1 Jonah Williams

2 Scott Lashley

3 Chris Owens

Notes: There isn’t too much change at left tackle as Jonah Williams appears to be the guy heading into the season. The rising sophomore even took to using his left hand for everyday tasks in order to prepare himself for the role. Scott Lashley and Alex Leatherwood have both been seen at second-team left tackle, but Lashley has spent more time on the left.

Left Guard

1 Ross Pierschbacher

2 Dallas Warmack

3 Richie Petitbon

Notes: There isn’t anything major at left guard, either. We added Richie Pettibon, who has been working with the third team in practice.

Center

1 Bradley Bozeman

2 J.C. Hassenauer

3 Chris Owens

Notes: Center remains the same with Bradley Bozeman leading the way. Bozeman has all the leadership characteristics any team would want from a center, so it makes sense to keep him at the position.

Right Guard

1 Lester Cotton

2 Deonte Brown

3 Brandon Kennedy / Chris Owens

Notes: This position is somewhat of a mystery at this point. Wednesday, Lester Cotton was spotted by reporters playing right tackle, while Deonte Brown played at right guard. Monday, Chris Owens lined up with the first team at the position. Brandon Kennedy could also be in the mix. Given that Cotton started the scrimmage at right guard, we’ll keep him as the starter there for now.

Right Tackle

1 Matt Womack

2 Alex Leatherwood

3 Elliott Baker

Notes: Matt Womack appears to be the guy at right tackle for now, but five-star early enrollee Alex Leatherwood is pushing hard for the spot. Expect the two to battle it out the rest of the offseason. As stated above, Lester Cotton could also move over from right guard.

Defensive End

1 Da’Shawn Hand |

2 Raekwon Davis

Notes: Da’Shawn Hand looks to be Alabama’s most impressive defensive end this spring and is a lock to earn a starting spot this season. We moved Raekwon Davis to backup due to the emergence of JUCO transfer Isaiah Buggs. With Davis’ size, he is still someone to watch if he can put everything together.

Defensive Tackle

1 Da’Ron Payne

2 Joshua Frazier

Notes: Absolutely nothing changes here. Da’ Ron Payne is the obvious starter at defensive tackle, and due to Joshua Frazier’s size, it makes more sense to keep him inside.

Defensive End

1 Isaiah Buggs

2 Quinnen Williams

Notes: As mentioned earlier, Isaiah Buggs has been very impressive so far this spring. Coming to Alabama as the No. 1 rated JUCO player in the 2017 class, he has lived up to his hype, showing great power and explosion off the line during practice.

Outside Linebacker (Sam)

1 Christian Miller

2 Jamey Mosley

3 Ben Davis

Notes: Sam linebacker remains the same as well. Christian Miller continues to lead all outside linebackers during drills. He is also the Tide’s most complete outside linebacker, which makes him more fit to handle the duties of Sam.

Middle Linebacker

1 Shaun Dion Hamilton

2 Dylan Moses

3 Mack Wilson

Notes: While Shaun Dion Hamilton has yet to return to the inside linebackers, he appears to be moving well during practice and will be ready by the fall. The biggest mover in this group is Dylan Moses, who looks to be making the most of his opportunity with Hamilton on the sidelines.

Middle Linebacker

1 Rashaan Evans

2 Keith Holcombe

3 Joshua McMillon

Notes: If the season started tomorrow, Keith Holcombe would probably start alongside Rashaan Evans, but with Shaun Dion Hamilton expected to make a full recovery, he takes the backup role. According to Alabama baseball coach Greg Goff, Holcombe might need surgery on his labrum this offseason. That could affect his status going forward.

Outside Linebacker (Jack)

1 Anfernee Jennings

2 Terrell Hall

3 Mehki Brown

Notes: Jack linebacker stays the same as Anfernee Jennings has been lining up behind Christian Miller during drills. While Jennings appears to be the starter at the moment, Terrell Hall seems to be making a strong push during practice. Mekhi Brown was added and appears to be third in line for the position.

Corner

1 Anthony Averett

2 Levi Wallace

3 Daniel Wright

Notes: Anthony Averett is a lock to take one of the two cornerback spots and started at right cornerback during the scrimmage. Former walk-on Levi Wallace has filled in at his spot on the second team and could be the first corner off the bench if someone goes down this season. Early enrollee Daniel Wright offers nice size at the position after switching from safety to cornerback this spring.

Corner

1 Trevon Diggs

2 Levi Wallace

3 Nigel Knott

Notes: Trevon Diggs’ progression at cornerback is perhaps the biggest story this spring. What started as an “experiment” from Alabama head coach Nick Saban seems to be working just fine as the rising sophomore started at left cornerback during the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. It might make sense to have Minkah Fitzpatrick as a backup cornerback, but given the Tide’s need at strong safety it appears the coaching staff wants to keep him at that position if possible. Aaron Robinson has lined up with the second team during practice.

Strong Safety

1 Minkah Fitzpatrick

2 Hootie Jones

3 Jared Mayden / Xavier McKinney

Notes: With Trevon Diggs taking over at cornerback, Minkah Fitzpatrick is able to move back to strong safety, the position he played the final seven games of last season. Hootie Jones has experience as a backup and could fill the role if Fitzpatrick has to move back down to corner, but Jones’ does not provide the same coverage skills as Fitzpatrick. Jared Mayden is still in a black jersey but is now participating with the unit. Another option might be early enrollee Xavier McKinney, who shadowed Jones on second team Wednesday.

Free Safety

1 Ronnie Harrison

2 Deionte Thompson

3 Xavier McKinney

Notes: Nothing really changes here. Ronnie Harrison will be the guy at free safety, and Deionte Thompson is the most experienced backup option. Xavier McKinney has looked solid and could also provide depth at the position.

STAR

1 Tony Brown

2 Shyheim Carter

3 Kyriq McDonald

Notes: The Star position remains the same as Tony Brown appears to have locked down the starting spot so far. Given Brown’s experience and physical nature as a defensive back, he looks made to play the position. Shyheim Carter is also a viable option if Alabama elects to move Brown somewhere else. Early enrollee Kyriq McDonald has looked impressive during drills.

BamaInsider.com - Alabama Football Projected Depth Chart

Not sure who wrote that article, but their football knowledge sucks.

I'm guessing it's someone that never played.

They have the WR positions all screwed up.

X and Y receivers are the 2 outside WRs. The Z is in the slot.

H is, well.... H. H-back or TE.

The author of that article has the 2 outside WRs as X and Z, with slot as H.

And that's not even counting the defense.

Minkah at STRONG safety? LMAO. If ANYONE is a free safety between Minkah and Harrison, it's MINKAH.

Credibility is IMMEDIATELY lost...smh

 

[Tidestalker]

If Buggs' stat line is true... Just what the doctor ordered!! He and an improved Hand as DE's could be fun to watch

 

[UAgrad93]

Not sure who wrote that article, but their football knowledge sucks.

I'm guessing it's someone that never played.

They have the WR positions all screwed up.

X and Y receivers are the 2 outside WRs. The Z is in the slot.

H is, well.... H. H-back or TE.

The author of that article has the 2 outside WRs as X and Z, with slot as H.

And that's not even counting the defense.

Minkah at STRONG safety? LMAO. If ANYONE is a free safety between Minkah and Harrison, it's MINKAH.

Credibility is IMMEDIATELY lost...smh

TRUTH!!!!! x10

 

[TerryP]

Not sure who wrote that article, but their football knowledge sucks.

Football - Going into scrimmage #2 (FRI) let's review the depth chart conversation(s) since 16's season's end.

 

[TerryP]

Not sure who wrote that article, but their football knowledge sucks.

I'm guessing it's someone that never played.

They have the WR positions all screwed up.

X and Y receivers are the 2 outside WRs. The Z is in the slot.

H is, well.... H. H-back or TE.

The author of that article has the 2 outside WRs as X and Z, with slot as H.

And that's not even counting the defense.

Minkah at STRONG safety? LMAO. If ANYONE is a free safety between Minkah and Harrison, it's MINKAH.

Credibility is IMMEDIATELY lost...smh

I think he's seeing Sims in a Y, sometimes lining up in a Z and he's calling it an H? I know Cam has been lining up inside and by those accounts assumed they were in 11 personnel and he was close enough to the TE that some thought H.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Alabama early enrollees spring report card
Tony Tsoukalas | Staff

Alabama early enrollee Jerry Jeudy is competing for a starting spot at wide receiver this season. Photo | Laura Chramer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama's 16 early enrollees have had 11 practices to get acclimated to college football this spring. Following Friday's scrimmage, they will have two more practices to prove themselves before a final test during A-Day on Aprill 22 at 2 p.m. inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here's a look at how the Crimson Tide's new faces have looked during practice and where they are currently projected to fit in next season:


Najee Harris
Running Back
5 STARS
Antioch Senior
Antioch, CA
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 222 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A
One look at Najee Harris and it’s obvious why he was rated as the No. 1 player overall in the 2017 class. The 6-foot-2, 227-pound running back doesn’t look like a freshman and goes toe-to-toe with fellow teammate Bo Scarbrough for the title of biggest back on the Tide’s roster.

So far, Harris has proven to be every bit as electrifying as Scarbrough as well. While his stats weren’t revealed following Alabama’s first scrimmage, word got out that Harris hurdled three of his teammates during the game.

“That was my first time seeing something like that in real life,” Alabama receiver Cam Sims said when asked about Harris’ performance on the day.

While Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) continue to wear black, non-contact jerseys this spring while recovering from their respective injuries, it has opened up the door for Harris to get more reps during practice. As of now, the true freshman doesn’t appear to be wasting that opportunity at all.


Brian Robinson
Running Back
4 STARS
Hillcrest
Tuscaloosa, AL
RR: 5.9
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 218 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A-
Due to the hype around Harris, Brian Robinson came into the spring a little under the radar despite being the No. 7 running back and No. 82 player overall in this year’s class. However, it didn’t take long for the Tuscaloosa native to draw some looks at practice.

Measuring in at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds according to Alabama’s roster, Robinson offers similar size as Scarbrough and Harris at the position. During national signing day, Robinson compared himself to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Like Bell he appears to also be a receiving threat in the backfield. Following Alabama’s first scrimmage, head coach Nick Saban said the backs “had quite a few catches.”

Robinson was thought by most to be a redshirt candidate heading into the spring. With so many talented backs on the Tide’s roster, that still remains a possibility. Regardless, Robinson has given Alabama coaches plenty to think about heading into the summer.


Tua Tagovailoa
Dual-threat quarterback
4 STARS
St. Louis
Honolulu, HI
RR: 6
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A
Tua Tagovailoa won’t be winning the starting quarterback spot his freshman season, but that doesn’t mean the four-star freshman hasn’t impressed so far. Coming to Alabama as the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and No. 53 player overall, Tagovailoa kept himself humble, focusing on improvement rather than getting caught up in a potential quarterback race.

That decision has paid off as he appears to be in the lead for the backup role ahead of fellow early enrollee Mac Jones.

“Both of them have the talent,” Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison said. “Mac and Tua, they both have great arms. They can throw great balls, deep balls and stuff like that.”

Tagovailoa has shown off his arm during media viewing periods, putting the ball on a straight line with a tight spiral to his receivers.


Mac Jones
Pro-style quarterback
4 STARS
Bolles
Jacksonville, FL
RR: 5.9
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 181 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade B
Mac Jones has looked solid during media viewing sessions. Although, at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, he will have to put on some weight if he wants to hold up over an entire SEC season.

Jones comes to Alabama as the No. 9 pro-style quarterback and No. 162 player overall in this year’s class. More of the traditional pocket passer the Tide is used to at quarterback, Jones might not be as mobile as Hurts or Tagovailoa, but he can still sling it. Following Alabama’s first scrimmage, Saban said he thought “all the quarterbacks did a fairly good job and they all got a good opportunity.”


Jerry Jeudy
Wide Receiver
5 STARS
Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach, FL
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 175 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A
The next in line of elite Tide receivers from South Florida, Jerry Jeudy has been called a clone of teammate Calvin Ridley.

“Only thing different is probably Jerry Jeudy is a little bit taller than Calvin,” Sims said. “That’s it. They’re both nightmares for a DB.”

Like his fellow South Florida teammate, Jeudy has carried a lot of hype into his arrival after being rated as the No. 3 receiver and No. 19 player overall in this year’s class. That only heightened when he reportedly ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash during Alabama’s spring testing.

Ridley believes Jeudy will also follow in his footsteps on the field this season, stating that the early enrollee could make a run at his freshman receiving record. Ridley set Alabama’s single-season receiving record with 1,045 yards through the air in 2015.

“I want him to break it,” Ridley said. “That's my boy.”


Tyrell Shavers
Wide Receiver
4 STARS
Lewisville
Lewisville, TX
RR: 5.9
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 200 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: B
Tyrell Shavers’ size and athleticism jump off the charts when watching him during practice. Listed at 6-foot-6, 209 pounds, he is the tallest receiver on Alabama’s roster. Despite his size, Shavers seems to move well during drills, possessing good cuts and quickness.

Due to Alabama’s depth at the wide receiver position, Shavers appears to find himself behind several other players on the Tide’s “rep chart.” That being said, his tools and athleticism at position might see him climb the ranks early during his college career.


Chadarius Townsend
Athlete
4 STARS
Tanner
Tanner, AL
RR: 5.8
Ht: 6'0"
Wt: 180 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: B+
Chadarius Townsend’s depth should play into his favor as he fights for early playing time with Alabama. Listed as an athlete coming out of high school, Townsend started as a running back with the Tide before making the switch to slot receiver.

Right now, Townsend looks to be third in the “rep chart” at slot receiver behind Cam Sims and Xavian Marks. A quarterback at Tanner High School in Alabama, Townsend is shifty in space and can create plays with the ball in his hand. At 6-foot, 192 pounds, he’s reminiscent of former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake, who was utilized heavily in the passing game during his time with the Tide.


Major Tennison
Tight end
4 STARS
Bullard
Bullard, TX
RR: 5.8
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 240 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade B-
Wearing the No. 88 left behind by future NFL first-round draft pick O.J. Howard, it’s hard for four-star tight end Major Tennison to escape the inevitable comparisons with the recent Alabama great.

Like Howard, Tennison, 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, has good height and weight and is able to contribute as a pass catcher and a blocker. However, right now the freshman tight end appears to still be a while away from realizing that potential on the field. Tennison is fifth in the Tide’s “rep chart” behind Miller Forristall, Hale Hentges, Irv Smith and Ronnie Clark.

“Major is a young player that looks like he's got some potential and promise to maybe develop into a guy that can do all the things,” Saban said. “But it'll take him a while to feel confident and comfortable.”


Elliot Baker
Offensive tackle
5 STARS
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'7"
Wt: 295 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: C
Coming to Alabama as the No. 2 JUCO player in the nation, many projected Elliot Baker to earn one of the two vacant spots on the Tide’s offensive line this season. Baker was rated as a five-star prospect and at 6-7, 300 pounds, he stacks up well on paper.

However, on the field the JUCO prospect has had a more difficult time. According to Al.com, Baker reportedly recorded a 6.12 time in the 40-yard dash. That disappointment carried over to practice where he has practiced primarily with the third team during positional drills.

There’s still time for Baker to show the talent he flashed at the JUCO level last season. Although, he will have to get in better shape if he hopes to find the field this fall.


Alex Leatherwood
Offensive tackle
5 STARS
Washington
Pensacola, FL
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 298 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A-
Alex Leatherwood came into the spring looking to follow in the footsteps of departing left tackle Cam Robinson, who started every game for Alabama since joining the Tide in 2014. Listed as the No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 4 overall player in the 2017 class, many projected Leatherwood to have the same early impact with the Tide.

Leatherwood had somewhat of a jumpstart with Alabama, joining the team in time to help the Tide prepare for its national championship game against Clemson in January. While Leatherwood is still adapting to college football, he appears to be on the cusp of putting everything together and could very well push for a starting spot in the fall.

Right now, the 6-foot-6, 327-pounder is practicing at right tackle on the second-team unit. However, Leatherwood looks to be progressing nicely during practice which should make for an interesting battle this offseason.


Isaiah Buggs
Strongside defensive end
5 STARS
Gulf Coast C.C.
Perkinston, MS
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 280 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A
Isaiah Buggs has had as good of a spring as any player on the Tide’s roster. Like Leatherwood, Buggs came to Alabama in early January and was able to help the Tide prep for the championship game, giving him extra time to get acclimated.

Buggs, who was rated as the No. 1 JUCO prospect in the nation this year, comes to the Tide from the same Mississippi junior college as former defensive tackle Terrence Cody. During National Signing Day, he said his time in junior college helped him prepare for the rigors of college football.

That seems to be paying off this spring. According to reports, Buggs shined during the Tide’s first scrimmage and is a leading candidate to start opposite of Da’Shawn Hand at defensive end next season.

“He looks good,” Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams said. “He's doing a good job. You can tell he's a hard worker and he's learning the defense.”


Dylan Moses
Outside linebacker
5 STARS
IMG Academy
Bradenton, FL
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 225 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: A
It’s hard to believe Dylan Moses was in high school four months ago. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound freshman already looks the part of a veteran SEC linebacker.

While his five-star rating created plenty of hype entering the spring, Moses continued to amaze putting up freakish numbers during Alabama’s spring testing. According to Al.com, the linebacker posted a 4.46 time in the 40 and also squatted 500 pounds and power cleaned 335 pounds.

“First impression is he is an athletic guy,” Alabama linebacker Rahsaan Evans said. “That is obvious. All it’s really going to take is him improving as a player, and once he does that, the sky’s the limit.”

Moses has been practicing with the inside linebackers this spring. While still somewhat raw, he has progressed through some early growing pains and is practicing with the second team alongside Mack Wilson when Alabama practices out of its nickel package.


Daniel Wright
Safety
4 STARS
Boyd Anderson
Fort Lauderdale, FL
RR: 5.9
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 167 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: B-
Daniel Wright came to Alabama as a safety but has since moved to cornerback due to the Tide’s lack of depth at the position. Listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Wright has the height Saban likes in his corners. Although learning a new position will take some time.

Alabama’s secondary did not perform well during the scrimmage, as the Tide’s offense was able to take advantage of its the second- and third-team defensive backs. Being a part of that youth in the back end of Alabama’s secondary it’s obvious Wright still has a long way to go at the position.

One positive sign was during the Tide's spring workouts, where he posted the second fastest 40 time among defensive backs at 4.53, according to Al.com.

“I think a lot of the young players made a lot of mental errors, but that's OK,” Saban said. “I think that's why we put them out there. They'll learn from the mistakes that they made and we're going to have an opportunity to get some of those guys better.”


Kyriq McDonald
Safety
4 STARS
James Clemens
Madison, AL
RR: 5.8
Ht: 5'11"
Wt: 185 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade B-
While listed as a safety coming out of high school, Kyriq McDonald’s versatility should allow him to play anywhere across Alabama’s secondary. Although given his stocky build, the 5-foot-11, 194-pound defensive back seems the perfect fit for the Star position.

That’s primarily where we have seen McDonald this spring as he appears to be third behind Tony Brown and Shyheim Carter on the Tide’s “rep chart.” Like other young defensive backs on Alabama’s roster, McDonald might find it hard to get used to the college game in time to see much playing time this season. Although, with the Tide’s lack of depth at the position, Alabama might need him to be able to step in at some point later in the season.


Xavier McKinney
Safety
4 STARS
Roswell
Roswell, GA
RR: 6
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade B
Xavier McKinney has looked the most impressive looking of Alabama’s three defensive back early enrollees during practice, showing good bursts of speed and nice reaction time to balls in the air.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, McKinney has the size and versatility to play at either of the two safety positions for the Tide. While he most likely will end up serving as a reserve at free safety behind Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson, McKinney spent Wednesday’s practice shadowing strong safety Hootie Jones on Alabama’s second-team nickel defense.


Thomas Fletcher
Athlete
2 STARS
IMG Academy
Bradenton, FL
RR: 5.2
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 215 lbs
Class: 2017

Grade: unknown
The media doesn’t get to watch special teams during its designated viewing period of practice. Because of this, there is no way to judge how long snapper Thomas Fletcher is progressing this spring.

Becoming only the second long snapper to earn a scholarship from Saban it’s almost a given that Fletcher will replace Cole Mazza at the position this season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder was rated as the top snapper in the nation by RubioLongSnapping.com, which is run by long-snapping guru Chris Rubio.

“His form is so fluid,” Rubio said earlier this year. “It’s like watching Tiger Woods back in the day when his golf swing was so pure it almost looked like poetry. That’s the same thing with Fletcher’s snap. It’s so smooth, and there is no wasted movement.”

BamaInsider.com - Alabama early enrollees spring report card

 

[TerryP]

Deonte Brown getting reps with the 1's again today. I recall several describing him as a bulldozer as he was being recruited.

 

[TerryP]

 

[Tidestalker]

Pre Scrimmage Notes

More here:
Alabama scrimmage report: New-look O-Line ready to go

-- Safety Deionte Thompson was not present. He was booked in Tuscaloosa County jail Friday after a felony assault warrant was issued for him in Texas.

-- The first-team offensive line consisted of Lester Cotton at right tackle, Deonte Brown at right guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Ross Pierschbacher at left guard and Jonah Williams at left tackle.

-- Running backs Damien Harris and B.J. Emmons stood off to the side. Emmons was wearing a walking boot on his left foot. He had offseason surgery on his foot. Harris aggravated a foot sprain last Saturday.

-- Running back Josh Jacobs was dressed out after he didn't participate in the scrimmage last Saturday because of a thigh bruise.

-- The top three receivers were Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims. Sims was in the slot.

-- Ben Davis was seen working with the inside linebackers.

 

[Tidestalker]

What Nick Saban liked, what needs fixing after Alabama scrimmage

Those first few moments after a scrimmage can bring the brutal honesty from Nick Saban. Stepping off the field and to the podium in Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saban drops his straw hat on the floor and gets started.

The familiar routine played out Friday evening after Alabama's second scrimmage of spring practice. He listed off a few of the things he liked and couple issues that didn't make him too happy.

In the absence of stats or eyeballs on the action, this is the best indicator of what happened inside the mostly stadium Friday afternoon. The rundown:

Good: The second team made a significant amount of improvement. They "competed a lot better against the first rep chart, which was encouraging in a lot of ways," Saban said. It is a good sign for depth overall, Saban added.

Bad: Tackling wasn't as good this week as it was last Saturday. Missed tackles were suddenly an issue. "Since we're playing against ourselves, maybe the offense was a little better at running after the catch or breaking some tackles on some runs, but I didn't think the tackling was quite as crisp as it was a week ago." That goes back to practice since they don't tackle to the ground in regular practices.

Good: The balance on offense. There were a few explosive plays in the passing game. The running game also took a step forward with big plays "where there was an absence of a week ago."

Bad: The secondary didn't get a positive review for a second straight week. "I thought we missed some 50-50 balls we should have made plays on and they turned out to be not great big plays," Saban said. Whether it's technique or players getting cut off, that can't happen moving forward.

Good: The "juice" on defense even if tackling wasn't as sharp.

Good: Special teams. The punter and kickers "were pretty good." There was a blocked field goal "which was a really good effort by the defense.

 

[Tidestalker]

Nick Saban breaks down Alabama's second spring scrimmage

Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media Friday night following the Crimson Tide's second spring scrimmage.

Below is a rundown of what he said:

-- Saban mentioned trying some different things along the right side of the offensive line. Said Lester Cotton played right tackle today. Said he'd rather wait to watch the film before offering an evaluation of the offensive line.

-- Saban said he wasn't happy with the play of the defensive backs today. Mentioned the inability to make plays on 50-50 balls.

-- Saban said he feels like JUCO defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has gotten better every day.

-- Saban said Bo Scarbrough (leg) didn't scrimmage today but is pretty much back to full speed.

-- Saban on Deionte Thompson: Once we have a better understanding of the situation, we'll make a determination on what we have to do.

-- Saban: I thought the specialists performed really well today. Praised JK Scott and said there was a blocked kick today.

-- Saban: We ran the ball a little better and had some explosive runs.

-- Saban: I was really pleased with how we tackled last week, but we had more missed tackles today. Saban: The tackling wasn't as crisp as it was a week ago.

-- Saban: A lot of backup players improved and performed well against first-team guys.

-- Saban: I saw a lot of progress in some areas and not as much in some other areas.

 

[18Champs]

Asked how the OL performed, Saban said, "I can't really answer that without watching the film. But we're trying some things there. Lester played a lot of tackle last year. He's doing a really good job at (right) guard. So sometimes we do things because we want to see what somebody else can do, and, in Lester's case, we want to make sure he could play guard and tackle next year. I can't really comment on how he played at tackle today. I thought he did okay. And I can't really comment on how the right guards did, because I don't really watch the guys like I do when I watch the film. But I don't think there was a major drop-off or a noticeable negative in any way that I can comment on."

 

[TUSKtimes]

During the warm-up drills when Tua hits the receivers they never break stride. He's really a gifted thrower and his timing is always on. If this guy can pick up his defensive reads, he should see some meaningful snaps. He's not a bad plan B to have on the sidelines, even if he is a freshman.

 

[Bamabww]

During the warm-up drills when Tua hits the receivers they never break stride. He's really a gifted thrower and his timing is always on. If this guy can pick up his defensive reads, he should see some meaningful snaps. He's not a bad plan B to have on the sidelines, even if he is a freshman.

Agree, I have really been impressed with this young man's natural ability. His attitude ain't half bad either.

 

[Tidestalker]

During the warm-up drills when Tua hits the receivers they never break stride. He's really a gifted thrower and his timing is always on. If this guy can pick up his defensive reads, he should see some meaningful snaps. He's not a bad plan B to have on the sidelines, even if he is a freshman.

Yes, I noticed that also. Frankly almost all of his passes are more well timed and accurate than Jalen's. His spirals are A1.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Hahaha.

Folks talking like an incoming greenie with sub-par footwork is gonna take some snaps from the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year, simply because he throws a tight spiral during routes on air drills.

Barring a Jalen injury, Tua is shirting this year.

If we don't need him, we're not going to play him. Now, he'll get some snaps next year in garbage time, but it ain't happening this year.

Classic short-sighted fan rhetoric. The backup is always better than the starter

 

[Tidestalker]

Hahaha.

Folks talking like an incoming greenie with sub-par footwork is gonna take some snaps from the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year, simply because he throws a tight spiral during routes on air drills.

Barring a Jalen injury, Tua is shirting this year.

If we don't need him, we're not going to play him. Now, he'll get some snaps next year in garbage time, but it ain't happening this year.

Classic short-sighted fan rhetoric. The backup is always better than the starter

I've never insinuated that, Jalen's always been my guy. But the video speaks for itself. Tua wins the "2 Minute Tight spiral air drill passing competition".

 

[TerryP]

Barring a Jalen injury, Tua is shirting this year.

I won't go that far. I see no reason for him to be working with special teams, holding for kicks, if they have the intent of 'shirting him. They've used more than one, but using him tells me nothing has been decided for next season.