🏈 Spring Camp - 2017

[TerryP]

OTOH, since Greg, we've seen "eventual " backups in season openers because of an ongoing QB battle 5 out of 7 years (the exception being AJ's final 2 years, when QB1 was settled).

We hardly saw backups at all in '12 and '13.

There's an ongoing QB battle for #2—Tua and Mac. You're saying we've seen the eventual backups in the openers (which would be either Tua or Mac.) So, we're both saying pretty much the same thing. Right?

Ol' Blake scored a couple of TD's in '12. I'd bet he got in for at least two-thirds of the games that season. I don't recall a lot of passing and would only be able to guess 25-40 or so attempts on the season. It seem like the played a good bit in the Auburn game, didn't he?
@Destiny's Child This is the first year I've heard a number less than 25. That tells me they're closer to the 85 number than they've been. Very selective for the class of '18 leads me to believe '17 is pretty damn close to capacity. I also believe they know where the summer causalities are right now. The chances of a Mo Smith seems slim.

Here's what I understand and believe to be true.

Jalen has improved in areas of concern.
Tua is a good quarterback. He's got a pocket presence that Jalen lacked last season. For such a young kid, a good pocket presence.
It kills me thinking about how excited fans would be any other year with Mac. But that's a different story for another thread sometime. We know the staff has told Mac he needs to gain weight. Every year that means the same thing; a quarterback 'shirting.

I don't want Jalen taking a lot of snaps in blowout games. It's a long season. I don't know enough about Montana to speak one way or another but the idea of him relieving Jalen isn't a picture I enjoy imagining.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

There's an ongoing QB battle for #2—Tua and Mac. You're saying we've seen the eventual backups in the openers (which would be either Tua or Mac.) So, we're both saying pretty much the same thing. Right?

Ol' Blake scored a couple of TD's in '12. I'd bet he got in for at least two-thirds of the games that season. I don't recall a lot of passing and would only be able to guess 25-40 or so attempts on the season. It seem like the played a good bit in the Auburn game, didn't he?
@Destiny's Child This is the first year I've heard a number less than 25. That tells me they're closer to the 85 number than they've been. Very selective for the class of '18 leads me to believe '17 is pretty damn close to capacity. I also believe they know where the summer causalities are right now. The chances of a Mo Smith seems slim.

Here's what I understand and believe to be true.

Jalen has improved in areas of concern.
Tua is a good quarterback. He's got a pocket presence that Jalen lacked last season. For such a young kid, a good pocket presence.
It kills me thinking about how excited fans would be any other year with Mac. But that's a different story for another thread sometime. We know the staff has told Mac he needs to gain weight. Every year that means the same thing; a quarterback 'shirting.

I don't want Jalen taking a lot of snaps in blowout games. It's a long season. I don't know enough about Montana to speak one way or another but the idea of him relieving Jalen isn't a picture I enjoy imagining.

Does it matter with the lead well in hand and we're taking the air our of the ball late?

You or I could turn around and hand the ball off for 15-20 snaps a game.

 

[Tidestalker]

There's an ongoing QB battle for #2—Tua and Mac. You're saying we've seen the eventual backups in the openers (which would be either Tua or Mac.) So, we're both saying pretty much the same thing. Right?

Ol' Blake scored a couple of TD's in '12. I'd bet he got in for at least two-thirds of the games that season. I don't recall a lot of passing and would only be able to guess 25-40 or so attempts on the season. It seem like the played a good bit in the Auburn game, didn't he?
@Destiny's Child This is the first year I've heard a number less than 25. That tells me they're closer to the 85 number than they've been. Very selective for the class of '18 leads me to believe '17 is pretty damn close to capacity. I also believe they know where the summer causalities are right now. The chances of a Mo Smith seems slim.

Here's what I understand and believe to be true.

Jalen has improved in areas of concern.
Tua is a good quarterback. He's got a pocket presence that Jalen lacked last season. For such a young kid, a good pocket presence.
It kills me thinking about how excited fans would be any other year with Mac. But that's a different story for another thread sometime. We know the staff has told Mac he needs to gain weight. Every year that means the same thing; a quarterback 'shirting.

I don't want Jalen taking a lot of snaps in blowout games. It's a long season. I don't know enough about Montana to speak one way or another but the idea of him relieving Jalen isn't a picture I enjoy imagining.

I'm rarely right so I'd hate to jinx Tua... But for a long time I felt he had some special qualities both physically and mentally. It was hard to tell vs Hawaiin comp, but he naturally throws amazing balls. Mac has some AJ qualities, and Tua has some Jalen qualities. Great in different ways. But I do think Tua is a more gifted passer than most any HS player I've seen... He can really sling it for a shorter dude. To go along with his athleticism and character/leadership qualities, I can see him doing big things at some point.

My guess is he will start as a RS soph, after getting some sporadic starts for an injured Hurts. If Hurts can progress as a passer maybe he moves on after jr year... Depending on that QB class (which I know little about)

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Tsoukalas quotes Ridley: "His (Hurts') progression is night and day"

BamaInsider.com - How Jalen Hurts' progression is "night and day" from last year

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Tuesday's practice report

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama took part in its 13th practice of spring camp Tuesday afternoon. Alabama players will have one more practice on Thursday before Saturday’s A-Day game. Tuesday, players were dressed in full pads in 83-degree weather.

Here are some notes from the media viewing period:

— Alabama practiced out of its base 3-4 defense, something we seldom see during the viewing periods. Terrell Hall and Anfernee Jennings were the two outside linebackers, with Keith Holcombe and Rashaan Evans as the inside linebackers. Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett were the corners, while Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick were at safety.

— Ben Davis appears to have made the switch back to inside linebacker after starting the spring with the outside linebackers. Davis looks to be more of an inside linebacker by nature, but could have been being groomed to play outside in certain packages.

— Evans led the inside linebackers and was followed by Keith Holcombe, Dylan Moses, Davis, Shawn Jennings, Joshua McMillon with Mack Wilson bringing up the rear.

— Alabama once again saw shakeup across its offensive line. The Tide lined up with Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack from left to right. Deonte Brown was the backup right guard, while Alex Leatherwood was the backup right tackle.

— Bo Scarbrough led the running backs and was followed by Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Josh Jacobs and B.J. Emmons. Scarbrough (leg) and Emmons (foot) were still in black jerseys. Damien Harris was not in a black jersey but did not participate in drills.

— Jared Mayden (hip) and Shaun Dion Hamilton (ACL) were also still in black jerseys. Mayden was practicing with the defensive backs, while Hamilton continued to work on his own.

— Alabama’s first four group of defensive lineman continues to be Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne, Joshua Frazier and Raekwon Davis. It’s interesting to see that Isaiah Buggs, despite generating a lot of buzz this spring, is still with the second group.

Practice No. 13 (Practice report, Video Interviews Added) | BamaInsider.com

 

[Tidestalker]

Not surprised to see Ben Davis back with the MLB's. Looks like he's working ahead of a few guys, so maybe he sneaks on the field this year.

Terrell Hall playing with the starters is awesome.... Super intriguing. I hope he shows out at A Day

Really looks like Dylan Moses is going to get on the field. Im guessing he will be a special teams demon this year... Like Rueben and Mack were early on. Is Mack injured? Or in the doghouse? Last in line if healthy is not a good sign

 

[18Champs]

Tsoukalas quotes Ridley: "His (Hurts') progression is night and day"

BamaInsider.com - How Jalen Hurts' progression is "night and day" from last year

More on this ... different writer.

Calvin Ridley likes what he's seen from Alabama's three QBs

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Calvin Ridley likes what he’s seen from Alabama’s trio of quarterbacks.

The rising junior wide receiver has caught passes from all three of the Crimson Tide’s scholarship signal callers this spring and has seen positive things from each of them on the practice field.

Incumbent starter Jalen Hurts has received rave reviews from coaches and players this spring, and the team’s most-experienced pass catcher has noticed a difference in his roommate.

“I think it’s night and day,” Ridley said of Hurts prior to Tuesday’s 13th spring practice. “He’s gotten so much better. He sits in there and sometimes when I’m not in and I look, he’s stepping up, making good throws. So, he’s gotten a lot better.”

Last season, Hurts threw for 2,780 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions to go along with his 954 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in 15 games of action. But he struggled to consistently pass the ball downfield with accuracy as the year progressed.

This spring, the emphasis has been placed on keeping Hurts and the quarterbacks in the pocket and less on tucking the football and running before completing their reads. And early reviews have said the game has slowed down for the Channelview, Texas, native.

“I just see him step up, when the pocket breaks down,” Ridley said. “He just steps into it and makes a good throw. And sometimes he used to, when the pocket breaks down, he would take off. And now he’s getting a lot better at it. It’s going to help us a lot.”

Earlier this spring, head coach Nick Saban said Hurts is the starter and the pair of quarterbacks they recently signed are “going to have to grow into being adequate backups by the fall.”

The other dual-threat quarterback on the roster, Tua Tagovailoa, was the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback and No. 32 overall prospect in the 2017 cycle, per the 247Sports Composite. And he has also caught some people’s attention with his impressive passing in his first practices in Tuscaloosa.

“He’s a real good quarterback, he’s smart,” Ridley said of the Honolulu, Hawaii, product. “He could get a lot more comfortable, but he’s a good football player and seems like he knows what he’s doing. He knows how to move the ball down the field with the team, so I like him. He’s got a nice spiral. He’s left-handed and can throw the ball pretty good. Good accuracy.”

Rounding out the trio of quarterbacks is four-star, pro-style passer Mac Jones. The Jacksonville, Fla., native was the No. 12 pro-style quarterback and No. 38 player in the state of Florida.

Jones has been the third signal caller in the position line behind Hurts and Tagovailoa, but just like the dual-threat quarterbacks, the 6-foot-2 has shown flashes on the field this spring.

“Mac is pretty good, too,” Ridley said. “He’s like one of those who throws really well. I would say Jalen probably runs better than him, but Mac can throw really well. He was one of those 7-on-7 guys. He can throw. Smart, too.”

All three quarterbacks will display their talents at Saturday’s A-Day Spring Game, and Hurts will likely handle the first-team reps with the freshmen splitting time on the second team.

Ridley is 0-1 in spring games, and even though he enjoys hot dogs and beans more than the victor’s dinner of steak, he will look to even the score with a win in his second scrimmage in Bryant-Denny Stadium, which kicks off at 2 p.m. CT on April 22 on ESPN.

“Hopefully, the first-team offense (wins),” Ridley said Tuesday afternoon. “Our defense is pretty good so we’re going to fight it out. We got some good plays. You’re going to see some good stuff.”

 

[Tidestalker]

Big,strong, young Alabama lineman 'really getting ater it'

By Matt Zenitz
More here: Big, strong, young Alabama lineman 'really getting after it'

Only one Alabama player outdid defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne in any of the three primary strength lifts during the Crimson Tide's spring testing.

While Payne recorded the top numbers on the team in both the bench press and the power clean, the top squat was posted by redshirt freshman offensive guard Deonte Brown.

Only five Alabama players squatted more than 545 pounds. Brown did 675 pounds, 40 pounds more than anyone else on the team.

The former four-star recruit from Decatur also bench-pressed 500 pounds, tied for second on the team behind only Payne.

That strength is a primary asset for the 6-foot-4, 350-pound Brown, who has worked to get into better shape since first arriving in Tuscaloosa and is now being given an opportunity to compete for Alabama's starting right guard job.

While Lester Cotton has been the first-team right guard most of the spring, Brown was the first-team right guard during open portions of practice last week while Cotton worked at right tackle.

"Deonte has really stepped up this year," center Bradley Bozeman said. "He's really getting after it and trying to figure out the right way to do things."

 

[Tidestalker]

Why Alabama OLB Christian Miller is ready to play heavy 'D'

By Rainer Sabin
Link Here: Why Alabama OLB Christian Miller is ready to play heavy 'D'

When Christian Miller arrived at Alabama, he weighed less than some of the Crimson Tide's defensive backs.

According to Miller, he tipped the scales at 205 pounds back then.

That would have been fine if Miller were a safety.

But he was a highly-recruited pass rusher.

If Miller were ever to be the successor to Tim Williams or Ryan Anderson, he was going to have to add some heft to his 6-4, shooting guard frame.

"I think the thing we've always tried to do is get him strong enough that he can go out there and sustain playing at the point," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "I think he's made an improvement in that area."

The evidence can be found in the latest edition of Alabama's football roster.

Miller is listed at 240 pounds, and with more mass he believes he will be able to become a regular contributor without breaking down.

"It's important to stay healthy and get bigger and do what you have to do to be durable because you're no good on the sideline," Miller said.

But for much of his career, that's where he's remained. He didn't play as a freshman after being slapped with a redshirt in 2014, and didn't produce any stats in any of the 12 games he appeared in during his first season of action. Last year, Miller flashed his potential as a reserve. He recorded 16 tackles and two sacks in 113 snaps -- more than half of which were devoted to hunting the quarterback.

With Williams and Anderson out of the picture, Miller will once again be called on to rush the passer.

"But it's like Coach Saban tells us, it's not always about making sacks," he said. "Sometimes you just need to affect the quarterback, and that's what we're working on. It's not always about the numbers. There are also other ways you can put up stats that may not be on paper."

Miller thinks of himself as a complete outside linebacker -- capable of covering tight ends, dropping at a moment's notice and providing run support.

That, of course, is the mark of an every-down player. It's what Miller has aspired to be since arriving on campus, and he's closer to realizing that goal with a body that now fits the position he plays.

 

[Tidestalker]

Alabama practice report: O-Line shuffling continues

-- Ben Davis continued to work with the inside linebackers.

-- Matt Womack was back with the first team at right tackle. Lester Cotton was positioned next to him at right guard. Bradley Bozeman was at center, Ross Pierschbacher at left guard and Jonah Williams at left tackle.

--Damien Harris (foot) appeared to be limited and was not involved when team drills began.

-- The order of Alabama's outside linebackers during position drills was Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings, Jamey Mosley, Terrell Hall and Mekhi Brown.

-- Inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (knee), defensive back Jared Mayden (hip), and running backs Bo Scarborough (leg), and running back B.J. Emmons (foot) continued to wear black, non-contact jerseys.

-- Even though he has been at safety this spring, Minkah Fitzpatrick was working with the cornerbacks during individual drills. He and Tony Brown were the first players to take reps, followed by Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace.

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

 

[JoshB]

A-DAY ROSTERS
CRIMSON TEAM (FIRST TEAM OFFENSE, SECOND TEAM DEFENSE)
OFFENSE
QB: Jalen Hurts, Jackson Carpenter
RB: Joshua Jacobs, Brian Robinson, Kendall Norris, Bo Scarbrough (injured), Damien Harris (injured)
LT: Jonah Williams
LG: Ross Pierschbacher, Richie Petibon
C: Bradley Bozeman
RG: Lester Cotton, Dallas Warmack
RT: Matt Womack
WR: Robert Foster, Tyrell Shavers, Chris Herring
WR: Derek Keif, Cam Sims, Jonathan Rice
WR: Calvin Ridley, Chadarius Townsend
TE: Miller Forristal, Hale Hentges, Jacob Parker, Hunter Bryant

DEFENSE
DE: Raekwon Davis, Vohn Keith Jr., Taylor Wilson
NT: Joshua Frazier, Jamar King
DE: Johnny Dwight, Daniel Powell
OLB: Ben Davis, Jamey Mosley
ILB: Shawn Jennings, Mack Wilson
ILB: Dylan Moses, Ryan Burns
OLB: Terrell Hall, Tucker Riddick
CB: Shyheim Carter, Levi Wallace, Donavan Mosley, Jared Mayden (injured)
CB: Kyriq McDonald, Daniel Wright, Ragria Lewis (injured)
S: Hootie Jones, Bo Grant
S: Xavier McKinney, Parker Bearden
STAR: Aaron Robinson, Andrew Heath

SPECIALISTS: Andy Pappanastos, Thomas Fletcher, Preston Knight, Ryan Parris
OFFENSIVE COACHES: Brian Daboll, Burton Burns, Chris Weinke, Brendan Farrell, Rob Ezell, William Vlachos, Mike Miller & Joke Thornton
DEFENSIV COACHES: Tosh Lupoi, Derrick Ansley, Dean Altobelli, Garrett Cox & Kyle Pope
STRENGTH COACHES: Josh Chapman and Terry Jones

WHITE TEAM (FIRST DEFENSE, SECOND OFFENSE)
OFFENSE
QB: Mac Jones, Tua Tagovailoa, Montana Murphy (injured)
RB: Najee Harris, Zavier Mapp, De'Marquise Lockridge, BJ Emmons (injured)
OL: Elliot Baker, Scott Lashley
OL: Deonte Brown, Alex Leatherwood
OL: Josh Casher, Chris Owens
OL: JC Hassenauer
OL: Brandon Kennedy
WR: Jerry Jeudy, Donnie Lee, Swade Hutchinson, Daniel Skehan (injured)
WR: Xavian Marks, Austin Johnson, Jonathan Adams,
WR: TJ Simmons, Mac Hereford, John Parker
TE: Ronnie Clark, Irv Smith, Major Tennison, Giles Amos, Sean Goodman, Joseph Harvey, Cody Shaw, Michael Parrott, Brendan Hobbs, Cam Stewart (injured)

DEFENSE
DE: Isaih Buggs, Quinnen Williams
NT: Daron Payne, OJ Smith
DE: Da'Shawn Hand
OLB: Mekhi Brown, Christian Miller
ILB: Rashaan Evans, Josh McMillon
ILB: Keith Holcombe, Shaun Dion Hamilton (injured)
OLB: Anfernee Jennings
CB: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Nigel Knott
CB: Anthony Averett, Jeffrey Stacy
S: Keaton Anderson
S: Trevon Diggs, Ronnie Harrison
STAR: Tony Brown, Dezmond Kersh

SPECIALISTS: JK Scott, Scott Meyer, Mike Bernier, Brannon Satterfield
OFFENSIVE COACHES: Michael Locksley, Joe Pannunzio, Brent Key, Bobby Williams, Dan Werner, Alex Mortensen, Shea Tierney
DEFENSIVE COACHES: Jeremy Pruitt, Karl Dunbar, Wes Neighbors, Nick Perry, Jake Long
STRENGTH COACHES: Scott Cochran, Kindal Moorehead, Tyler Owens, Geno Matias-Smith

 

[TerryP]

TE: Miller Forristal, Hale Hentges, Jacob Parker, Hunter Bryant

TE: Ronnie Clark, Irv Smith, Major Tennison, Giles Amos, Sean Goodman, Joseph Harvey, Cody Shaw, Michael Parrott, Brendan Hobbs, Cam Stewart (injured)

14. Geez. There's a bunch of walk-ons here.

 

[TerryP]

Physically, Dwight is beginning to look like a defensive end.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Thursday's practice report

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players participated in their 14th practice of spring camp Thursday, their final before Saturday’s A-Day game. Players were dressed in shirts and shells under 86-degree weather.

Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:

— We got to see an extra few plays from practice that we weren’t supposed to see as Alabama’s first-team offense went up against its first-team defense.

— Alabama was working on swing passes to its running backs during the few plays.

— The first-team defensive line was Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne and Isaiah Buggs. Buggs has been with the second unit during positional drills, but apparently he practices with the first team during team drills.

— Due to the amount of time we got to see and the angle, I was unable to see if Alabama was working out of the base or the nickel, but I did see Anfernee Jennings, Rashaan Evans and Keith Holcombe as linebackers.

— Trevon Diggs and Anthony Averett were the corners, and Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick were the safeties.

— Despite playing as a safety, Fitzpatrick was seen working with the corners during positional drills.

— The first-team offensive line was Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton and Matt Womack from left to right.

— The second-team offensive line was Scott Lashley, Josh Casher, J.C. Hassenauer, Deonte Brown and Alex Leatherwood.

— Bo Scarbrough was leading the line at running back. He’s in a black, no-contact jersey along with B.J. Emmons, who was not participating in drills. I didn’t see Damien Harris participate in drills either with the running backs, although he’s still not in a black jersey.

— Former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster was in attendance, watching the inside linebackers during positional drills.

— Another former Alabama player did not receive as warm of a welcome. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s red Porsche was ticketed and booted outside of the practice facility. However, the boot was later removed.

 

[JoshB]

14. Geez. There's a bunch of walk-ons here.

Keaton Anderson was the one that shocked me. Hes listed as the "No. 1" DB on the roster. Like wtf?! Is Ronnie Harrison massively in the doghouse, Saban sending a message here?

 

[TerryP]

Keaton Anderson was the one that shocked me. Hes listed as the "No. 1" DB on the roster. Like wtf?! Is Ronnie Harrison massively in the doghouse, Saban sending a message here?

The roster is listed in alphabetical order.

I've been told (more often than I can count) to not discount the role he's going to have on the team this season. I don't think there are many around that suspect how much he's come along since he's been in Tuscaloosa.

Personally, the only thing that's "news worthy" as far as surprises is Womack. I doubt we'd find more than half of a dozen Bama fans who would have had him projected as a possible starter at right tackle.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Keaton Anderson was the one that shocked me. Hes listed as the "No. 1" DB on the roster. Like wtf?! Is Ronnie Harrison massively in the doghouse, Saban sending a message here?

The last roster update I've seen he's still listed as an LB. He has the frame for safety.

 

[TerryP]

The last roster update I've seen he's still listed as an LB. He has the frame for safety.

It makes me wonder if they are planning on having White run dime. I can see Anderson at MONEY, and I can also see how it would be a good chance to challenge Jalen even more with six defensive backs.

I don't know if you guys have ever listened to Jimmy Stein who occasionally comes on a few radio shows to talk about Bama and recruiting. If not, you'd likely raise your eyebrows a bit listening to him talk about Anderson. He's REAL high on him this season.

 

[TUSKtimes]

It makes me wonder if they are planning on having White run dime. I can see Anderson at MONEY, and I can also see how it would be a good chance to challenge Jalen even more with six defensive backs.

I don't know if you guys have ever listened to Jimmy Stein who occasionally comes on a few radio shows to talk about Bama and recruiting. If not, you'd likely raise your eyebrows a bit listening to him talk about Anderson. He's REAL high on him this season.

We stayed in nickel and dime about 85% of the time last season, it would be smart to get someone else ready for the 'money" position beside Harrison. If Anderson is coming along, we should get him on the field, especially given our resources at safety these days look like they're gonna take another hit.

 

[TerryP]

We stayed in nickel and dime about 85% of the time last season, it would be smart to get someone else ready for the 'money" position beside Harrison.

If Anderson is coming along, we should get him on the field, especially given our resources at safety these days look like they're gonna take another hit.

I'll let you be the judge if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

With the recent news about Thompson and seeing Keaton listed with the safeties my thought was, "that makes sense."

I didn't like Vinnie playing safety when he was here. I thought he was a liability in coverage. I've been told to dismiss those thoughts when it comes to Anderson...having a hard time doing so.