🏈 Sugar Bowl pre-game discussions
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Alabama17Tide
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Practice No. 2 By Kyle Henderson
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 4 Alabama worked inside for its second practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against No. 1 Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Same as on Friday. He was not at practice. He will return to Alabama following the dead period which ends Sunday.
Terrell Lewis (elbow), Mack Wilson (foot), Christian Miller (biceps) were both going through drills in full go and continue to look better each day.
Ross Pierschbacher (ankle) appeared to be fine and was repping with the first team on offense during drills.
Shaun Dion Hamilton (knee) continues to be a coach on the field and was seen for a second day coaching up the middle linebackers.
We got a first look at Saivion Smith (JC transfer) who wore No. 23 and he looked great from what we saw.
Overall
As you can see from the video below, this was a great practice with a lot of crisp movements and up-tempo. The guys are clearly where they need to be at this point
Four stationary bikes were present at the workout. Nigel Knott (DB) was seen on the stationary bike today.
Also on Saturday, Damien Harris, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jalen Hurts, and Levi Wallace spoke to the media before Clemson.
Minkah Fitzpatrick on the confidence he has in the defense with the absence of Hootie Jones.
“I have a lot of confidence in the defense. Deionte Thompson, Xavier McKinney, and Daniel Wright will fill in for him. We all know what we are doing, and while Hootie is a big loss for us as he is a great leader and player on the field, but I still have the same confidence in this defense.”
Damien Harris on the Alabama offense.
“I have all the confidence in the world. It starts with Coach Saban. I know that coach Saban is going to do whatever is best for this team, offense, defense, special teams, so having faith in him and the offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, so believing in them gives us the securities that they are going to do what is best for the team.”
Jalen Hurt on his relationship with Brian Daboll
“I think we have built a relationship over time and that it will only continue to improve. He has a great relationship with everyone on this team. It’s going very well with him, all up hill.”
Levi Wallace on making the playoffs
“Most of my teammates were not nervous at all. I was kind of shaky on the other hand, in-fact I did not even watch the show. My brother called me and told me, just watch it, just watch it (laughing). I am glad we are in and now it’s time to take care of business.
Sugar Bowl Practice No. 2 ***Updated*** | BamaInsider.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 4 Alabama worked inside for its second practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against No. 1 Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Same as on Friday. He was not at practice. He will return to Alabama following the dead period which ends Sunday.
Terrell Lewis (elbow), Mack Wilson (foot), Christian Miller (biceps) were both going through drills in full go and continue to look better each day.
Ross Pierschbacher (ankle) appeared to be fine and was repping with the first team on offense during drills.
Shaun Dion Hamilton (knee) continues to be a coach on the field and was seen for a second day coaching up the middle linebackers.
We got a first look at Saivion Smith (JC transfer) who wore No. 23 and he looked great from what we saw.
Overall
As you can see from the video below, this was a great practice with a lot of crisp movements and up-tempo. The guys are clearly where they need to be at this point
Four stationary bikes were present at the workout. Nigel Knott (DB) was seen on the stationary bike today.
Also on Saturday, Damien Harris, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jalen Hurts, and Levi Wallace spoke to the media before Clemson.
Minkah Fitzpatrick on the confidence he has in the defense with the absence of Hootie Jones.
“I have a lot of confidence in the defense. Deionte Thompson, Xavier McKinney, and Daniel Wright will fill in for him. We all know what we are doing, and while Hootie is a big loss for us as he is a great leader and player on the field, but I still have the same confidence in this defense.”
Damien Harris on the Alabama offense.
“I have all the confidence in the world. It starts with Coach Saban. I know that coach Saban is going to do whatever is best for this team, offense, defense, special teams, so having faith in him and the offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, so believing in them gives us the securities that they are going to do what is best for the team.”
Jalen Hurt on his relationship with Brian Daboll
“I think we have built a relationship over time and that it will only continue to improve. He has a great relationship with everyone on this team. It’s going very well with him, all up hill.”
Levi Wallace on making the playoffs
“Most of my teammates were not nervous at all. I was kind of shaky on the other hand, in-fact I did not even watch the show. My brother called me and told me, just watch it, just watch it (laughing). I am glad we are in and now it’s time to take care of business.
Sugar Bowl Practice No. 2 ***Updated*** | BamaInsider.com
I enjoy what I enjoy, including lighthearted banter on a message board when I choose to show up. I have nothing invested in my opinions here, I'm just here for a good time.
It's all about e-cred, Tim. You know, that credibility thing we find with people posting under usernames. :naughtydevil:
The first site I helped build and run--back in '94 under AOL--had its characters wanting recognition. I too love the banter--don't care so much for reactions I see from people with thin skin (and we've all got that on some issues.)
Alabama17Tide
Member
Sugar Bowl Practice #3
Sugar Bowl practice No. 3 | BamaInsider.com
By Tony Tsoukalas
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players remained indoors Monday for their third practice in preparation for the Crimson Tide's Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1 as part of the College Football Playoff. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
— Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was back in action coaching the middle linebackers. It was Pruitt’s first practice back after taking the head coaching job at Tennessee earlier this month. Because Monday was the start of the dead period, Pruitt doesn’t have to worry about traveling to see recruits and can devote his time to coaching Alabama.
— As far as Pruitt’s coaching is concerned, everything looked pretty normal. He was engaged with his players and there didn’t seem to be any hostility on either side. Saturday, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick said he didn’t think it was weird that Pruitt was pulling double duty for Tennessee and Alabama and stated players have grown accustomed to coaching changes during bowl preparation. Last season former offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin took the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic, while the season before former defensive coordinator Kirby Smart took the head coaching job at Georgia.
“When coaches come here, you expect them to leave,” Fitzpatrick said. “A lot of coaches come for business opportunities. A lot of coaches want to become head coaches, so you kind of expect them to leave and go somewhere else. I am happy for him and his family, and I wish the best for him when he’s out there.”
— Defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (foot), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) and cornerback Nigel Knott were all in black jerseys wearing high-altitude masks while riding the stationary bikes. Earlier this month Saban said Ray “may be ready to contribute after Christmas “after breaking his foot in practice in November.
— Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to wear a hamstring-support strip on his left leg but looked to be moving fine during drills. Alabama worked on a lot of bump-and-run coverage during the viewing period, and Fitzpatrick never appeared to be limited.
— Class of 2018 members Savion Smith and Jarez Parks were participating in the practice but were only dressed in shorts and shells. Smith was working with the defensive backs while Parks was working with the outside linebackers.
— Parks was somewhat far away to evaluate, but I was impressed by what I saw from Smith. He has nice height for a cornerback and moved well during drills.
— While the temperature is not listed inside the indoor practice facility, it seemed a bit warmer than usual. At one point, wide receiver Robert Foster had to call over for a towel as it appeared his visor had fogged up. A few players were also weathering windbreakers under their pads which could mean coaches are trying to get them back in shape after having a two-week layoff.
— Last week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the team would use the first three practices as “camp-like” workouts. Alabama will return to its usual game-week style of practice Tuesday as it begins to focus more on Clemson.
1 Tony_Tsoukalas, Today at 2:46 PMTUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama players remained indoors Monday for their third practice in preparation for the Crimson Tide's Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1 as part of the College Football Playoff. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
— Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was back in action coaching the middle linebackers. It was Pruitt’s first practice back after taking the head coaching job at Tennessee earlier this month. Because Monday was the start of the dead period, Pruitt doesn’t have to worry about traveling to see recruits and can devote his time to coaching Alabama.
— As far as Pruitt’s coaching is concerned, everything looked pretty normal. He was engaged with his players and there didn’t seem to be any hostility on either side. Saturday, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick said he didn’t think it was weird that Pruitt was pulling double duty for Tennessee and Alabama and stated players have grown accustomed to coaching changes during bowl preparation. Last season former offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin took the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic, while the season before former defensive coordinator Kirby Smart took the head coaching job at Georgia.
“When coaches come here, you expect them to leave,” Fitzpatrick said. “A lot of coaches come for business opportunities. A lot of coaches want to become head coaches, so you kind of expect them to leave and go somewhere else. I am happy for him and his family, and I wish the best for him when he’s out there.”
— Defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (foot), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) and cornerback Nigel Knott were all in black jerseys wearing high-altitude masks while riding the stationary bikes. Earlier this month Saban said Ray “may be ready to contribute after Christmas “after breaking his foot in practice in November.
— Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to wear a hamstring-support strip on his left leg but looked to be moving fine during drills. Alabama worked on a lot of bump-and-run coverage during the viewing period, and Fitzpatrick never appeared to be limited.
— Class of 2018 members Savion Smith and Jarez Parks were participating in the practice but were only dressed in shorts and shells. Smith was working with the defensive backs while Parks was working with the outside linebackers.
— Parks was somewhat far away to evaluate, but I was impressed by what I saw from Smith. He has nice height for a cornerback and moved well during drills.
— While the temperature is not listed inside the indoor practice facility, it seemed a bit warmer than usual. At one point, wide receiver Robert Foster had to call over for a towel as it appeared his visor had fogged up. A few players were also weathering windbreakers under their pads which could mean coaches are trying to get them back in shape after having a two-week layoff.
— Last week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the team would use the first three practices as “camp-like” workouts. Alabama will return to its usual game-week style of practice Tuesday as it begins to focus more on Clemson.
Sugar Bowl practice No. 3 | BamaInsider.com
Alabama17Tide
Member
Sugar Bowl Practice # 4
By Tony Tsoukalas
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama held its forth practice Tuesday in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players practiced indoors away from the rain and wore shorts and shells for their first game-week style practice.
Here are a few notes from the brief media viewing period:
— As expected, Dylan Moses was not at practice after breaking his foot during Monday’s practice. The injury is expected to require surgery. While Alabama head coach Nick Saban go into detail about the injury, he did confirm in a release that Moses injured his foot.
“Dylan Moses injured his foot in practice on Monday,” Saban said. “He will be out indefinitely.”
— Moses’ injury places even more importance on Mack Wilson’s ability to bounce back from a broken foot he suffered against LSU on Nov. 4. Wilson returned for Alabama’s final regular-season game of the season against Auburn but was not at 100 percent. He is expected to be fully recovered by the time the Crimson Tide takes on Clemson. During Tuesday’s practice, Wilson was moving well and did not seem to show any signs of limitation.
— Outside linebackers Terrell Lewis (elbow) and Christian Miller (biceps) have also looked good during practice and should also be at 100 percent for the Sugar Bowl. Earlier in the day, Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans was asked what he saw from Wilson, Lewis and Miller these past few days during practice.
"Those guys, I feel like them being able to get back healthy was very important,” Evans said. “They've done a great job with the rehab and being able to do all those little things they've needed to do to get back to playing 100 percent. I feel like they've done that. Even though they have been playing very well these last couple practices, they still want to just take it slow so whenever they do play, they play fast."
— Alabama had four players in black jerseys riding stationary bikes. Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) cornerback Nigel Knott were all wearing helmets and working out on the bikes. Forristall was only working his arms and not moving his legs.
— Ross Pierschbacher (ankle) doesn’t appear to be limited during practice. He was working at left guard with the first-team offensive line. From left to right it was the typical lineup of Jonah Williams, Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton Sr. and Matt Womack.
— Alabama running back Brian Robinson (6-foot-1, 218 pounds) was wearing a No. 28 scout-team jersey representing Clemson running back Tavien Feaster (5-foot-11, 220 pounds). Feaster is Clemson’s second-leading rusher with 659 yards and seven touchdowns on 103 carries.
— Clemson’s top rusher, freshman Travis Etienne (5-foot-10, 200 pounds), has rushed for 744 yards and 13 touchdowns on 103 carries. Evans was asked about defending him earlier in the day.
"He's a great athlete,” Evans said. “He's shown on film he can extend plays and do what his team asks for him to do. I feel like he's going to play a good game."
_ Alabama safety Deionte Thompson injured his knee during practice on Tuesday, according to a report. Thompson’s father, Vester Thompson, later confirmed the report on Twitter stating that Deionte would be “fine” and that he didn’t know any other further details.
_ According to the report, the redshirt sophomore safety will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, but there is “early optimism” that it isn’t serious and that Thompson may just have a bruise.
_ Through 12 games, Thompson has recorded 18 tackles, one for a loss, with an interception.
_ Alabama is already without starting safety Hootie Jones, who suffered a season-ending MCL injury against Auburn. Thompson was in line to replace Jones at strong safety during the Crimson Tide’s appearance in the College Football Playoff.
By Tony Tsoukalas
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama held its forth practice Tuesday in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players practiced indoors away from the rain and wore shorts and shells for their first game-week style practice.
Here are a few notes from the brief media viewing period:
— As expected, Dylan Moses was not at practice after breaking his foot during Monday’s practice. The injury is expected to require surgery. While Alabama head coach Nick Saban go into detail about the injury, he did confirm in a release that Moses injured his foot.
“Dylan Moses injured his foot in practice on Monday,” Saban said. “He will be out indefinitely.”
— Moses’ injury places even more importance on Mack Wilson’s ability to bounce back from a broken foot he suffered against LSU on Nov. 4. Wilson returned for Alabama’s final regular-season game of the season against Auburn but was not at 100 percent. He is expected to be fully recovered by the time the Crimson Tide takes on Clemson. During Tuesday’s practice, Wilson was moving well and did not seem to show any signs of limitation.
— Outside linebackers Terrell Lewis (elbow) and Christian Miller (biceps) have also looked good during practice and should also be at 100 percent for the Sugar Bowl. Earlier in the day, Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans was asked what he saw from Wilson, Lewis and Miller these past few days during practice.
"Those guys, I feel like them being able to get back healthy was very important,” Evans said. “They've done a great job with the rehab and being able to do all those little things they've needed to do to get back to playing 100 percent. I feel like they've done that. Even though they have been playing very well these last couple practices, they still want to just take it slow so whenever they do play, they play fast."
— Alabama had four players in black jerseys riding stationary bikes. Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) cornerback Nigel Knott were all wearing helmets and working out on the bikes. Forristall was only working his arms and not moving his legs.
— Ross Pierschbacher (ankle) doesn’t appear to be limited during practice. He was working at left guard with the first-team offensive line. From left to right it was the typical lineup of Jonah Williams, Pierschbacher, Bradley Bozeman, Lester Cotton Sr. and Matt Womack.
— Alabama running back Brian Robinson (6-foot-1, 218 pounds) was wearing a No. 28 scout-team jersey representing Clemson running back Tavien Feaster (5-foot-11, 220 pounds). Feaster is Clemson’s second-leading rusher with 659 yards and seven touchdowns on 103 carries.
— Clemson’s top rusher, freshman Travis Etienne (5-foot-10, 200 pounds), has rushed for 744 yards and 13 touchdowns on 103 carries. Evans was asked about defending him earlier in the day.
"He's a great athlete,” Evans said. “He's shown on film he can extend plays and do what his team asks for him to do. I feel like he's going to play a good game."
_ Alabama safety Deionte Thompson injured his knee during practice on Tuesday, according to a report. Thompson’s father, Vester Thompson, later confirmed the report on Twitter stating that Deionte would be “fine” and that he didn’t know any other further details.
_ According to the report, the redshirt sophomore safety will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, but there is “early optimism” that it isn’t serious and that Thompson may just have a bruise.
_ Through 12 games, Thompson has recorded 18 tackles, one for a loss, with an interception.
_ Alabama is already without starting safety Hootie Jones, who suffered a season-ending MCL injury against Auburn. Thompson was in line to replace Jones at strong safety during the Crimson Tide’s appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Ran with first team in nickel today.
Alabama17Tide
Member
By Tony Tsoukalas
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama continued to work inside for its fifth practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:
— Deionte Thompson was suited up in a regular jersey during practice. Reports surfaced Tuesday night that he had injured his knee during practice, but the sophomore safety was not wearing a brace of any kind. However, Thompson was limited and did not partake in contact drills during the workout.
— Freshman linebacker Dylan Moses was absent again from the viewing period after breaking his foot during Monday’s practice.
— Alabama had the same injured players on stationary bikes as Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) cornerback Nigel Knott all worked out in black jerseys. Forristall was moving his legs on the bike for the first time after just working his arms earlier this week.
— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the nickel package. Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace were the cornerbacks while Minkah Fitzpatrick played at Star. Ronnie Harrison was at free safety while Thompson filled in for Hootie Jones at strong safety. Jones suffered a season-ending MCL injury against Auburn. He was spotted on crutches inside of Alabama’s weight room before practice. Rashaan Evans and Mack Wilson were the two inside linebackers in the package.
— Alabama’s second-team nickel package consisted of Jared Mayden and Trevon Diggs at the cornerback spots, while Tony Brown was shadowed by Shyheim Carter at Star. Freshmen Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney were the two safeties. Keith Holcombe and Joshua McMillon were the two linebackers.
— Fitzpatrick was guarding a scout-team player who was wearing a No. 13 jersey representing Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow. That will be an important matchup during the Sugar Bowl as Renfrow has combined for 17 receptions for 180 yards and four touchdowns the past two years against Alabama.
— Freshman defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) was wearing a No. 99 scout-team jersey representing Clemson defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell (6-foot-5, 260 pounds). Ferrell has 62 tackles, 17 for a loss, with 8.5 sacks this season.
— Freshman receiver Tyrell Shavers (6-foot-6, 209 pounds) was wearing a No. 8 scout-team jersey representing Clemson receiver Deon Cain (6-foot-1, 190 pounds). Cain leads Clemson in receiving with 659 yards and six touchdowns on 52 receptions.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama continued to work inside for its fifth practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:
— Deionte Thompson was suited up in a regular jersey during practice. Reports surfaced Tuesday night that he had injured his knee during practice, but the sophomore safety was not wearing a brace of any kind. However, Thompson was limited and did not partake in contact drills during the workout.
— Freshman linebacker Dylan Moses was absent again from the viewing period after breaking his foot during Monday’s practice.
— Alabama had the same injured players on stationary bikes as Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL), offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg) cornerback Nigel Knott all worked out in black jerseys. Forristall was moving his legs on the bike for the first time after just working his arms earlier this week.
— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the nickel package. Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace were the cornerbacks while Minkah Fitzpatrick played at Star. Ronnie Harrison was at free safety while Thompson filled in for Hootie Jones at strong safety. Jones suffered a season-ending MCL injury against Auburn. He was spotted on crutches inside of Alabama’s weight room before practice. Rashaan Evans and Mack Wilson were the two inside linebackers in the package.
— Alabama’s second-team nickel package consisted of Jared Mayden and Trevon Diggs at the cornerback spots, while Tony Brown was shadowed by Shyheim Carter at Star. Freshmen Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney were the two safeties. Keith Holcombe and Joshua McMillon were the two linebackers.
— Fitzpatrick was guarding a scout-team player who was wearing a No. 13 jersey representing Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow. That will be an important matchup during the Sugar Bowl as Renfrow has combined for 17 receptions for 180 yards and four touchdowns the past two years against Alabama.
— Freshman defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) was wearing a No. 99 scout-team jersey representing Clemson defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell (6-foot-5, 260 pounds). Ferrell has 62 tackles, 17 for a loss, with 8.5 sacks this season.
— Freshman receiver Tyrell Shavers (6-foot-6, 209 pounds) was wearing a No. 8 scout-team jersey representing Clemson receiver Deon Cain (6-foot-1, 190 pounds). Cain leads Clemson in receiving with 659 yards and six touchdowns on 52 receptions.
JoseyWalesTheOutlaw
Member
Alabama17Tide
Member
Practice #6
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama continued to work inside for its sixth practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
— Deionte Thompson didn’t appear to be limited and participated in contact drills. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Thompson suffered a lower thigh bruise during Tuesday’s practice but that the injury is “not a problem.”
— Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot) was off his stationary bike participating with the rest of the defensive linemen during drills. Ray was still in a black, no-contact jersey, but Thursday was a big step in the right direction for the freshman. Earlier this month, Saban said Ray “may be ready to contribute after Christmas, but that'll be something that we’ll have to sort of go day-to-day on.”
— Offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL) and defensive back Nigel Knott were all wearing black jerseys and working on stationary bikes. After moving his legs on the bike Wednesday, Forristall was only moving his arms Thursday. The tight end has a small brace on his right leg.
— Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (broken kneecap) was also on the stationary bike working his arm. Hamilton is out for the season but has taken a hands-on approach to helping his fellow teammates during practice.
— Alabama receivers worked on shallow crosses and comeback routes while taking reps from the quarterbacks. Since receivers are going up against air, it’s hard to make too many evaluations.
— All of Alabama’s running backs participated in drills with none of them showing any signs of limitations.
— During defensive back drills, Ronnie Harrison knocked Savion Smith’s mouthpiece out of his mouth. The JUCO transfer wasn’t injured at all during the rep, although it served as a rough introduction for Smith given that he just began practicing with Alabama this week.
— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the dime formation. Levi Wallace and Anthony Averett were the cornerbacks, while Minkah Fitzpatrick played at Money and Tony Brown played at Star. Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson were the two safeties. Mack Wilson was shadowed by Keith Holcombe as the lone linebacker.
— In the second-team dime package, Jared Mayden and Trevon Diggs played at cornerback while Daniel Wright played Money and Shyheim Carter played Star. Xavier McKinney and Keaton Anderson were the two safeties. Joshua McMillon was shadowed by Markail Benton at linebacker.
— Alabama once again had a scout-team player wearing the No. 13 representing Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow. Fitzpatrick followed the Renfrow replicate across the field on every play. After getting burnt trying to cover the Clemson slot receiver the past two seasons, it looks like Alabama is bringing out its big guns to shut him down.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama continued to work inside for its sixth practice in preparation for its Sugar Bowl matchup against Clemson on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout.
Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
— Deionte Thompson didn’t appear to be limited and participated in contact drills. Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Thompson suffered a lower thigh bruise during Tuesday’s practice but that the injury is “not a problem.”
— Defensive lineman La’Bryan Ray (foot) was off his stationary bike participating with the rest of the defensive linemen during drills. Ray was still in a black, no-contact jersey, but Thursday was a big step in the right direction for the freshman. Earlier this month, Saban said Ray “may be ready to contribute after Christmas, but that'll be something that we’ll have to sort of go day-to-day on.”
— Offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy (leg), tight end Miller Forristall (ACL) and defensive back Nigel Knott were all wearing black jerseys and working on stationary bikes. After moving his legs on the bike Wednesday, Forristall was only moving his arms Thursday. The tight end has a small brace on his right leg.
— Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (broken kneecap) was also on the stationary bike working his arm. Hamilton is out for the season but has taken a hands-on approach to helping his fellow teammates during practice.
— Alabama receivers worked on shallow crosses and comeback routes while taking reps from the quarterbacks. Since receivers are going up against air, it’s hard to make too many evaluations.
— All of Alabama’s running backs participated in drills with none of them showing any signs of limitations.
— During defensive back drills, Ronnie Harrison knocked Savion Smith’s mouthpiece out of his mouth. The JUCO transfer wasn’t injured at all during the rep, although it served as a rough introduction for Smith given that he just began practicing with Alabama this week.
— Alabama’s secondary practiced out of the dime formation. Levi Wallace and Anthony Averett were the cornerbacks, while Minkah Fitzpatrick played at Money and Tony Brown played at Star. Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson were the two safeties. Mack Wilson was shadowed by Keith Holcombe as the lone linebacker.
— In the second-team dime package, Jared Mayden and Trevon Diggs played at cornerback while Daniel Wright played Money and Shyheim Carter played Star. Xavier McKinney and Keaton Anderson were the two safeties. Joshua McMillon was shadowed by Markail Benton at linebacker.
— Alabama once again had a scout-team player wearing the No. 13 representing Clemson receiver Hunter Renfrow. Fitzpatrick followed the Renfrow replicate across the field on every play. After getting burnt trying to cover the Clemson slot receiver the past two seasons, it looks like Alabama is bringing out its big guns to shut him down.
X
XXL TideFan
Just exactly what do you mean by that?
So, when that doesn't happen in the second quarter and I quote this post what will your response be?
It's no secret the Tide uses this period to work on fundamentals with a little of the game plan sprinkled in--more so on defense. One thing I've been watching with personnel groups is the secondary. It appears to be pretty set going in to the Clemson game.
Nickel will have Minkah, Dime will have Tony coming in for the STAR with Minkah sliding to MONEY.
CB's: Levi and Anthony.
S: Ronnie and Deionte.
(And, if you're curious, they have been running a #13 consistently in drills with crossing and shallow routes.)
Nickel will have Minkah, Dime will have Tony coming in for the STAR with Minkah sliding to MONEY.
CB's: Levi and Anthony.
S: Ronnie and Deionte.
(And, if you're curious, they have been running a #13 consistently in drills with crossing and shallow routes.)
Shyheim Carter must really suck if he can't unseat Tony at least in the dime?
That's one take, however Saban seems to lean towards experience when there isn't a clear separation between players. I would say true sophomore Carter hasn't separated himself from Brown at this point (which might be another way of saying Carter must suck).
I lean towards experience, too but I've seen Tony Brown play like crap to the point where I feel like jamming a ice pick into my eyes everytime I see a ball thrown his way.
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