It’s no longer a secret why University of Alabama football players excel at the professional level.
Head coach Nick Saban push each individual to its full potential in practice, and with that the players are able to empower themselves and others do well on game days. During the opening of training camp for some NFL teams on last week, six former Crimson Tide standouts found ways to impress their teammates and coaching staffs.
Marlon Humphrey and Tim Williams both put on a clinic for the Baltimore Ravens.
The rookie @marlon_humphrey came up with a big play in today's practice. pic.twitter.com/UVujZHUIXL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 28, 2017
While Humphrey intercepted two passes, Williams displayed great speed and pass rush moves off the edge – frustrating the Ravens’ offensive line. After he was cleared training camp on Thursday of last week, linebacker Reuben Foster picked off two passes for San Francisco.
There goes that man again. @ferrarifoster with his 2nd INT in three days. #49ersCamp pic.twitter.com/ETLsMWTU3k
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 31, 2017
As for Eddie Jackson and O.J. Howard, both have adjusted their new homes. Jackson, who selected in the fourth round to the Chicago Bears, was credited with an interception during Saturday’s practice. Howard, a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continues to drop jaws – as he brought in a one-handed grab last week.
😱😱😱@TheRealOjHoward one-handed grab! https://t.co/GTxomobvJ1
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 29, 2017
Even Gehrig Dieter is having success, despite signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent. He’s building chemistry with both Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes, catching passes from both quarterbacks. In his lone season at Alabama after coming from Bowling Green, Dieter totaled 15 receptions for 214 yards and four touchdowns in 2016.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
