The acclimation period is over.
On Monday, Alabama football started week two of fall practice in full pads. With seniors Devonta Smith, Dylan Moses and Alex Leatherwood getting the team ready in warmups, the Alabama Athletics Department provided the footage from practice.
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Listed below are the notes from Monday.
-Defensive backs worked on a turnover drill with wide receivers.
-The pairing of Patrick Surtain II and Daniel Wright tried to strip the ball from Devonta Smith, while DeMarcco Hellams went against Xavier Williams. The group of Brian Branch and Jahquez Robinson worked on ripping the ball from Slade Bolden.
-Alabama must become a better tackling team this season, but it did force 15 fumbles in 2019.
-One of the biggest highlights from practice was provided by Malachi Moore.
-An alumnus of Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School, the four-star safety nailed true freshman wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell as he tried to turn up field. Moore could grow into being a very physical defensive back for the Crimson Tide.
–Javon Baker, true freshman, was next to catch a pass and he was defended by Ronald Williams Jr.
-Freddie Roach had the defensive line working the sled.
-He wants to see his group strike and explode though offensive linemen.
-Coach Nick Saban said the Tide has to become more physical up front. The trio of Christian Barmore, Byron Young and LaBryan Ray were featured first. Tim Williams and Phidarian Mathis were in the second group, while Ishmael Sopsher was in the third group.
-For the offensive line, the task was inside and outside blocking (man and zone).
-Among the names performing drills were Javion Cohen, Alex Leatherwood and Tommy Brown
-With the tight end position an extension of the O-Line, Jeff Banks had his unit working the sled too.
-The players featured on video include Miller Forristall, Jahleel Billingsley, Major Tennison and Michael Parker.
–Trey Sanders, redshirt freshman, looked exceptionally quick in change of direction and ladder drills at running back.
-Alabama will have Tuesday off, but it returns to practice on Wednesday at 3:40 p.m.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
