During its two scrimmages, we know how Bryce Young and Alabama’s first-team defense performed.
RELATED: Bryce Young has ‘done great’ and is being ‘the man’ at quarterback according to Nick Saban
Both aspects are strengths for the Crimson Tide as Young is in command of the offense, and the defense has the potential to be scary good in the fall. The sophomore quarterback had seven touchdown passes in two game-like practices, while the first-team defense has been difficult to score on. Alabama fans are excited about Young and the defense, but there were other standouts from both practices. Yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine highlights five other players that stepped up for the Tide.
1. Roydell Williams, Running Back
He is fighting for recognition in a room filled with talented running backs; however, Roydell Williams made his presence felt last week at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Despite injuries on the offensive line, the sophomore had the biggest performance. Nick Saban said Williams had the most rushing yards and respectable sources told yours truly he totaled over 100 yards with one score.
He broke a 40+ yard run for a touchdown on the second drive of the scrimmage. No matter who was on the offensive front, Williams found holes and made plays. An alumnus of Hueytown (Ala.) High School, he showed the program his skill set.
Saban said the running back room is a ‘strength,’ but it was great to see Williams stand out.
2. Javon Baker, Wide Receiver
Javon Baker is going to start in the fall.
Before the second scrimmage, Saban told reporters that Baker is a ‘physical playmaker’ that has gotten better with the offense.
He stated how the sophomore’s mental errors are down, but his production is up. Baker proved his head coach to be accurate as he was responsible for touchdowns in both scrimmages.
He took a slant for a score in the first practice and caught a 30-yard touchdown from Bryce Young in the second one. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder is making an impact in the receiver room.
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Per sources, Baker is expected to start with John Metchie. Alabama will bring Slade Bolden in on certain situations and will work Xavier Williams into games too. Traeshon Holden, a sophomore, is starting to come on as well. He had a couple of catches in both scrimmages and will push Williams for the next man up. People have been waiting for Baker to emerge, and he’s taken advantage of this spring.
3. Cameron Latu, Tight End
He was recruited in 2018 to be an outside linebacker, but Cameron Latu is about to become a dangerous tight end.
Latu has worked in 23 games at the position; however, he’s been incredible this spring.
According to sources, the connection quarterbacks had with him in practice last year forced the coaching staff to move him up.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder had developed into a complete player. He is a great blocker, but he is going to create matchup problems in the passing game.
After having several catches in the first scrimmage — including two scores — Latu caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Young during the second one. Per sources, I was told ‘expect to see Latu and Jahleel Billingsley on the field a lot for Alabama.’
Bill O’Brien was masterful at calling offenses out of double tight end sets for the New England Patriots. Latu and Billingsley are both impressive specimens, and sources expect both to play in the NFL.
RELATED: This year’s Alabama defense has big potential to rival its 2016 group
Saban even complimented Latu after the second scrimmage.
“He has had a really good spring,” Saban said of Latu. “He has shown a lot of maturity. He has made a lot of plays, very athletic guy. He a good C-area blocker. He’s gotten a much better command of the offense. I think he is a lot more confident, and he’s a really good receiver. He’s got good hands, so we are pleased with the progress he has made.”
The secret sauce on offense will be Billingsley and Latu. Big targets will help Bryce Young in the passing game.
Expect for the Tide to split Billingsley outside, and have Latu at tight end.
4. Will Reichard, Kicker
He achieved perfection in 2020, but Will Reichard is set to build off it.
The junior made all five of his field goals, including one to win the scrimmage. He will make sure the kicking game is in sync, as Reichard is now one of the leaders. He was 14-for-14 on field goals and made all 84 PAT attempts last season.
5. Charlie Scott, Punter
According to Saban, Charlie Scott had his best punting performance in the second scrimmage.
“Charlie Scott did a good job today,” Saban said on Saturday. “He was injured some and probably did not go through the offseason program. He probably did not get to the train the way he wanted to, but really showed promise today.”
Per sources, Scott consistently punts the ball between 40 to 45 yards. He can drop it inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
RELATED: Bryce Young owned the second scrimmage, but Alabama’s QB room stepped up as a whole
In his first season as a transfer from Air Force, the younger brother of JK Scott (former Alabama punter) dropped nine of his 22 boots inside the 20 and forced 15 fair catches. He earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his outings versus Florida and Notre Dame. Ty Perine, a junior, continues to show a strong leg.
He possesses the ability to boom balls 50 to 60 yards through the air; however, he needs to be consistent with it. Per sources, he had two great kicks and one bad one.
Saban did mention that Perine is getting better.
He likes what he has in both punters.
Honorable Mention: Marcus Banks, Cornerback
He runs the second-team defense at cornerback, but Marcus Banks is really good.
The junior from Houston, Texas, had two interceptions in the second scrimmage. He picked off Paul Tyson during a situational drill and then got Bryce Young in the scrimmage.
The 6-foot, 180-pounder has primarily worked on special teams, but his role will be expanded on defense. He and Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry are the starting corners on the second-team unit.
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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.
