Alabama finished spring football with its A-Day Game today at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Rainy conditions disrupted some things, but it was one of the most entertaining spring exhibitions of the Nick Saban era. Crimson Tide fans saw a few explosive plays, exceptional defensive performers, and former players return to take part in the tradition.
RELATED: Alabama’s O-Line has areas to grow after facing tenacious pass rush at A-Day Game
Pete Golding coached the White team to a 25-7 victory over Crimson. Terrion Arnold, a sophomore defensive back, posted on Twitter that this season will be special. He made a valid point, and several aspects from the spring game back it up.
This season is gonna be special!
— Terrion “𝔾ℍ𝕆𝕊𝕋” Arnold (@ArnoldTerrion) April 16, 2022
Here are five impressive takeaways from A-Day, and why fans need to be excited about this team.
1. Alabama has an elite QB room
Bryce Young is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, and Tide fans are glad to have him.
He did not have his best outing, but the program knows what he can do. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson give Alabama an elite quarterback room. Coach Saban spoke about Milroe’s improvement as a passer all spring, and the sophomore put on a show for the fans.
He recorded 149 passing yards (11-for-23) with a touchdown and an interception. Milroe’s accuracy and touch on his 52-yard touchdown pass to Christian Leary dropped jaws. He moved the White team downfield and led several scoring drives. The native Texan displayed his athleticism, juking defenders out of his way. If one removed two sacks, Milroe totaled 58 yards rushing.
RELATED: Defensive excellence and Jalen Milroe highlight Alabama’s 2022 spring game
He would have had two touchdowns if the quarterback was live on run plays.
Simpson made a few big-time throws himself. The five-star freshman completed five of 12 passes for 43 yards. He showed his wheels on some runs and will continue to get better. Alabama fans are hopeful that Young does not get injured in the fall, but seeing Milroe and Simpson excel has fans confident about the future at quarterback.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs is the real deal
Jahmyr Gibbs separated himself as Alabama’s primary running back.
The weather conditions did not limit his vision, explosive cuts, balance, speed, acceleration, and big plays in space.
He led all backs in rushing with 100 yards on nine carries. Gibbs averaged 11.1 yards per rush attempt, including a 75-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder hit the hole and busted a long run that amazed fans.
RELATED: Jalen Milroe takes center stage in first half of 2022 A-Day Game
He carries a skill set that resembles former Alabama standout Kenyan Drake. Gibbs also possesses the playmaking abilities of Reggie Bush and Alvin Kamara. He caught one pass for nine yards, but he and Jase McClellan make the ideal one, two punch for the Crimson Tide.
3. Christian Leary made a statement at receiver
Jermaine Burton had a great spring, but Christian Leary made a statement on A-Day.
He served as an emergency running back in 2021, but the South Florida native was impressive with his routes, speed, and hands.
He worked Malachi Moore on a few plays, including a 52-yard touchdown catch on the junior defensive back.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder takes pride in his speed, but he worked on his routes in spring practice. Leary led all receivers with 106 yards on five catches. He will be a factor in the Crimson Tide’s receiver room and possibly a starter.
4. This defense looks like Alabama’s 2016 group
Will Anderson said to expect this defense to be like the 2016 group for Alabama.
Both defenses affected the quarterback play on A-Day.
RELATED: How to watch Alabama’s 2022 A-Day Game?
The Crimson Tide totaled 15 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery between both defenses. Dallas Turner led the White team with three sacks, but Anderson, Chris Braswell, and Jamil Burroughs had two. Demouy Kennedy, Jaheim Oatis, Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Kennan III, and Jeremiah Alexander totaled a sack for Crimson. Jordan Battle (White) and Kristian Story (Crimson) grabbed an interception for the secondary.
If everyone stays healthy, this year’s defense will be consistently dangerous.
5. Alabama’s kicking game is legit
Coach Saban was pleased with the energy of the kicking game all spring, and it showed at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Will Reichard and Jack Martin combined for six made field goals. Reichard made three kicks, including a long of 44 yards.
Martin made three field goals, including a long one of 42 yards. James Burnip dropped three of his four punts inside the 20-yard line. He averaged 42 yards per attempt, including a long punt of 50 yards. Alabama has been at its best when the kicking game serves well. Coleman Hutzler has brought great energy and focus as the special teams coordinator.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
