Alabama’s first spring practice will take place on March 3. The Crimson Tide have been going through fourth quarter workouts leading up to spring practices beginning next week.
There are a lot of interesting things happening in Tuscaloosa. There have been a handful of changes that have been to the roster and coaching staff this offseason that are sure to affect Alabama in 2025.
Touchdown Alabama lists five things that are worth looking out for during Alabama’s first week of spring practices.
1. Who takes the most reps at the quarterback position?
The biggest question mark surrounding the Crimson Tide is which quarterback will start in 2025. There is undeniable talent in the room, but it is unproven. None of the quarterbacks in the quarterback competition have recorded a start. Redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and incoming freshman Keelon Russell will each have an opportunity to make a case to be the starter. There does not seem to be a frontrunner at this point in time. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see which quarterback takes the first reps as well as the most reps starting next week. There are a lot of different things that will be monitored, but the quarterback battle is arguably the most meaningful.
2. What does the offensive front look like?
With Alabama losing starting left guard Tyler Booker to the NFL Draft, someone will need to step in and replace him in 2025. Not to mention, starting right tackle Elijah Pritchett transferred to Nebraska this offseason. There will be some adjustments made along the offensive line. It is almost 100% certain that Kadyn Proctor will start at left tackle and Parker Brailsford will start at center. Other than that, there is a lot of uncertainty along the offensive front. Alabama has a lot of options up front. Several players that will be vouching for a starting spot are Olaus Alinen, Jaeden Roberts, Geno VanDeMark, Michael Carroll, and Wilkin Formby. It will be interesting to see who is a part of the first group in spring practices.
3. How will Jalen Hale, Keon Sabb, and Cole Adams look following season-ending injuries?
Alabama lost multiple players to season-ending injuries last season. Three of the four are returning to Tuscaloosa for the 2025 season. Wide receivers Jalen Hale and Cole Adams along with safety Keon Sabb will be back in action in the fall.
Each of the three will be looking to get back in the groove of things during spring practices. They are each expected to play key roles next season as well. It will be intriguing to track and listen to any comments that are made regarding their recovery process and return from injury.
4. What are Alabama’s plans on special teams?
During the offseason, Alabama lost its starting three specialists — long snapper Kneeland Hibbett, punter James Burnip, and kicker Graham Nicholson. Two punters and a long snapper signed with the Crimson Tide as a part of the ’25 recruiting class.
There is a lot of uncertainty at multiple positions. There will be key position battles at each of the special teams positions, so it will be interesting to see if there are any updates or comments made regarding the special teams unit next week.
5. Any commentary or information regarding incoming freshman, transfers
Each year, it is interesting to hear the commentary that the head coach, assistants, and other players make in regard to incoming freshman and transfers that joined the program this offseason. There is a strong cast of incoming freshmen and transfers that are coming in with the mindset of being key players in their first season in Tuscaloosa.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer will be having post-practice press conferences, so it will be fascinating to see if he mentions any of the newcomers. Sometimes there will be additional comments made regarding a newcomer’s work ethic, how they are coming along, and the role they might have on the field next season.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
