Injuries opening up opportunities for younger guys to step up

Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Zavier Mincey (12) catches a ball during warmups before the game with Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

The Alabama Crimson Tide began spring practice on Monday. During his press conference, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about the injuries and its impact on younger guys or inexperienced players getting reps. 

“With the (injury) list, there’s a lot of guys that are returners and upperclassmen, so there’s a chance to build depth with our guys and get younger guys a lot of reps.”

Prior to that statement, DeBoer elaborated on the fact that a multitude of returning players will miss spring practices due to injury. With that being the case, other players that are returning and newcomers will have a better opportunity to make a name for themselves during the 2025 season.

Some of the players that DeBoer noted that will not participate in spring ball are Danny Lewis Jr., Domani Jackson, Keon Sabb, and Deontae Lawson. Each of which are expected to be starters during the 2025 season.

A few players that have experience and are worth keeping an eye on in the spring are Zavier Mincey, Josh Cuevas, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Jay Lindsey. 

Of course, there are other newcomers that will have the opportunity to create value for themself. It will be interesting to see how some of the players use their opportunity. Will they take advantage of the opportunity or struggle to separate themselves from the rest of the pack? Only time will tell.

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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.