5 things we learned from Alabama football’s first full week of spring practice

Alabama Quarterback Keelon Russell (12) in action during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, Mar 13, 2026. Photo by Rodger Champion

Alabama football completed a full week of spring practice last week, practicing four times before spring break.

Here is a look at five things we have learned so far:

Jackson Lloyd Is Starting At Left Tackle

Ryan Grubb made it crystal clear Jackson Lloyd is ‘the guy’ at left tackle for Alabama. Lloyd will be stepping into the role Kadyn Proctor has occupied for the last three years in Tuscaloosa. Many expected the Crimson Tide’s left tackle position to be a position multiple players battled for throughout the spring. Grubb dropped a surprise when he announced Lloyd would be the guy during his first media availability of the spring.

“He’s the left tackle. He’s the guy.”

Ryan Grubb names Jackson Lloyd the Tide’s starting Left Tackle. https://t.co/6aFLkmUOoe pic.twitter.com/arWni0Nwv1

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 12, 2026

No Separation At Quarterback

Austin Mack and Keelon Russell continue to compete for the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback role this spring. Neither looks to have created separation early on.

“They’re doing really good. First two practices were awesome,” Grubb said on Thursday. “Today, there was a little bit of a regression. Heavier install, some things they had to work through today. They are both doing awesome. Competitive. They got the right spirit in the room. They’re attacking all the preparation and doing a really good job.”

Alabama quarterbacks get back to work on Day 3 of spring practice.

More Footage: https://t.co/a5irOQG5J8 pic.twitter.com/iOKycfmSFR

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 12, 2026

Some Names Of Transfers Set To Make Impact This Fall

Multiple transfers heard their name called this week by members of Alabama’s coaching staff. All of the names mentioned look to be in a position to make an impact for the Crimson Tide. Racin Delgatty at center garnered high praise from Grubb. Josh Ford at tight end did not get talked about by Grubb, but he led Alabama’s tight ends through drills during Thursday’s media viewing of practice, signaling he could be stepping into a leadership role in the room. Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack talked about the additions of Devan Thompkins, Desmond Umeozulu, Caleb Woodson and Carmelo O’Neal. All of these names are worth monitoring.

“He has a really, really high ceiling.”

Kane Wommack on transfer defensive lineman, Devan Thompkins.

Wommack says the 6-foot-5 298-pounder is moving around & can play outside and inside. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/UbXne4I3Q9

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 13, 2026

Positions Newcomers Will Play

There were question marks about which positions some of the Crimson Tide’s newcomers will play in 2026 before the spring. Some of those questions have been answered. Umeozulu will actually be playing more of a mix between the bandit and wolf position. Thompkins appears to be playing the three-tech/defensive tackle role primarily for the Tide, with the ability to play on the edge at times. Jireh Edwards, a five-star freshman, looks to be starting his days off as a true safety and not at the Husky spot he was trending to play at as a prospect. Xavier Griffin, who is also a former five-star, has been seen practicing as an off-the-ball linebacker after being recruited to play the wolf linebacker position. Griffin’s high school teammate, Jamarion Matthews, made the surprise move to wolf linebacker after getting recruited as a defensive lineman prospect. More information on other newcomers will be revealed as spring practice progresses.

Running Backs Positioning Themselves For A Better Season

Alabama football’s running backs look to be in a position to put better production on the field in 2026. Daniel Hill has dropped weight and looks light on his feet. Kevin Riley has added weight and still looks explosive. AK Dear looks promising, and the sky is the limit for EJ Crowell. Khalifa Keith and Trae’shawn Brown round out this group quite nicely.

“I look at the guys that have been there, Daniel and Kevin… even their preparation and their mindset right now is really different,” Grubb said. “I mean, just Daniel looks great. He’s hovering in the low 230s. Last year at this time, he was probably in the 250s, and he just looks quicker, more powerful, sudden. And Kevin’s got another step for him right now. I think that competition in the room with those guys and A.K. Dear is really the whole room has gotten better.”