Alabama football finishes its first week of fall camp with Saturday’s scrimmage.
Coach Nick Saban wants to see which players can be fast and not need assistance from other coaches.
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The first game-like practice opens an opportunity to see what the Crimson Tide has going into the season. Alabama made four new coaching hires – Eric Wolford, Travaris Robinson, Coleman Hutzler, and Joe Cox – and Saban looks forward to how they enhance the team. The Tide will be without JoJo Earle (foot), Cameron Latu (knee), and four young players because of injuries, but it gives other players a chance to step up for reps.
Here are five things to watch for in the first scrimmage.
1. Alabama’s OL, primarily its offensive tackles
Alabama’s offensive line did not perform to the standard last year.
The departures of Evan Neal and Chris Owens open opportunities at both offensive tackle positions, and Eric Wolford replacing Doug Marrone gives the Crimson Tide a new identity. Alabama returns Seth McLaughlin and Darrian Dalcourt.
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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.
