We are now just eight days away from the Crimson Tide’s opening game against the Wisconsin Badgers and today was the first day for gameday implementation.
On the defensive side of the ball, Denzel Devall and Ryan Anderson led the outside linebackers in drills, followed by Rashaan Evans and Tim Williams and Jamey Mosley with Josh McMillon. Devall is looking healthy, after an injury riddled season in 2014.
At the inside linebacker spot, Reggie Ragland was back to working inside after working outside last week. He lead the way with Rueben Foster, followed by redshirt freshman Keith Holcombe. Holcombe has emerged through camp, being a guy who can play inside and outside, bringing much needed versatility.
The defensive line looked as good as ever, led by A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed.
Reed looks much more cut now that he is down to 305 pounds. He also looks more fluid in his movement, and that should translate well to the field.
The defensive backs all looked solid, led by Cyrus Jones, Marlon Humphrey and Tony Brown both made some nice plays rotating opposite of Jones. Minkah Fitzpatrick also got some solid reps in drills. Geno Matias-Smith and Eddie Jackson both look comfortable at safety, and Jackson seems to be transitioning well. Ronnie Harrison will be the guy to watch for, running behind Matias-Smith and Jackson, look for Harrison to get some playing time this year.
On the offensive side of the ball, all eyes were on the quarterbacks as Jacob Coker and Alec Morris were still taking the majority of the first team snaps. Coker looked good throwing down the sideline, whereas Morris looked better on more precise passes over the middle.
At wide receiver, ArDarius Stewart and Chris Black led the way in drills, as expected. Daylon Charlot was a guy to look for, running very smooth route, and looking like a natural receiver. Freshman tight end Hale Hentges was taking valuable reps from both Coker and Morris behind OJ Howard and Ty Flournoy-Smith. At 6’5″, 235 pounds, Hentges brings great athleticism and a big frame that could see some time this fall.
The offensive line drills consisted of (left to right) Cam Robinson, Ross Pierschbacher, Ryan Kelly, Bradley Bozeman and Dominick Jackson. Pierschbacher stuck out today, his footwork looked good going through the chutes, and he has definitely built on his 6’4″ 300 pound frame.
Alabama released scout team jerseys today to give its self a look against Wisconsin.
Alabama players in scout team jerseys
- RB Bo Scarbrough (#6, representing Corey Clement)
- S Shawn Burgess-Becker (#7, representing Michael Caputo)
- DL O.J. Smith (#94, representing Conor Sheehy)
- OLB Joshua McMillion (#34, representing defensive end Chikwe Obasih)
Several Alabama defensive backs wore No. 5 and No. 8 to represent Wisconsin’s cornerbacks Darius Hillary and Sojourn Shelton.
Justin Wagner is the Scouting Coordinator and Lead Recruiting Analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Follow him on Twitter, at @jwag718.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
