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A voter's guide to the Alabama 2nd Congressional District primaries • Alabama Reflector

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A voter's guide to the Alabama 2nd Congressional District primaries • Alabama Reflector


Voters in Alabama’s redrawn 2nd Congressional District will choose nominees for the seat on Tuesday, and they don’t lack options.

Eighteen candidates — 11 Democrats and seven Republicans — are running in the new district, which runs through the southern part of Alabama’s Black Belt, and takes in Montgomery and northern Mobile County.

The district emerged out of a lawsuit over congressional maps approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2021. Plaintiffs argued in a federal lawsuit that the maps unconstitutionally packed Black voters into a single district, making it harder for them to meaningfully participate in the political process. A federal court in 2022 agreed, citing the intense racial polarization of voting in Alabama, where white voters tend to support Republicans and Black voters tend to support Democrats.

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The court ordered a second “opportunity” district drawn. After some delays, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower court ruling last June.

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The Republican-controlled Alabama Legislature the following month approved a map that the federal court rejected amid sharp criticism of lawmakers not following their guidance. The court approved a new map drawn by a “special master” last October. The new 2nd Congressional District has a Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) of 49%.

The 2nd Congressional District is expected to lean Democratic in November, but that has not dissuaded GOP candidates from entering the race. Below, a guide to the candidates. Attempts to reach Larry Darnell Simpson, a Democratic candidate for the office, were unsuccessful.

Democratic candidates

James Averhart

James Averhart is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy James Averhart)

Age: 55

Residence: Mobile

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Occupation: Nonprofit owner; executive director, Alabama NAACP State Conference, retired Marine Corps service member

Education: B.A., Criminal Justice, American Military University, 2003; M.A, Security Management, American Military University, 2009; Ph.D. Theology and Biblical Studies, North Carolina College of Theology and Seminary, 2012; Ph.D. candidate, Organizational Management and Leadership, University of Arizona Global Campus, 2024.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: Democratic nominee, Alabama 1st Congressional District, 2020.

Read the full profile.

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James Averhart wants to take his knowledge of the district and his experience as a former military police officer to reshape the direction of people living in the 2nd Congressional District.

Averhart, citing his experience overseeing several military prison facilities while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, wants to implement criminal justice reforms. He has been critical of racial disparities in sentencing and the violence taking place within the state’s prison system.

Averhart also wants to use Congress’ budget powers to increase oversight of court and law enforcement interactions with the broader community.

Napoleon Bracy

Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, speaks on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 11, 2023. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Age: 46

Residence: Prichard

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Occupation: Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Austal, USA.

Education: B.A., Sociology and Social Welfare, Dillard University, 2000

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama state representative, 2010-present; Prichard City Council, 2003-09.

Read the full profile.

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Napoleon Bracy said he wants to leverage his experience in local and state politics to make life better for residents who he said have been traditionally ignored by their congressional representatives.

For Bracy that starts creating jobs and recruiting industries into the area. He wants to recruit major industries to the area as well as provide training.

Bracy also said he would work to improve health care access for veterans and would work to bring Medicaid expansion to Alabama.

Merika Coleman

Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Merika Coleman)

Age: 50

Residence: Pleasant Grove and rental home in Montgomery

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Occupation: Lawyer; Professor and Director of the Center of Economic and Social Justice, Miles College

Education: B.A., Communications, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1995; Masters of Public Administration, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1997; J.D., Birmingham School of Law, 2017.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama state representative, 2002-22; Alabama state senator, 2022-present.

Read the full profile.

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Sen. Merika Coleman said her experience in Alabama state government means constituents would get someone “that is ready to serve on day one” in Congress. She has spent months touring the district, and said that voters had cited many issues, including crime, housing, education and public health.

To address those concerns, Coleman said she would work to bring federal resources to the district, and plans to connect with local leaders and agency heads to best find resources for those in the area.

Coleman also said she would do what she can to get the state to expand Medicaid and work to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Anthony Daniels

A man in a blue suit and green tie
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, speaks during the session of the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

Age: 41

Residence: Huntsville

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Occupation: Business owner; former teacher

Education: B.S., Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Alabama A&M University, 2005; M.S., Special Education, Alabama A&M University, 2010.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama House of Representatives, 2014-present; Alabama House Minority Leader, 2017-present.

Read the full profile.

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Rep. Anthony Daniels emphasized the need for experienced leadership in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, and said he was able to pass meaningful legislation in a Republican-dominated government, citing “The Game Plan” economic legislation and tax exemptions for overtime work. Daniels said he could accomplish even more where Democrats have more power.

With the recent redistricting decision, placing more Black voters in the district, Daniels said he was committed to equitable representation and leveraging federal resources for local military bases.

To address healthcare challenges, particularly in rural areas, Daniels said he’d advocate for Medicaid expansion and increased funding in the district, leveraging grants to support health-related organizations. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration at the state level to ensure implementation.

Shomari Figures

Shomari Figures is seeking the Democratic nomination for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy of Shomari Figures)

Age: 38

Residence: Mobile

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Occupation: Lawyer

Education: B.A., Criminal Justice and History, University of Alabama, 2006; J.D., University of Alabama School of Law, 2010.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: First time candidate.

Read the full profile.

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Shomari Figures said he brings valuable experience from his time in the federal government, working with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Figures aims to prioritize issues like health care access and education, advocating for Medicaid expansion and better teacher benefits.

Figures emphasized leveraging federal resources for state issues, like Medicaid expansion, while also addressing local concerns such as improving school infrastructure and teacher compensation.

Born into a prominent Mobile political family, he said he would be committed to the district. Figures rejected other candidates’ promises to move into the district if elected, calling it “transactional” leadership.

Juandalynn Givan

A woman in an orange print dress
Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, asks a question during a session of the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

Age: 53

Residence: Birmingham

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Occupation: Attorney; consultant; operator of mentoring program

Education: B.A., Political and social science, Miles College, 1992; J.D., Miles School of Law, 1996

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/ campaign: Alabama state representative, 2010-present.

Read the full profile.

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Rep. Juandalynn Givan said she wants to be a voice for marginalized people in the 2nd Congressional District, and said her experience in the Alabama Statehouse and in the administration of former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, Jr. could be an asset to voters.

If elected, Givan said she would support a higher minimum wage, a clean slate bill, abortion rights and more single-family housing. She also said that she wants to fight for more democracy and criticized efforts to minimize Black history.

Givan also said she would work to secure funding for the district, particularly for schools and the expansion of health care.

Jeremy Gray 

A man in a blue suit and tie.
Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Jeremy Gray)

Age: 38

Residence: Opelika

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Occupation: Nonprofit founder of Curtis House, business owner, Elevate Your Grind, Inc., author

Education: B.S., Sports Management, North Carolina State University, 2008; M.B.A., Auburn University, 2022

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/ campaign: Alabama state representative, 2018-present.

Read the full profile.

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Rep. Jeremy Gray said he doesn’t want to go into Congress “with an agenda,” but he does have priorities. On top of that list is job creation, which he wants to accomplish through active recruitment and improving schools.

Gray also said that rural areas need infrastructure, healthcare, investment in education and jobs with living wages.

Improving health care and quality of life in the district are also priorities. The representative said he would look at adjusting federal funding formulas to bring more money to public schools in the district. He also wants to find ways to use federal dollars to encourage Alabama to expand Medicaid.

Phyllis Harvey-Hall

A woman in a black dress and pearls.
Phyllis Harvey-Hall is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Phyllis Harvey-Hall)

Age: 60

Residence: Montgomery

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Occupation: Education consultant

Education: B.S., Elementary education, Alabama State University, 1988; M.S, Elementary education, Troy University, 1997; M.S., Education Administration, 2007, Auburn University Montgomery; Ed.S, Education specialist, Auburn University Montgomery, 2012.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign: Democratic nominee, Alabama 2nd Congressional District, 2022; Democratic nominee, Alabama 2nd Congressional District, 2020; Candidate, Montgomery City Council, 2019; Candidate, Montgomery County Board of Education, 2016; Candidate, Montgomery City Council, 2015.

Read the full profile.

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A former educator in Montgomery Public schools before becoming a prevention educator for Family Sunshine Center, a domestic violence shelter, Phyllis Harvey-Hall plans to make education a focus of her work in office, creating a better pipeline for teachers to enter the profession.

She wants to increase wages while creating other incentives, such as increasing paid leave — all to increase the quality of teachers in the profession to increase the quality of education for students.

Harvey-Hall also said she would work to expand Medicaid; support abortion rights and criminal justice reform and work to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Willie Lenard

A portrait of candidate Willie Lenard
Willie Lenard is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy of Willie Lenard)

Age: 78

Residence: Pike Road

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Occupation: Retired business executive

Education: B.S., business administration, Tuskegee University, 1976; M.A., personnel management, Webster University, M.A., 1999; M.A., computer information systems, Webster University, 2001.

Party: Democratic

Previous political experience/campaign:  Democratic candidate for Montgomery County Sheriff, 2022 (did not qualify due to 2020 law requiring sheriff to be certified law enforcement officer for three years).

Read the full profile.

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Willie Lenard emphasized the need for a strong voice representing the concerns of the district.

Lenard aims to address issues such as gun violence and disparities affecting Black communities.

Lenard also advocated for diverse representation in decision-making, aiming to challenge what he sees as deep-rooted power structures. He highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues and, if elected, said he would use his background to help marginalized communities.

Vimel Patel

A portrait of Vimal Patel, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.
Vimal Patel is seeking the Democratic nomination for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. (Kishia Saffold, courtesy of Vimal Patel)

Age: 39

Residence: Troy

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Occupation: Hotel operator, real estate broker

Education: B.A., Political Science, Auburn University, 2007.

Party: Democratic

Previous political Experience/campaign: Democratic candidate for Alabama 2nd Congressional District, 2022.

Read the full profile.

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Vimal Patel said his business background would help him represent the district effectively. He aims to bridge political divides, stressing his ability to foster consensus.

Patel said he wants to prioritize engaging constituents across the ideological spectrum. Patel said he’d work on issues like credit reform and consumer protection, stressing the importance of practical solutions and its impact on vulnerable populations.

Patel, who has a background in hospitality, said his entrepreneurial mindset would be an asset to the district. He said his approach would include listening to constituents and seeking input from diverse voices, from both moderate and conservative voters.

Republican candidates

A man in glasses leans forward.
Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, the chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee, listens to a budget presentation from the Alabama Community College System on March 7, 2023. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Greg Albritton

Age: 71

Residence: Atmore

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Occupation: Retired naval officer, former practicing attorney

Education: B.S., Business Administration & Finance, Weber State University, 1981; J.D, Jones School of Law, 1995.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama state representative, 2002-2006; Republican nominee for Alabama Senate, 2009;  Alabama senator, 2014-present.

Read the full profile.

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Sen. Greg Albritton said he believes the federal government needs to take a new approach to its finances, or as he puts it, stopping “the printing and the spending.” He believes his time in the Legislature, particularly as the chair of the Senate’s General Fund budget committee.

Albritton also sees the district needing more resources for mental health services, and methods to address declining population.

To attract people to the district, he wants to focus on infrastructure spending, especially roads. He also wants to expand broadband and expand utilities, such as sewer systems to parts of the district that need it.

Dick Brewbaker

Portrait of former Sen. Dick Brewbaker
Former Alabama Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road, is a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Dick Brewbaker)

Age: 63

Residence: Pike Road

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Occupation: President, Brewbaker Motors

Education: B.S., Economics and U.S. History, Vanderbilt University, 1983.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama House of Representatives, 2002-2006; Alabama Senate, 2010-2018.

Read the full profile.

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Former Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road, said he believes the federal government is veering off track. He believes current federal policies keep individuals from reaching their potential and wants an environment where people can raise their families without government interference.

Expressing concerns about increasing federal spending, Brewbaker said inflation is a pressing issue affecting families, attributing it to rising transportation and energy costs. As a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District, he advocated for fiscal responsibility amid economic challenges facing Americans.

Brewbaker also voiced skepticism towards climate change policies and advocated for stricter border security measures.

Caroleene Dobson

Woman stands on front porch arms crossed, looking past. the camera
Caroleene Dobson is a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Caroleene Dobson for Congress)

Age: 37

Residence: Montgomery

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Occupation: Real estate attorney

Education: A.B., History and Literature, Harvard College, 2009; J.D., Baylor University School of Law, 2012.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: First-time candidate.

Read the full profile. 

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Real estate attorney Caroleene Dobson said there is an urgent need to address the situation on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that the current influx of migrants is unsustainable. Dobson said she wants a comprehensive overhaul of the system.

Despite the district’s expected Democratic leanings, Dobson believes Republicans can succeed by effectively communicating their message of governmental reform and self-sufficiency.

A proponent for energy independence and critic of federal regulations, Dobson said it’s important to leverage domestic resources, including non-renewable, for economic growth. She argued that addressing regulatory burdens on agriculture is crucial for supporting food producers and the economy.

Karla DuPriest

A woman in pearls and a red jacket
Karla DuPriest is a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Karla DuPriest)

Age: 62

Residence: Mobile

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Occupation: Accountant, Life Insurance Agent, Business owner/Operator-Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering

Education: B.S., Accounting, University of Arkansas, 1988.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, 2022; Candidate, Mobile City Council, 2023.

Read the full profile.

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DuPriest said her experience running a catering business has helped her understand the needs of the community.

The candidate said that low workforce participation, persistent unemployment and a declining population are major issues for the district, along with broadband access, housing and stagnant manufacturing.

To address these problems, DuPriest wants to encourage the formation of small businesses by cutting regulations and taxes. The candidate believes that small business creation will lead to improvements in education and many other areas.

Hampton Harris

A portrait of candidate Hampton Harris
Hampton Harris is a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy of Hampton Harris)

Age: 27

Residence: Lowndesboro

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Occupation: Real estate brokage owner and attorney

Education: B.S., Economics, Auburn University at Montgomery, 2018; J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, 2023.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: First time candidate.

Read the full profile.

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Hampton Harris, real estate broker and attorney from Lowndesboro, said he is running for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District to prevent a Democratic candidate from winning. Harris said he wants to ensure Christian conservatives’ voices are represented in government.

Harris sees an opportunity for Republicans to prevail, citing shifting demographics and uncertainties about voter preferences. The Cook Political Report suggests President Biden would have carried the district by 12 points in 2020 under the new congressional lines, but Harris believes the recent changes made this race unpredictable.

Harris said he will advocate for veterans’ rights, protect gun access, and champion anti-abortion policies.

Stacy Shepperson 

A woman in a blue blazer in front of a painting
Stacey Shepperson is a Republican candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. (J. Emerson courtesy of Stacey Shepperson)

Age: 52

Residence: Saraland

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Occupation: instructor, Bishop State Community College; president of Alabama Providence Community Housing Development Organization

Education: B.S., Math education, Alabama A&M, 1993; M.Ed., Math Education, Alabama State University 1997; J.D., Southern University Law Center, 2000.

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: First run for public office

Read the full profile.

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Stacy Shepperson is running on a platform called HEAL (for housing, economic engagement, advocacy and leadership) and said the new district needs to be repaired after years of litigation over the representation of Black voters in the district.

The candidate said that housing is a major issue, and she wants to look into grants and funding for housing. Shepperson wants to do the same for blighted areas of the urban communities in the district.

Shepperson said she wants to work with small business owners. She also said that it’s important that students are trained in skills with real-world applications.

Belinda Thomas 

A woman in red smiling
Belinda Thomas is seeking the Republican nomination for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. (Kishia Saffold, courtesy of Belinda Thomas)

Age: 59

Residence: Newton

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Occupation: Business owner, farmer, founder of Alabamboo, Inc, founder of nonprofit Joyful F.A.R.M.S., Southeast Nonprofit Housing

Education: Medical assistant certification from University of Alabama Birmingham, 1991

Party: Republican

Previous political experience/campaign: Member, Newton City Council, 2020-present

Read the full profile.

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Belinda Thomas said she sees the district’s three highest priorities as economics, schools and health care. Thomas said she would work to expand the economy in the district, which she believes would create more money for schools and help expand infrastructure.

During hearings over the redrawing of the 2nd Congressional District boundaries last summer, Thomas urged the lawmakers to keep Montgomery and the Wiregrass areas together, as they had been under a previous map. The Republican-controlled body initially tried to do so, but the resulting map created a Black Voting Age Population of 38%, well below what a federal court deemed acceptable.

Thomas said she supported current 2nd Congressional District Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, who was moved to the 1st Congressional District under the new maps. Thomas said that losing Moore as her representative led her to “step up and show what true leadership is all about.”



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Alabama’s win over Oklahoma shows Tide’s growing confidence, unselfishness

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Alabama’s win over Oklahoma shows Tide’s growing confidence, unselfishness


TUSCALOOSA, Ala.Nate Oats told his team that he wanted them to set the tone for the rest of the season by dominating its first Southeastern Conference games. No. 5 Alabama accomplished that mission in its first home matchup, rolling No. 12 Oklahoma 107-79 Saturday.

The Crimson Tide’s blowout victory not only showcased its elite talent and deep roster but also the team’s improvement in confidence and unselfishness playing as a unit. The Tide shared the wealth all game, which allowed it to bully Oklahoma on the glass, create second-chance opportunities, run out in transition and rack up 20 assists as a team to just nine turnovers.

The best representation of the Tide’s unselfishness Saturday came from its star player. Fifth-year guard Mark Sears led the Tide in scoring with 22 points but was far more proud of setting up his teammates. He ended the game with a double-double that included a career-high 10 assists, which demonstrated growth that Oats thinks will be critical for his side going forward.

“You could see his energy when his teammates were scoring, which is great,” Oats said. “We need that out of him. He was more excited about getting 10 assists — I mean, I think you saw when he hit [Aden] Holloway for one 3, that was his ninth and he was all fired up. Then he got Jarin [Stevenson] on the roll for his 10th. I was happy to see that. We talk about Mudita — vicarious joy through others’ success. Mark was really happy for his teammates scoring, particularly off his passes tonight, but thought it was good.”

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For Oats, Saturday’s win can serve as a launchpad for a team with plenty of newcomers still figuring out how to play with one another. Alabama has been hit with the injury bug and had to readjust after Latrell Wrightsell Jr. was knocked out for the season with an Achilles tear. Other players like Chris Youngblood and Houston Mallette have had to get up to speed after missing the beginning of the season.

“We’ve kind of figured ourselves some,” Oats said. “I still think there’s a lot of chemistry that has to be figured out because some of these guys haven’t played that much together. So we’re still figuring some of our chemistry stuff out but I think our offensive rebounding and our ability to get to the free throw line has been big for this team.”

Youngblood in particular has demonstrated the kind of unselfishness required for a player who is still finding his confidence this season. The South Florida transfer is still working his way back to full fitness and finding his rhythm shooting after a leg injury kept him sidelined until mid-December.

Alabama has big expectations for what Youngblood can do when he’s 100%, but he hasn’t let his injury prevent him from contributing in other ways right away while his shot isn’t falling. In 20 minutes against the Sooners, Youngblood finished with nine points and eight rebounds, including a team-leading four offensive boards and had a plus-17 box plus-minus rating.

“Chris is the ultimate competitor,” Oats said. “He hates losing at anything. He’s gonna talk, be aggressive. He’s gonna try to be physical. He had a couple fouls where maybe he was trying to do some stuff like that. He’s gotta be a little bit better with that, but he’s gonna get to the O Boards. He’s gonna try to use his strength. He’s a strong kid. He’s strong and competitive so he’s gonna make plays like that.”

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Performances like Sears’ and Youngblood’s and others helped Alabama get off to the strong start Oats was looking for in its first home conference game. Now, the Tide will look to accomplish step two in Oats’ plan of early league domination turning into a trophy in March.

Alabama will head on the road to face South Carolina on Wednesday. The Gamecocks haven’t had the best season by the SEC’s high standards, but Oats knows Alabama will have to play with the same kind of togetherness and unselfishness, to pick up a win on the road.

The Tide’s first SEC victory should serve as a massive confidence boost and a roadmap to future victories in conference play. The next step is displaying the dominance it showed for most of the game against Oklahoma on both ends of the court for an entire game.

“I thought the first 20 minutes was exactly what we needed to see out of these guys on a nightly basis. I thought we came out with the right mindset. I thought our walkthrough was sharp. Our trainer told me that the guys were really locked in as soon as they got here in the morning. It was a great day of prep. I thought it was good preparation coming in. We had some really good practices and got a week off. It’s what we need.”

“Now can we do it consistently and honestly, can we do it for 40 minutes? We didn’t do it for 40 tonight we did it for maybe 20 or 30. We got up 28 on them with I think 12-something to go in the second half is what they had. To be up 28 with 13 minutes to go in the half and then finish at 28, they played us even for the last 13 minutes which is a little disappointing. But I think for the first 27 minutes of that game we had the edge we needed.”

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Alabama will face South Carolina at 6 p.m. CT Wednesday inside Colonial Life Arena. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network.



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Surprise QB predicted to be Alabama football’s starter next season after Jalen Milroe's NFL departure | Sporting News

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Surprise QB predicted to be Alabama football’s starter next season after Jalen Milroe's NFL departure | Sporting News


Jalen Milroe took his sweet time to orchestrate the perfect buildup before declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. The timing was perfect, as the big question started floating around almost instantly: who will be Alabama’s next starting QB?

Kalen DeBoer already has three QBs in his locker room, third-year Ty Simpson, freshman Austin Mack, and the highest-rated QB signee since Bryce Young, freshman Keelon Russell.

The latter of them is best believed to fill in Milroe’s shoes. 

Colin Gay of Tuscaloosa News is firmly behind Russell, thinking he would present the strongest case because of his fleeting echo of former Bama star QB Bryce Young.

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“Based on Young’s path, Russell could compete for starting quarterback reps almost immediately,” Gay writes boldly, listing out the reason for him to believe so.

“Keelon Russell is the highest-rated Alabama quarterback signee since Young. And he has the numbers to prove it. Alabama views Russell as the best quarterback in the 2025 class, one it picked up after he had originally committed to SMU.”

The 2024-2025 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Russell made a compelling case for himself with his statistics record at Duncanville High School, completing 70% of his passes for 3,874 yards passing with 53 passing touchdowns and four interceptions.

Although Russell makes a persuasive case for the QB1 position, Simpson, the senior-most QB in the Crimson Tide QB room, has a great shot at becoming Milroe’s successor for the starting position in Bama. 

“Ty Simpson backed up Bryce Young. He backed up Milroe. Two quarterbacks, two head coaches and three offensive coordinators later, it may be Simpson’s time to show what he can do,” Gay writes about Simpson.

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From the little time he got on the field, he made DeBoer a keen appreciator of his skills too. 

“Everyone gets tied up on Jalen’s running ability, but Ty is tough to handle when it comes to running the football, too,” DeBoer said after the Mercer game Nov. 16, via Tuscaloosa News.

Interestingly, while Gay makes a case for Russell, several other analysts like Nick Kelly of AL.Com are strongly vouching for Simpson. 

Nonetheless, DeBoer’s choice between the two will define the years to come in Tuscaloosa.

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How to watch, listen to No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 12 Oklahoma

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How to watch, listen to No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 12 Oklahoma


Alabama basketball is set to begin conference play this Saturday, and the SEC is no joke this year. The conference just had one of the best non-conference showings for any league in recent memory, meaning every game will be a challenge.

The Crimson Tide’s first opponent is Oklahoma, who holds a No. 12 ranking in the AP Poll as one of three remaining undefeated teams in the sport. Coincidentally the other two are also SEC teams in Tennessee and Florida.

The Sooners are an interesting case, having outperformed expectations by starting 13-0, but not receiving any love from the metrics. Oklahoma started the season rated No. 40 by KenPom, and has dropped one spot to No. 41 despite 13 straight wins to start the year. The schedule has been underwhelming, with one solid win over Michigan but playing seven teams outside the top-250 in KenPom.

Oklahoma’s non-conference strength of schedule ranks outside the top-300, and the Sooners have yet to play a road game this season. Every game they’ve played has either been in Norman or at a neutral site, which adds an notable wrinkle to this game.

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Another interesting note is that head coach Nate Oats is 0-2 in his Alabama career against Oklahoma. Both losses came in Norman in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, once in 2021 and once in 2023.

How to watch, listen and other key information

Opponent: No. 12 Oklahoma Sooners (13-0)

Date: Saturday, Jan. 4
Tipoff time: 5 p.m. CT

Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Venue: Coleman Coliseum
Capacity: 13,474

Television: SEC Network
– Play-by-play: Jon Schriffin
– Analyst: Richard Hendrix

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Streaming link: WATCH

Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network
– Play-by-play: Chris Stewart
– Analyst: Bryan Passink

Satellite radio: CTSN on Sirius / XM 134 or 201

Varsity Network link: LISTEN

Series record: Oklahoma leads 7-3
Last Meeting: Jan. 28, 2023
– Oklahoma 93, Alabama 69

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Point spread: Alabama -10.5

Alabama Statistical Leaders:

– Scoring: Mark Sears (18.0 PPG)
– Rebounding: Grant Nelson (8.6 RPG)
– Assists: Mark Sears (4.0 APG)

Oklahoma Statistical Leaders:

– Scoring: Jeremiah Fears (18.1 PPG)
– Rebounding: Sam Godwin (6.7 RPG)
– Assists: Jeremiah Fears (4.5 APG)

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