Alabama Football Spring Game Preview and Open Thread

Alabama football will hold the annual “A Day” spring scrimmage today. The format will be a bit different than we were accustomed under Nick Saban, as new coach Kalen DeBoer prefers to divide offense and defense rather than draft two separate rosters. For at least his first season, this seems to be a more efficient way to have a look at how all the pieces on the roster fit and, in this modern era of free agency, that may be somewhat necessary anyway as the portal reduces numbers at some key spots.

A few storylines we will be watching:

How does the offensive line look?

Alabama should be solid for the 2024 season at the guard spots, as Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts are one of the nation’s best returning duos. Roberts twisted an ankle earlier in camp and may or may not play today. There are questions at all three of the other spots, particularly since freshman All-America transfer center Parker Brailsford has been absent due to personal issues. James Brockermeyer has reportedly looked good this spring at that spot and says he is up to 295 lbs. The tackles are the main concern here, but we’ll be watching the unit in general.

Who steps up at cornerback?

We know that the starting safeties are Keon Sabb and Malachi Moore, but there are all kinds of questions at the corner spots. USC transfer Domani Jackson is expected to man one of the spots while redshirt freshman likely has the inside track at the other, but there is a ton of young talent to stave off. Devonta Smith is the current leader at “Husky”, which is the name of the nickel back in Kane Wommack’s defense.

Who are the potential breakout stars on offense?

Based on practice reports, keep an eye on the following:

RB Justice Haynes

WR Germie Bernard

WR Kobe Prentice

WR Caleb Odom

TE Danny Lewis Jr.

All have had moments and shown up in scrimmage highlight clips. Odom is the one that I’m perhaps most excited to see, just because he’s a 6’5” matchup nightmare who runs like a gazelle.

Is there a quarterback competition?

My gut says “not really,” but it will be interesting to see how all of the current passers perform. If DeBoer truly is a QB whisperer and can get the maximum potential out of Jalen Mllroe, this offense will be utterly terrifying. Ty Simpson has reportedly flashed at camp however, with some reports saying that he looked like the best of the lot in the second spring scrimmage. Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack have both shown up in highlight clips, and Mack obviously has the advantage of a year in the system already.

Can we kick the ball?

Alabama legend Will Reichard is off to the NFL after six wonderful seasons in Tuscaloosa. We’ve all lived through the seasons where every field goal attempt had us reaching for the Maalox. Hopefully that position will be solidified this fall. Conor Talty is the leader at this stage and the only scholarship kicker, though some of Alabama’s best through the years have been walk-ons.

How to Watch

The game will be televised on ESPN, starting at 3pm CT.

Consider this your open thread, and join in the discussion. Hopefully the crowd shows out in a big way.

Roll Tide!