Alabama football in transition: 20 players to watch during spring practice

Alabama’s spring practice starts next week, and the word being used inside the program is enthusiasm. The Crimson Tide are putting the finishing touches on offseason conditioning this week, and there’s a level of excitement about getting back on the field and returning to College Football Playoff form in 2025.

“I’m excited to see the enthusiasm that they have now carrying over into spring ball,” general manager Courtney Morgan said. “I’m excited to see our freshmen, our newcomers. I’m just excited to see competition, to see guys who understand that last year wasn’t good enough and the enthusiasm they take and come out to work every day. Guys who I think are on the verge of getting better, guys who started to show flashes maybe at the end of the season, will be able to build off of that momentum.”

Spring practice lays the foundation for the season, position battles gain more clarity and the personnel is closely evaluated before the spring portal window. Clearly, the quarterback competition is the most important storyline, but there’s no shortage of other key players and positions that will be closely monitored through the spring.

Here are five players to watch from each class.

Seniors

DL LT Overton — Overton led the defensive line with 42 tackles last season, and there’s much more production to be had. He finished fifth in the SEC in pressures last season (31), according to Pro Football Focus, but only converted two of those pressures into sacks. Missed sacks were an issue for the entire team, and the Tide ranked 69th nationally with 25 sacks in 2024.

If Overton improves his pressure-to-sack ratio and ups his production, he’ll be in consideration for all-conference accolades and a high-round draft grade.

OL Justin Jefferson — Jefferson was Alabama’s most improved player in 2024, finishing fourth on the team in tackles (60) and tied for fourth in TFLs (6.5) after playing seldomly in 2023. He was granted an extra year of eligibility following the Diego Pavia/junior college ruling.

Deontae Lawson is out until fall camp, meaning Jefferson is the defensive signal caller for now. His experience will help get Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green adjusted and keep the defense on track. Once Lawson returns, the inside linebacker group will be very formidable.

OL Jaeden Roberts — Injuries set Roberts back last year, starting in spring practice and persisting throughout the season. He played in 12 games but split snaps with Geno VanDeMark at right guard. This spring provides a fresh start for Roberts, who’s a proven commodity when healthy.

WR Germie Bernard — Bernard was one of Alabama’s most consistent players last season and is one of the leaders on offense entering this spring. A healthier, more productive group of receivers will allow Bernard to be used as a multi-dimensional weapon. He averaged 15.9 yards per catch and 9.3 yards per rush a year ago. It’s also worth noting that this is the first time in Bernard’s career that he hasn’t transferred in the offseason. The continuity should benefit him.

DL Tim Keenan — Keenan’s return was arguably Alabama’s biggest roster retention win, solidifying the defensive line at the starter level. His play has improved in the last two seasons, and another year of progress could put him in All-SEC consideration. But what Keenan provides in leadership is perhaps his biggest attribute, and it will be needed this spring as he mentors a young group that will be asked to provide depth.

Juniors

OL Kadyn Proctor — Proctor has started nearly every game for two years and has been dominant at times. There have also been inconsistencies; his 13 pressures allowed last season were the second-most on the team behind Elijah Pritchett. Participating in spring practice this year will allow Proctor to lay a solid foundation, which wasn’t the case last year when he briefly transferred to Iowa. Tackle play was a liability last season and will be an area of focus this spring. How Proctor continues his development is a leading storyline.

DB Bray Hubbard — Hubbard wasn’t a starter until Week 6 and still led Alabama with three interceptions (tied with Zabien Brown). Now, with Malachi Moore graduated and Keon Sabb still recovering from last season’s foot injury, he will be taking on a much larger leadership role this spring. It will be interesting to see just how big of a jump Hubbard can make entering Year 2 as a starter. His ability as both a pass defender and tackler makes him one of the biggest weapons on defense.

DL James Smith — Smith was trending upward at the end of the season, and he had four tackles and one sack in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Smith steps into a full-time starter role this spring, and expectations are high. He was a strong situational player last season, but Alabama needs him to become a consistent, every-down starter to pair with Keenan at defensive tackle.

OL Parker Brailsford — Brailsford missed time last spring but returned to start every game at center and allow just a half sack in 777 total snaps. He was named to several All-America teams, and his experience in the middle of the offensive line, especially with a new quarterback, is critical.

TE Danny Lewis Jr. — Lewis isn’t as accomplished as other names on this list, but he is very well thought of inside the program. That was evident in December when Alabama convinced him to return after he entered the transfer portal.

There’s plenty of opportunity at tight end this year, and there’s belief that Lewis can seize it.

“I do feel like that if there’s 10 or 15 kids that have really developed and come a long, long way since the first day we stepped on the field this spring. He’d certainly be one of them,” Kalen DeBoer said. “More reps is gonna be something that just helps him become a better football player. So he’s pouring into that right now.”

Sophomores

WR Ryan Williams — Williams was a star in 2024. The most exciting part for Alabama fans is that there’s still so much room for growth in his game. For as dazzling as last season was, Williams didn’t record another 100-yard game after his performance against Georgia. There were times when ball security or assignments were an issue, but that was to be expected for a 17-year-old who was the No. 1 option on a prominent team. The expectation should be for him to be one of the most dominant players in the country in 2025.

DB Zabien Brown — Brown led all freshman defensive backs with three interceptions in 2024. With a full year of experience, he should be able to take another leap this fall.  With Brown and Domani Jackson back, there’s reason to believe Alabama could have one of the best cornerback tandems in college football.

RB Richard Young — Young is a former five-star recruit who’s waited his turn and appears primed to seize a bigger role in the backfield. Last season, he showed flashes in limited action. How he fits into what’s going to be a revamped run game will be interesting.

DB Zay Mincey — Mincey, a former five-star recruit, settled in at safety and saw his stock rise toward the end of the season, culminating in a seven-tackle performance in the bowl game. Mincey will have a role on this defense, whether it’s at safety or potentially at husky (slot).

WR Jaylen Mbakwe — Mbakwe’s brief flirtation with the transfer portal was a notable offseason storyline. He returned and will get an opportunity to make the move from cornerback to wide receiver. Alabama needs playmaking ability at the position. How much of a jump can he make this spring?

Freshmen

OL Jackson Lloyd — The offensive tackle from California was the recipient of DeBoer’s first scholarship offer last January. Now, the former five-star will have a chance to compete for playing time at right tackle, battling redshirt sophomore Wilkin Formby. In Lloyd, Alabama gets a three-sport athlete with an 84-inch wingspan. The question is: Will he be ready to contribute this season? Time will tell, but Lloyd will be a freshman to keep an eye on this spring.

DB Ivan Taylor — The son of 12-year NFL veteran Ike Taylor was recruited both as a nickel cornerback and safety. He starred at West Orange High in Winter Garden, Fla., one of the state’s top 7A programs. He should provide instant help at multiple spots.

OL Michael Carroll — A consensus five-star recruit, Carroll has the chance to earn a spot on the two-deep at multiple positions. He’s listed as an interior lineman and will get a look at guard, but he has the size profile (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) to provide depth at tackle if needed.

DL Jeremiah Beaman — A redshirt freshman, Beaman earned playing time in the bowl game after a few players transferred, and he finished with two tackles and a quarterback pressure. He’s gained nearly 30 pounds since he enrolled, and at 6-4 and 296, he is a prime candidate to earn a rotational spot at defensive tackle.

WR Rico Scott — Another redshirt freshman, Scott popped a few times last season — in scrimmages during fall camp, with a 31-yard touchdown catch against Mercer and a 28-yard run in the bowl game. Now a year older, Scott has a chance to enter the receiver rotation with a strong spring.

(Top photo of Germie Bernard: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

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