Alabama football through first week of spring practice: What we’ve learned about the Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama’s first week of spring practice is in the books, and the theme that has reverberated through three practices is competition. In addition to the position battles of note, several injuries have opened the door for players to get an extended look from the coaches.

“Just a bunch of competition,” senior Tim Keenan said. “I’m trying to take it to them. I’m making sure they don’t put me in the dirt, and I’m trying to put them in the dirt. But it’s all love at the end of the day.”

Ideally, Alabama would be at full tilt during spring practice, but the chance to build depth is a silver lining. One thing the coaches displayed last season, particularly on defense, is that they’re willing to play as many players as they feel is necessary: Fifty-two players logged at least 125 snaps last season per Tru Media.

The Crimson Tide are taking a week away for spring break and will return to practice on March 18. After three practices, here’s where each position group stands and which players made impressions over the first week.

Quarterback

The most important position of spring and the season is quarterback, and it’s being coached accordingly. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is dipping into each position group, but most of his team has been spent with quarterbacks alongside quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan and analyst Mitch Dahlen and input from Kalen DeBoer. There’s a hierarchy, with Sheridan and Grubb as the two main voices, but there are a lot of eyes on that position.

Ty Simpson led the way through the first week, and he was the best of the group in quickly picking up on Grubb’s installments and implementing them.

“Ty’s mindset has changed a lot,” wide receiver Germie Bernard said. “He’s had a great mindset, I just think he’s really growing, growing into a leader. He’s stepping up, and he knows what it takes.”

Austin Mack is running second, and Keelon Russell is third. Grubb noted that Mack has improved some mechanical things, including his throwing motion, since Grubb last coached him at Washington in 2023, and Grubb has faith in Mack’s ability to process the office. As for the early impressions of Russell, the five-star freshman is what the coaching staff hoped for.

Russell has flashed his quick release and field vision, which Grubb likened to Michael Penix. Russell’s going through the natural growth from high school to college, but his attitude has been good, which is a good indicator of his development.

“Keelon is awesome, man,” Grubb said. “He’s very unflappable. Even when things don’t go right, and they invariably will for a freshman quarterback, I think he’s done an awesome job just kind of staying the course and being very steady, and he can make a lot of plays.”

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Running back

Alabama didn’t wear pads for two of the first three practices, so the assessment of the running game is incomplete. But how that group operated in the first week is a snapshot of the competition element. Alabama added several transfers, including some with a lot of experience like Dre’Lyn Washington, who has the most career carries in the group. Still, there’s an expectation to earn everything, so Washington has repped behind the returners: Jam Miller, Richard Young and Daniel Hill.

“Right now he’s in the learning phase,” Miller said of Washington. “He’s fast, big. He’s a short, stocky guy. He’s going to have an impact on this offense.”

Miller is leading the group, but the question is who’s going to split carries alongside him. Young popped a few good runs and seems to be carrying over some momentum from last season.

“I feel like we can be a good duo,” Miller said. “When his time comes, he’s going to do his thing.”

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Wide receiver

The biggest development at receiver is the strong early impression made by Isaiah Horton, a transfer from Miami. He spent part of the week limited to a stationary bike, but he was productive when he was on the field.

“The lights aren’t going to be too bright for him,” DeBoer said. “He wasn’t scared of competition. Some guys that are in the program like Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams that had a lot of production themselves, he added to the room. It’s been nothing but positive.”

Another positive development is that both Cole Adams and Jalen Hale have been participating coming off injuries. Safety Bray Hubbard said Hale was “balling” and doing a great job through three practices. Those two coming back and being dependable rotation players would be significant.

Perhaps one surprising player who emerged is true freshman Lotzeir Brooks, who arrived as New Jersey’s all-time leading receiver. Brooks’ explosiveness has been notable in big plays down the field. Brooks has even logged some first-team reps.

As for Williams, the sophomore appears hungry to build off last season’s success. His work ethic caught Grubb’s attention, and he has been a playmaker.

“You can see the guy sitting in the front row at every meeting,” Grubb said. “He’s just a sponge. He wants to get better, he’s asking questions. I think that he will. The versatility on how you can use Ryan inside and outside is something that makes him a unique player.”

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Tight end

This is the thinnest position on the team due to injury, but the summer outlook is brighter: Danny Lewis will be a full go by then, and four-star freshman Kaleb Edwards will be on campus. Senior Josh Cuevas is leading the group followed by redshirt freshman Jay Lindsey and senior Peter Knudson, a transfer from Weber State.

A name to watch is freshman Marshall Pritchett, a four-star recruit. He was injured at the Under Armour All-America Game and is practicing with a non-contact jersey.

Offensive line

With Kadyn Proctor out, there has been a good amount of experimentation. Alabama tried a few different starting units, including (left to right): Arkel Anugwom, Olaus Alinen, Parker Brailsford, Jaeden Roberts and Casey Poe and Alinen, Geno VanDeMark, Brailsford, Jaeden Roberts and Wilkin Formby. A second-team offensive line consisted of Jackson Lloyd, Kam Dewberry, Joseph Ionata, Roq Montgomery and Michael Carroll. It’s worth noting that Lloyd got spot reps with the first team, and Carroll is repping some at guard.

There’s not much to glean with this much movement, but, notably, Alinen is getting first-team snaps at two positions. The former four-star prospect has been developing behind the scenes, and if he continues to improve, he can be a legitimate depth/swing option in case of injury.

Proctor has been a vocal leader to the young tackles, providing instruction after most reps. Taking that step as a leader is a positive sign while he recovers physically.

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Defensive line

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack emphasized creating more negative plays, and that starts with LT Overton, who was strong at creating pressures last season (31) but only converted two to sacks. Overton’s comfort level in the scheme is showing, and it’s leading to results.

“It feels like I’m back in high school,” Overton said. “Everything is clicking. It’s not me freezing up or trying to overthink anything.”

The interior of the defensive line is a concern, per Wommack, but two players who can fill voids are Edric Hill and Jeremiah Beaman, who have earned praise, particularly Hill.

“Edric Hill has made a magnificent impact this spring,” Keenan said. “I can’t wait to see what he keeps doing.”

Kelby Collins, a transfer from Florida, is working behind Overton at defensive end and on the interior, which is helping to fortify that spot alongside Keenan. Collins has quickly earned the respect of his teammates, and players like Overton are pushing Collins to lead. In some ways, the two players are similar as former blue-chip recruits who chose a school over Alabama originally but transferred into a potential big role.

“He’s already considered a veteran,” Overton said. “It’s really just bringing him into that leadership role. That’s the next part of him growing up. What is he going to do next year when we’re all gone? We need him to start implementing things into the players.”

Collins sliding inside some is a product of players like Keon Keeley and Jordan Renaud improving at defensive end. Keeley earned praise for how he has approached the offseason and first week of spring.

“Out of my three years of playing in college football, I haven’t seen a guy like Keon continue to make jumps year by year,” Overton said. “He’s got a great mindset.”

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Linebacker

On the inside, it should be noted that senior Justin Jefferson looks fluid and explosive despite being limited to drills. Once he returns, he’s a breakout player candidate. With Jefferson and Deontae Lawson out, other players are getting a ton of first-team reps.

Second-year players QB Reese and Cayden Jones led the drills through the first week. Nikhai Hill-Green, a Colorado transfer and former All-Big 12 selection, worked behind returners but has earned the respect of the veteran players. Once Hill-Green gains a deeper understanding of the system, he will be a mainstay in the first unit.

“I’ve been (on the field with Hill-Green) some,” Keenan said. “He’s been doing well managing the defense. He has great control back there; he seems poised.”

Jah-Marien Latham’s transition from defensive end to outside linebacker has been smooth, although he spent part of the first week limited with a leg brace. He needs reps, but with his experience, precaution is best, and some young players can benefit from those reps. Sophomore Qua Russaw leads the pecking order as a returning starter, followed by Noah Carter, Yhonzae Pierre and early enrollee Justin Hill.

Defensive back

With Domani Jackson out, sophomore Zabien Brown and Cameron Calhoun, a transfer from Utah, are the starting cornerbacks. Calhoun has been a welcome addition, including an interception in the first week and the competitive energy he brings. The third position has been pivotal the past two years from Trey Amos (2023) to Jaylen Mbakwe and DaShawn Jones last season so Calhoun will have a major role on this team.

“We’re a relatively quiet secondary, for the most part,” Wommack said. “It’s kind of nice to have another guy out there that plays up in people’s faces.”

Another cornerback who drew praise in the first week is former five-star prospect Dijon Lee. The 6-foot-4 corner has provided problems for the offense, using his length to create very narrow passing lanes and make plays on the ball. Wommack likened his maturity to Brown a year ago. If he plays close to that level (which is a tough ask), Lee will find snaps this fall.

Hubbard has taken a step forward at safety, filling a vocal gap left by Keon Sabb’s injury. Zay Mincey and Kameron Howard are players to watch at the other safety spot. In the slot, Jones has been limited by injury. Sophomore Red Morgan, who earned some starts last year, is continuing to work there.

Sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., who was a safety last season but got some reps in the slot last week, is pushing for a bigger role.

“Been really impressed with Dre Kirkpatrick,” Wommack said. “He’s doing some really good things.”

(Top photo of Tim Keenan: Steve Roberts / Imagn Images)

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