A-Day Notebook: Ground-and-Pound Attack, Defensive Resiliency

Notes and observations from Alabama Football's 2024 A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, including all of the spring award winners.

Alabama Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The first A-Day of the Kalen DeBoer era for Alabama Football is in the books.

On Saturday, the Crimson Tide took the field for a showdown between the offensive team and the defensive team — a new format in comparison to the "crimson" and "white" teams of old under former Alabama head coach and recent retiree Nick Saban.

During the much-anticipated event, plenty of headlines emerged as the new-look Crimson Tide get set for their summer slate.

Jam Miller's Big Day

As a sophomore in 2023, Jam Miller caught the eyes of Alabama fans as a brute-froce running back with quickness to boot, tallying 201 yards and touchdown on the ground in addition to a go-ahead 28-yard touchdown versus Georgia in the SEC Championship game.

Now the most experienced back on the roster, Miller is hoping to have a herculean impact in year three in a new, run-heavy offense. With only eight carries on the day, Miller scored two touchdowns while totaling 83 yards, with the bulk of that number coming from a 48-yard scamper in the first half.

After the game, Miller wasn't shy with his thoughts about the team's ability to run the rock.

'"Oh, we're going to be the No. 1 running back room in the country," Miller said. "Trust me."

Strong words, tough runner. As the season gets closer, it's likely that Miller will be the team's RB-1 heading into the season, and for good reason.

Defensive Resiliency

With an offense like Kalen DeBoer's, it's not hard to get behind the eight-ball in a hurry. For the defensive team, a 24-0 hole led to some scrambling by defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

It didn't take long for the team kick it into high-gear, though, as five straight three-and-outs forced by the defense, worth three points apiece, made the score 31-15 late in the first half.

While the defense couldn't hold off the offensive team enough to secure a victory by game's end, valiant performances from linebackers Deontae Lawson and Cayden Jones, defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., who had an interception wiped away by a penalty, and defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham, kept what appeared to be an early blowout from getting ugly.

Germie Bernard: Lightning Bolt

Throughout the spring, Washington transfer Germie Bernard has been the talk of the town. Standing at 6-foot-1, 203-pounds, Bernard boasts a rare blend of speed, athleticism and precision that'll keep opposing defenses up at night. With the foreknowledge of DeBoer's offense as a former Husky, Bernard has a leg-up on his Crimson Tide counterparts in the wide receiver room — an advantage he's been using as an opportunity to teach his teammates the ropes.

During A-Day, Bernard showed Alabama fans why there's good reason to be excited about his addition — posting three catches for 122 yards, including a 52-yard strike from Jalen Milroe.

There's no such thing as a safe bet in college football, but if the spring has been any indication, the Crimson Tide can expect Bernard to have a massive impact in 2024.

Injury Update

On the injury front, linebacker Jihaad Campbell and defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis appear to be getting close to 100%.

"If we had another week of spring ball, I think they'd probably both be really close to ready to go," DeBoer said after the game — stating that both are doing well and on track in their recovery.

On ESPN's broadcast of the event, it was also noted that wide receiver Jalen Hale is expected to miss the entire regular season with an undisclosed knee injury, with the potential to return for postseason play.

Award Winners

Dixie Howell Memorial Award: Jam Miller

Dwight Stephenson Award: Tyler Booker

Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award: Jaedon Roberts, Justin Jefferson

Jerry Duncan “I Like to Practice” Award: Olaus Alinen, Richard Young, Robbie Outzs, Clay Robinson, Devonta Smith

Billy Neighbors Defensive Lineman Award: Tim Keenan, LT Overton, Tim Smith

Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award: Tyler Booker

Bobby Johns Defensive Back Award: Keon Sabb, Domani Jackson

Johnny Musso Offensive Back Award: Justice Haynes, Jam Miller

Ray Perkins Receiver Award: Germie Bernard, Kobe Prentice

Woodrow Lowe Linebacker Award: Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson

Derrick Thomas Community Service Award: Jayshawn Ross, Isaiah Faga, Red Morgan, Justin Okoronkwo

Bear Bryant Outstanding Non-Scholarship Award: Sam Willoughby, Jay Loper Jr., Kolby Peavy, Noland Asberry, Chase Davis

Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award: Cole Adams, Caleb Odom, Austin Mack, Dylan Lonergan, Red Morgan, Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe, Logan -, Zavier Mincey, Peyton Woodyard, Wilkin Formby

Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award: Emmanuel Henderson Jr, Ty Simpson, Elijah Pritchett, Josh Cuevas, James Brockermeyer, Qua Russaw, Damon Payne, Keanu Koht, Bray Hubbard, and Justin Jefferson

Mal Moore Leadership Award: Tyler Booker, CJ Dippre, Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, and Deontae Lawson

Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award: Kendrick Law, Jah-Marien Latham

Tidebits

• Quarterback Jalen Milroe sputtered through the air, tossing 100 yards while completing only three-for-nine passes without a score.

• The Crimson Tide played "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC on their way into the stadium.

• Nick Saban and Terry Saban were honored pregame at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Alabama basketball's 2024 Final Four team was honored mid-game, with Mark Sears hoisting the regional championship trophy.