Practice Report: Jahleel Billingsley Returns for First Practice in Shells

The Crimson Tide hosted its third practice of fall camp under toasty temperatures and partly cloudy skies.

Author:
Joey Blackwell
Publish date:
Aug 9, 2021 3:56 PM EDT

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Under partly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering in the low 90s, Alabama football hosted its third practice of fall camp at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields on the campus of the University of Alabama on Monday.

The session was the third in a series of 25 practices slated for fall camp prior to the Crimson Tide's season opener against the Miami Hurricanes in Atlanta on Sept. 4. The team donned shells for the first time this preseason, having only worn helmets and jerseys on Friday and Saturday.

The team's first full-padded practice will be on Thursday.

Practice Notes

Jahleel Billingsley was lined up with the tight ends. Billingsley was missing from practice on Friday, prompting Saban to note his commitment during Sunday's media day: "I think that has a lot to do with his level of commitment that I talked about before, in terms of doing the right things, developing as a player. [...] We’re certainly trying to help him do that and hopefully he’ll be back out there with us in a few days. We’ll see how that all develops."

At wide receiver, all of the usual suspects were out on the field. The starters were John Metchie III, Slade Bolden and Javon Baker. Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams was lined up with the twos.

Quarterback Bryce Young was once again the primary starter, and all quarterbacks were present for the media viewing period.

On offensive line, Chris Owens was lined up as starting center. To his right at guard was Emil Ekiyor Jr. while Javion Cohen was in the left guard position. At left tackle, Evan Neal lined up and on the opposite side was Kendall Randolph.

Inside linebackers lined up in this order: Shane Lee, Henry To'oTo'o, Christian Harris, Jaylen Moody, Deontae Lawson, Ian Jackson, Kendrick Blackshire, Jackson Bratton and Demouy Kennedy.

At outside linebacker, Will Anderson Jr. and Christopher Allen led the group, follwed by Drew Sanders and Chris Braswell. King Mwikuta, who re-joined the Crimson Tide after spending some time in the offseason in the transfer portal, lined up in front of Dallas Turner, Keanu Koht and Quandarrius Robinson.

Outside linebackers coach Sal Sunseri had a fiery moment with Anderson during Day 3. When Anderson was told to rip and get vertical, Anderson instead went down the line. Needless to say, Sunseri was not too happy and chastised Anderson, halting the drill for several moments.

Regarding To'oTo'o, his burst of speed off the line was impressive. He seems to be developing very well alongside the rest of his new Crimson Tide teammates. Turner also impressed with his quickness and violence off the line.

Wide receiver Xavier Williams was once again missing from practice. He was not present on Friday during the media viewing period. Defensive lineman LaBryan Ray was also absent, but that was previously announced as Saban revealed on Sunday that Ray will be out for at least a couple of weeks with a groin injury.