Alabama Football Practice Report: March 6, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — With a new coach comes big changes, one of which is positive for fans and media alike. For the first time since 2021, Alabama football on-campus practice was opened to the local media on Wednesday afternoon.
It was the first opportunity to see how Kalen DeBoer and his new staff run things along with a first look at the Crimson Tide's jersey changes, new faces and more.
Energy was high and music was blasting under a perfect March afternoon with temperatures in the low 70s and partially sunny skies as Alabama practiced in helmets and shorts for the team's second spring practice.
The viewing period was limited to individual and positional drills only, so with that in mind here are some practice notes and observations from the different position group.
Practice Notes- March 6, 2024
- Quarterbacks- Returning starter Jalen Milroe was first in line for drills, followed by redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson, Washington transfer Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Dylan Longergan.
- DeBoer was keeping a close watch over the quarterbacks at one point.
- Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan was with the group the entire time.
- At 6-6, Mack is noticeably a head taller than the rest of the quarterbacks.
- Running backs- It appeared that Justice Haynes and Jam Miller will split reps as the No. 1 back. The two went back and forth as the leaders in positional drills. Redshirt freshman Richard Young was next in line followed by true freshman Daniel Hill and walk-ons.
- Offensive line- This is a position group of intrigue as Alabama will be replacing both starting tackles from a season ago, plus the starting center. DeBoer brought over his starting center from Washington last season, Parker Brailsford, in the transfer portal. But it was redshirt junior James Brockermeyer that was taking the reps with the ones. From left to right, the first group offensive line was Elijah Pritchett, Tyler Booker, Brockermeyer, Jaeden Roberts and Wilkin Formby. The second team offensive line from left to right was Naquil Bertrand, Olaus Alinen, Brailsford, Roq Montgomery and Miles McVay.
- Defensive backs- Jahlil Hurley and USC transfer Domani Jackson appeared to be the first-team cornerbacks. Highly-touted freshman Jaylen Mbakwe was running second in the drills. Jackson and Mbakwe are both big, imposing cornerbacks. Early enrollees Zabien Brown, Zavier Mincey were also in the mix.
- Even though he's listed as the linebackers coach, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was working very closely with the DBs, both safeties and cornerbacks. Extremely vocal. Not demeaning — was coaching them up in a supportive, loud manner.
- Inside linebackers- Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell are the clear starters and leaders at inside linebacker. Both have changed numbers– Lawson from 32 to 0 and Campbell from 30 to 11. The pairs at ILB behind Lawson and Campbell were Jeremiah Alexander/Justin Jefferson and Cayden Jones/Sterling Dixon.
- Defensive line
- Pairing order throughout drills
- Tim Keenan / Jah-Marien Latham
- Tim Smith / Khurtiss Perry
- Isaia Faga / Hunter Osborne
- Jordan Renaud / Damon Payne
- Edric Hill / LT Overton
- Jeremiah Beaman / Keon Keely
- This would be a position switch for Keely from OLB to DL. Defensive line coach Freddie Roach worked with him closely on the tail end of drills.
- Injury news- The only player I saw in a black no-contact jersey (other than the quarterbacks) was tight end CJ Dippre. He was off to the side working on his own throughout the whole viewing period. Defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis was not seen at practice during the media viewing period.
- Music: Alabama was playing loud music throughout the entire media period. Some of the songs included "Energy" by Drake, "Super Gremlin" by Kodak Black and "Broadway Girls" by Lil Durk.
Photo Gallery- Alabama football spring practice
Want to make a comment, or have a question? Hit the "conversations" icon at the top of the story to join the discussion. Also, check out extended footage of practice on the BamaCentral YouTube page.
