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Alabama wrapped up its second fall camp scrimmage last week.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide coaching staff have seen improvement. The Alabama offensive had explosive games; however, his defense looked incredible. We’re 13 days away from an opening game between the Tide and the Miami Hurricanes.
Sincerely, Touchdown Alabama Magazine has five takeaways from the team scrum.
1. Competition on the Alabama offensive line
Nothing is set in stone on Alabama’s offensive line.
Chris Owens was seen as a lock to be the starting center. He admirably replaced Landon Dickerson in the SEC Championship game against Florida and started both college football playoff games in 2020. Owens started in the center of the Alabama Spring Game and held the role until at the second scrum. Coach Saban went with Darrian Dalcourt as the first team center.
The Maryland junior has had a solid outing, and the technical staff love the versatility he brings to the front row. As a member of the 2019 signing class, Dalcourt played 14 games in two years.
The other competition is the right tackle. Kendall Randolph was bothered with a sprained ankle while a freshman JC Latham got first team representatives. He arrived in this year’s class as a five star through IMG Academy. IMG alumnus Evan Neal helped Latham’s transition to college football. The 6-foot-6, 325-pounder has a high cap and a lot of potential.
It will be interesting to see which players make up the starting five.
2. Trey Sanders continues to climb as a running back
Trey Sanders has been amazing with every rep.
Alabama will feature their running backs in the passing game, and that matches Sanders’ skill. He catches passes from Bryce Young and shows the flurry for movement in space. All the aspects that make a five-star running back came back to him.
The Tide has a strong rotation, but Sanders is second to Brian Robinson Jr. Coach Saban is excited about the fullbacks; however, he’s happy to see Sanders fight. After facing many setbacks, the second is determined to stay healthy.
Crimson Tide fans are about to see the five star back they always wanted.
3. Drew Sanders makes an appearance at the outside linebacker
Drew Sanders has taken the next step and is ready for game time.
As a former 5-star from Texas, Sanders gained 14 pounds this summer. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound player wreaked havoc in the fray, and sources said he was starting to emerge as an outside linebacker.
In a 7v7 situation, he made an athletic interception of Bryce Young. Sanders has been working his butt all off season for this moment. He replaced Christopher Allen in Saturday practice and will be the first off the bench this season. King Mwikuta and Chris Braswell both played well, but Sanders has shown the coaching staff he’s ready now. He’s had a lot of conversations in the 2020 class and he’s ready to take it.
4. Young receivers claim playing time
Alabama has a few young receivers looking for an opportunity.
Ja’Corey Brooks was the least talked about real freshman, but he grew strong. He received several assists for a second consecutive scrum. JoJo Earle pushes Slade Bolden for the starting post in the lunge. Christian Leary has stood firm as sources identify Traeshon Holden as the “sleeper”.
A source said Holden had the speed, hands, routes and athletic ability (jumps) to be a “serious playmaker.” Thaiu Jones-Bell had a good scrum, but the names listed above bring him more to the table. John Metchie, Jameson Williams and Bolden are the top three, but the youngsters are coming quickly.
5. Brian Branch or Daniel Wright: Who’s playing it safe if DeMarcco Hellams can’t take on Miami?
According to sources, DeMarcco Hellams underwent the tightrope ankle procedure.
He might go against Miami, but Brian Branch or Daniel Wright will go to free safety if he doesn’t play. Branch had a great camp, and Saban said he played all positions in the high school.
The sophomore defended nine assists (seven breakups, two interceptions) in 2020, which are tied for third in the SEC for freshman defensemen.
He has enormous reach and ball skills. The branch has a high cap and All-American potential.
A source told yours truly that the original Georgian had “the hit of the year” in the second scrum. Saban loves his experienced players, but Branch is a talent that cannot be denied.
Wright, a senior in a red shirt, has been in the program since 2017.
He’s a good player who had a productive year in 2020. Wright finished with 60 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three breakups, a rushed quarterback and two interceptions. He returned a pick for a touchdown in Alabama’s game against Texas A&M.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder can make games, but it also takes a lot of bets. Wright has played 44 career games, so his experience means something. We’ll see how Saban plays it out, especially if Hellams doesn’t go against the Hurricanes.
Other Notes
-James Burnip, originally from Australia, performed well via sources.
-Will Reichard scored all baskets with Paul Tyson as the starter.
-Young defensive backs – Terrion Arnold, Khyree Jackson and Kristian Story – are playing well.
-Cameron Latu continues to look good at the close end of the race.
-John Metchie (80 yards) and Jameson Williams (60 yards) had long touchdown catches.
-Williams will be Alabama’s deep threat on offense, sources say.
-Will Anderson could not be blocked. Defeat Evan Neal multiple times.
-LaBryan Ray (groin) was in the scrum but watched from the sideline.
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Stephen M. Smith is Editor-in-Chief and Editor-in-Chief of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” it on Facebook or “watch” it on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
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