Spring Practice Thread/News/Predictions

[tusks_n_raider]

The thing that gives me pause on Mack coming in to start right away is why did they take will rodgers (Mississippi State QB) in the portal while still at UW if Mack was 100% ready to start.
Mack very well could’ve followed the staff and Deboer knowing he would have to sit a year or two but would get the best development and have a shot at being a starting QB at alabama in the future.

My guess is they were bringing Rogers to make sure they had quality depth at the position at worst and maybe a challenge to Push Mack to QB1 since Rogers has a lot of Air Raid experience.

Plus Rogers was probably dying to get away from MSST after they completely changed Offensive systems.

 

[BamaMoon]

I think Mack has TONS of upside, but remember he's like a true freshman in age but JM has 3-4 years experience on him. TS has a couple.

It's entirely possible that as Mack is making improvement that his upside grows enough to catch those in front of him sometime next year.

I think we've been "Sabanized" over the years to expect the day 1 starter is "the guy" but I'm hoping this staff will be willing to play the best QB all season and if that means starting with one and changing to another they will.

Again, as I keep saying, I just want the QB that can run CKD's system at the highest level!

 

[tusks_n_raider]

I think Mack has TONS of upside, but remember he's like a true freshman in age but JM has 3-4 years experience on him. TS has a couple.

It's entirely possible that as Mack is making improvement that his upside grows enough to catch those in front of him sometime next year.

I think we've been "Sabanized" over the years to expect the day 1 starter is "the guy" but I'm hoping this staff will be willing to play the best QB all season and if that means starting with one and changing to another they will.

Again, as I keep saying, I just want the QB that can run CKD's system at the highest level!

I wanted to add that Penix's recent comments on Mack have influenced my opinion as well..

“His confidence is out of the roof, man. He’s going to be an amazing player at Alabama. That’s definitely going to be a household name there pretty soon, and he has so much talent at a young age that I saw as soon as he came in and just the way he was able to pick up the offense, and pick up on just seeing the defense, and reacting to the plays, it was amazing to see. So, I know his ceiling is very high.”

It sounds like the kid has a fast CPU to go with his physical talents.

It's encouraging because it necessary to run the CKD Offense.

I feel like Jalen and Ty both need to make improvements in that area to beat Mack.

I'm overall happy with our QB room because every guy is really talented and they all have upside's that haven't been realized fully because of terrible to mediocre coaching. So we know Potential is still there for all of them.

They will now get Top Notch 1 on 1 QB coaching and whoever emerges as QB1 will be pretty dang good.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

My uninformed guess is Mack vs Ty for QB1.

Mack didn’t transfer to be #3 and CKD didn’t run off Sayin to bring in a #3 either.

Lonergan is a Darkhorse option but that kid can sling it too… the question is can he play vs the 1’s like he plays vs 2’s and 3’s.

Jalen is going to have to make massive improvements in reading defenses and making fast decisions to be QB 1 in this new Offense.

Now if anyone can ‘unlock’ Jalen’s potential it’s CKD. Reese sure couldn’t.

But again it’s going to have to be big turnaround.

If we still had CNS then Jalen would be a lock to start the 1st game.

With CKD I’ll be shocked if Mack and Ty don’t get every opportunity to take that spot.

It's just my opinion, but I still don't believe that CKD ran off Sayin. The kid came to play for Saban...

I think its going to be a very strong competition and I am 100% behind whoever wins it.

 

[BamaMoon]

I wanted to add that Penix's recent comments on Mack have influenced my opinion as well..

“His confidence is out of the roof, man. He’s going to be an amazing player at Alabama. That’s definitely going to be a household name there pretty soon, and he has so much talent at a young age that I saw as soon as he came in and just the way he was able to pick up the offense, and pick up on just seeing the defense, and reacting to the plays, it was amazing to see. So, I know his ceiling is very high.”

It sounds like the kid has a fast CPU to go with his physical talents.

It's encouraging because it necessary to run the CKD Offense.

I feel like Jalen and Ty both need to make improvements in that area to beat Mack.

I'm overall happy with our QB room because every guy is really talented and they all have upside's that haven't been realized fully because of terrible to mediocre coaching. So we know Potential is still there for all of them.

They will now get Top Notch 1 on 1 QB coaching and whoever emerges as QB1 will be pretty dang good.

Thanks for sharing. I hadn't seen Penix's comments on Mack. You mean he sees the defense and reacts? Novel idea!

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

The thing that gives me pause on Mack coming in to start right away is why did they take will rodgers (Mississippi State QB) in the portal while still at UW if Mack was 100% ready to start.
Mack very well could’ve followed the staff and Deboer knowing he would have to sit a year or two but would get the best development and have a shot at being a starting QB at alabama in the future.

Insurance in case of injury or disappointment...?

IMHO, Will Rogers would be a great addition to any qb room in the country.

 

[BamaMoon]

It's just my opinion, but I still don't believe that CKD ran off Sayin. The kid came to play for Saban...

I think its going to be a very strong competition and I am 100% behind whoever wins it.

I don't either.

Somebody pointed out that Sayin committed to BoB/CNS in view of running a true "pro-style offense."

I think the reason he left is he wanted to prepare himself for the NFL and he felt a switch to the air-raid wouldn't serve his goal's as well.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Thanks for sharing. I hadn't seen Penix's comments on Mack. You mean he sees the defense and reacts? Novel idea!

If this is true and if this is what CKD thinks about Mack, then Sayin bolting probably didn't raise CKD's blood pressure. I hope the kid turns out to be all that people are saying about his potential. If he does, then it should be exciting for us to watch.

 

[gtgilbert]

On the subject of QB's. It's a fact that NFL capable QB's are rare. So you can recruit and coach them well and not get that caliber of player. issue #2 is the offensive line but Lets table that for a moment, issue #3 to me is more critical and that is offensive design. We have not had an innovative design since Sark left. In todays game with the athleticism of the pass rush no OL can stop the onslaught. It only works if your offense is designed to flow quickly, snap, quick read, fire ball or hand off. No hesitation, Every option has to have a backup option for whatever the defense throws at you. If they want to blitz, go for it, we got something for that. you want to sit back and contain. PLEASE. got an option for that. the offense needs to keep the defense running in circles. I'm not saying I know how to do it, but I've sure as heck seen it done to us repeatedly so in my opinion great QB's are good, but great offenses are better. Milro's strength are leadership, toughness and one of the best deep balls you'll ever see. His weakness are poor footwork, horrid pocket presence, slow read and reaction time. Last year was his first year as a starter, his weaknesses would be found in more QB's than not. The questions aren't about last year it's about can he take the next step or has he already peaked.

We actually had a LOT of that in the offense design in 23. Go watch the unofficial assistant coaches youtube video on the Michigan game. He shows that on a majority of the sacks that Milroe took, CTR had designed in outlets, knowing that UM was blitzing. Either the TE (most often) or the RB was WIDE open and Milroe just never pulled the trigger.

 

[Tidelines]

Mack graduate early...so he is still young. I am going to wait and see what plays out on the practice field. No preference, just want the most efficient QB we can have. That's what we all hope for.

 

[jjv0004]

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.

So I realize it's a first practice but seeing Brockermeyer at 1st team Center over Brailsford was a bit shocking. Has Brockermeyer improved a ton and gotten way bigger already during the last 2 + months? And can Pritchett handle left tackle? Will be curious to see how the o-line plays out.

 

[BamaMoon]

We actually had a LOT of that in the offense design in 23. Go watch the unofficial assistant coaches youtube video on the Michigan game. He shows that on a majority of the sacks that Milroe took, CTR had designed in outlets, knowing that UM was blitzing. Either the TE (most often) or the RB was WIDE open and Milroe just never pulled the trigger.

This is so accurate. Even from the limited angles with modern TV coverage, you could see a back slipping out in the flats having NOBODY covering him. I'd have time to say "He's wide open throw it to him" and many times Jalen's still holding the ball or getting sacked.

I think teams eventually decided it wasn't worth covering our backs in the flats. IF Jalen decided to finally dump off to them they were willing to give the 5-10 yards and live with it ....but if those dump off passes are delivered on time many of the instances they would have been huge gains when the defense was otherwise preoccupied with down field coverages.

 

[BamaMoon]

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.

So I realize it's a first practice but seeing Brockermeyer at 1st team Center over Brailsford was a bit shocking. Has Brockermeyer improved a ton and gotten way bigger already during the last 2 + months? And can Pritchett handle left tackle? Will be curious to see how the o-line plays out.

I think we should take note that the center and QB aren't immediately put in drill lines in front of players who have been here.

I imagine it was a point of discussion and emphasis that it would not be "a good look" to stick Deboer's former players at Washington in front of guys who had previously been on the team.

Probably just a small detail but a sign that CKD is navigating the change with lots of forethought and maturity!

 

[Ratal]

So I realize it's a first practice but seeing Brockermeyer at 1st team Center over Brailsford was a bit shocking. Has Brockermeyer improved a ton and gotten way bigger already during the last 2 + months? And can Pritchett handle left tackle? Will be curious to see how the o-line plays out.

This is likely 1 of 2 scenarios. Give the player that has history at Alabama a chance to earn a spot or give incoming players an opportunity to win the team over without "handing" them a position.

 

[Coach D]

It’s definitely offseason, theories flying everywhere lol

They were bringing in Rodgers to start and see if long shot possibly Mack could win it out. Thinking he needed another year most likely.

With that said this includes all Washington players- where they line up day one absolutely does not matter especially in spring. No coach worth their salt would put their transfer ahead of possible starters and keep the team. Ignore where the center and qb and so on are.

Mack knows he is most likely a year off, age and weight not helping him. If he wins it he would be special.

It’s spring with a new staff, ignore who is where until fall. Lot of learning and experimenting by coaches and players. Pay attention to names that are making plays that’s pretty much it. We always moved guys around to see how they react and fit. Example we moved James Bradberry to safety and money (position name at bama) a couple of times and he clearly excelled at CB.

what makes it harder now is if you move a player and he is frustrated he could transfer in a blink of an eye.

 

[CoolBreeze]

Well, someone sure is excited about this team:

 

[CoolBreeze]

Some good stuff right here:

Jumbo Package: Alabama Spring Practice Updates!

Media reports abound with the newfound access to Alabama practices

www.rollbamaroll.com

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

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.

So I realize it's a first practice but seeing Brockermeyer at 1st team Center over Brailsford was a bit shocking. Has Brockermeyer improved a ton and gotten way bigger already during the last 2 + months? And can Pritchett handle left tackle? Will be curious to see how the o-line plays out.

It isn't really where you you start the spring, it's where you finish...

 

[davefrat]

Since they wear the Don Beebe helmets in practice, why don't they wear them in games as well?

Unless they somehow limit the players in practice, seems like aside from how absurd they look, they'd be used in games too.

 

[oldtimetider]

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.

So I realize it's a first practice but seeing Brockermeyer at 1st team Center over Brailsford was a bit shocking. Has Brockermeyer improved a ton and gotten way bigger already during the last 2 + months? And can Pritchett handle left tackle? Will be curious to see how the o-line plays out.

.... oops... I should've finished reading the thread before posting... Not much new below that wasn't said more succinctly earlier...

I don't think a new coach can bring players from his former school and just plug them in with the 1's on day one. You just can't. Those guys should come in with the idea that they'll have to beat out those who have stuck it out through the coaching change and "done their time." It's not to say that the new guys won't work their way up the ladder because they very well may. But to place them with 1's without seeing (in person at practice) who is capable of what among the returners might well be viewed as disrespectful... (As I type this, a certain school in the Rockies popped into my mind for some reason.)
Depth chart will get sorted out in due time...