If this is your first trip down to watch Alabama A-Day festivities, just don’t be surprised if it’s not the normal game experience.
Yes, you will be in Bryant-Denny Stadium watching football but it won’t be what you are used to seeing.
You may see a few elements from the regular season but there’s a bigger chance of seeing a very vanilla plan from both sides and hopefully no injuries.
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback David Cornwell (12) prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
One thing I want to pay attention to is the quaterback situation. There’s only a few practices under their belts but it should start to give us a good idea on who will have the upper hand when fall camp comes around. As of now, it seems that redshirt freshman David Cornwell is neck and neck with Jacob Coker. There is nothing really to confirm that except from practice reports. Saban even said that they will work three quarterbacks with the first team on one day and then swap them out for three others during the next practice.
One I want to keep an eye on is Mike linebacker Reuben Foster. I always thought Foster had a lot of potential but too many injuries hurt him from mainly lowering that head and dropping the boom. If he keeps up his performance this spring, that will be a huge asset.
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Also with Eddie Jackson making a move to safety, although it could be temporary, it will be a chance to get some of that monster class on the field with players like Tony Brown. Keep an eye out for early enrollee Ronnie Harrison, too. From all reports, that’s one that came to work. It would be nice to see him shine this season.
During this last scrimmage on Saturday, Saban described the defense as being ball-hawking by tipping passes, intercepting passes, attacking the ball and creating turnovers. Tide fans figured that would be strong unit for the season and it’s looking like it very well may be.
Here is the starting lineups per BamaOnline if everything got started today:
Offense
QB – Jacob Coker
RB – Derrick Henry
WR-X – ArDarius Stewart
WR-Z – Robert Foster
WR-H – Chris Black
TE – O.J. Howard
LT – Cameron Robinson
LG – Ross Pierschbacher
C – Ryan Kelly
RG – Bradley Bozeman
RT – Dominick Jackson
Defense
DE – Jonathan Allen
DT – Jarran Reed
DE – Dalvin Tomlinson
MLB – Reuben Foster
WLB – Reggie Ragland
JLB – Ryan Anderson
CB – Bradley Sylve
CB – Tony Brown
FS – Eddie Jackson
SS – Geno Smith
Star – Maurice Smith
Just from looking it over, there’s no concerns for me at running back unless someone else goes down. The wide receiver corps sounds motivated. They already have the talent. Tight end O.J. Howard has also gotten some positive notes from Saban and crew. The offensive line looks stout again but Saban said they need a bit more time to gel.
Defensive line should be our strong point this season. With Anderson, Foster at linebacker paired with the experience of Ragland, that unit should be good too. On paper, the changes to the secondary look appealing as well.
Not mentioned in the projected starter but J.K. Scott is still doing his thing and placekicker Adam Griffith appears to better on this season.
It is important to remember. You won’t see to many plays next Saturday but you will see some Alabama football pads popping.
What are some of the things that you will be watching for and will have your interest?
Let us know in the comment section.