A-Day Recap: Big Plays Propel White Team to 27-14 Win
By Nick Jones
Alabama fans braved the chance of rain to get a glimpse of what’s to come in the fall as spring practice came to a close on Saturday in the Crimson Tide’s annual A-Day spring game.
Many came into the game looking for answers to some of Alabama’s depth issues, especially on offense, but inconsistency was the story for both sides.
The White team was able to overcome several turnovers with big plays from quarterbacks Jake Coker and Blake Barnett to notch at 27–14 win and a steak dinner.
Offense
Senior quarterback Jake Coker came out strong for the White team hitting sophomore wide receiver ArDarius Stewart for a 40-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Coker looked extremely comfortable as the trigger-man for the first team offense and led a great two-minute drive resulting in a one-yard Derrick Henry touchdown run to end the half.
The second half brought inconsistencies for all five quarterbacks to see action as they combined for six interceptions on the game.
Sophomore receiver Robert Foster flourished for the White team and will be an early candidate to help replace departed Heisman Trophy finalist Amari Cooper.
True freshman quarterback Blake Barnett ended an otherwise mediocre performance with a late 26-yard touchdown pass to ArDarius Stewart to seal the win for the White team.
Senior running back Kenyan Drake looked extremely explosive in his limited action, despite being forced to wear a black no contact jersey.
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban prior to the annual A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
With limited time to prepare on offense, most defenses flourish and Saturday was no exception.
The Crimson team (first team defense) looked extremely explosive matched up against the first team offense, but still allowed several big plays down the stretch.
Reuben Foster and Reggie Ragland looked head and shoulders above other linebackers on the field and Foster seemed healthy after struggling with multiple injuries a season ago.
Junior Eddie Jackson looked decent in his move to safety, but the defensive secondary will still be the main focus of improvement heading into fall camp.
Redshirt freshman Marlon Humphrey and true freshman Ronnie Harrison both looked extremely confident for the White team after each posted an interception.
Special Teams
Special teams are generally limited during spring games, including kick and punt returns, but Alabama still found time to show off one of the top specialists in the country.
Sophomore punter JK Scott continued to wow with his amazing leg and reassured fans that there is no cause for concern in the putting game.
Junior kicker Adam Griffith opened the game with a 49-yard field goal, but seemed to struggle with the damp field conditions.
Overall, A-Day was a success for both sides with some big plays on offense and solid performances by several young players.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban noted that several players were forced to leave the game due to injury but none were serious.
As spring practice closes, players will enjoy a couple weeks off for finals and summer before returning with the entire freshman class for fall camp later this summer.