Alabama Football: Fall camp practice No. 2 report

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 01: Head Coach Nick Saban of Alabama watches practice before taking on Western Carolina on September 1, 2007 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 01: Head Coach Nick Saban of Alabama watches practice before taking on Western Carolina on September 1, 2007 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Alabama football went through its second practice of fall camp on Friday. The third practice session will be Saturday afternoon and is open to the public.

Alabama football fans are anxious for information about the 2017 Crimson Tide. As always, season goals are lofty. The opening game will be a tussle against a tough opponent. Seasonal goals include an eleventh consecutive win against the Vols and a fourth straight against Auburn.

More importantly, there is another SEC Championship to be won and a national championship loss to be exorcised as only it can be – with another national championship.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Alabama Crimson Tide Football

Alabama Crimson Tide Football

Then again, as is common with fans, we are getting way ahead of the Nick Saban process. Much hard work lies ahead. Player skills must be honed. Starting roles must be won or solidified. Not much concrete will be learned until after the first fall camp scrimmage.

Practice Nuggets from Day 2

Since we don’t know much yet, we are mostly left to speculation. Given that disclaimer, here are some areas worthy of scrutiny. Based upon combined reports from Bama InsiderBama Onlinetidesports.com and al.com, here is practice information.

  • During the media viewing period on Friday, Minkah Fitzpatrick worked out as a cornerback.
  • Replacing Minkah as the starting safety was Hootie Jones.
  • The battle to be the defensive end opposite Da’Shawn Hand is currently led by Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs. We expect this battle to continue throughout fall camp.
  • After working with the defensive linemen yesterday, freshman Kedrick James was back with the tight ends.
  • Based upon early reports, outside linebackers Chris Allen and Vandarius Cowan are too talented to redshirt in 2017. Look for them on special teams.
  • We have raved about Henry Rugg’s potential since he signed in February. His freshman counterpart, Devonta Smith is also standing out early. We believe both have tremendous talent and both need to add a few pounds.

Saturday will be perfect for the fans in attendance to ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ over size, speed and talent. It is hard to truly appreciate the physical attributes of the players only seeing them on television. Hopefully, no fans will be injured in a stampede for autographs.

Next week when the full pad hitting starts we can begin to see where the offensive line stands at right guard and right tackle.

Next: 30 Great Crimson Tiders who were 3-Star recruits

Check back with us every day during fall camp. We will report what we learn and add what we think it may mean for the 2017 Crimson Tide.