Alabama Football: Four things to look for in Saturday’s Scrimmage
By Ronald Moody
As Alabama football prepares for its first of three scrimmages on Saturday, here are some things we should be looking for during the post-scrimmage press conference.
How does the secondary look this spring?
Alabama football lost six significant contributors from last year’s national championship team. How well do juniors Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith compete at the cornerback spots?
Do junior Shyheim Carter and sophomore Daniel Wright fill the star and money spots?
Who occupies the safety spot opposite Deionte Thompson? Is it talented sophomore Xavier McKinney?
What positions are junior Jared Mayden and sophomore Nigel Knott competing for this spring?
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Who replaces Calvin Ridley as the go-to receiver?
With news of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy missing part of camp due to a meniscus injury, it will be interesting to see who is the primary recipient of catches during this first scrimmage.
Championship hero Devonta Smith averaged 20 yards per catch last season. Henry Ruggs III caught a team-leading six touchdowns. Six-foot-six wideout Tyrell Shavers redshirted last year and is ready to make an immediate impact on the field.
How do the new specialists fare in the scrimmage?
Alabama fans pray to the highest power when a kicker trots out for a field goal. Redshirt freshman kicker Joseph Bulovas could be the heir apparent to Andy Pappanastos. His furthest field goal in high school was a 52 yarder. Hopefully, Bulovas brings consistency to a position that has not fared well in recent memory.
Freshman punter Skyler Delong possibly replaces senior JK Scott. Scott ended his career as the school’s leader in punt attempts, punting yards and punting average. He was a dangerous weapon for the Tide because of his ability to flip the field for the defense. Scott’s production will be difficult to replace. Hopefully, the number two punter in the country per the 247 Composite is ready for the challenge.
How does the offensive line do against a dominant defense?
Former All-SEC first team center Bradley Bozeman is preparing for life after college. Does offensive line coach Brent Key replace him with versatile senior Ross Pierschbacher? If so, that opens up the left guard position? Does the job belong to Joshua Casher? Will sophomores Alex Leatherwood or Jedrick Wills Jr receive the nod for starting left guard?
Both players have received plenty of praise from coaches especially Leatherwood. The former five-star tackle’s inspired play filling in for injured left tackle Williams in the championship game was short of phenomenal.
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Alabama football fans are anxious as the Tide begins its run for the sixth national title in ten years. Although there are a lot of questions to answer, Nick Saban will have the team ready for the scrimmage.