Alabama Football: After 10 of 15 spring practices, lots of Tide questions
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football has completed two-thirds of spring practice. Few questions have been answered so far in the 10 spring sessions.
So far there has little big news in the 2018 spring version of Alabama football. The Crimson Tide has three more practice sessions, a scrimmage and a glorified scrimmage (A-Day) left. Going into spring, Alabama football fans hoped for answers about a starting QB, almost a completely new secondary, and who would step up to replace Brad Bozeman, Da’Ron Payne and Rashaan Evans.
Spring is not over but so far there have been few answers. Injuries have contributed to the lack of clarity. Key injured players, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Jacobs, Jerry Jeudy, Matt Womack and Tua have delayed aggressive position battles. Add wide receiver Tyrell Shavers to the injured list. It was learned Wednesday Shavers needed surgery for a toe ligament. He will be out for the rest of the spring.
There is no way Nick Saban is pleased Tua injured his throwing hand. However, the injury provides an easy avoidance of the issue over who will start at QB next fall. Trevon Diggs missed a few days of work but has returned at cornerback. The scrimmage opportunities over the next two Saturdays might show how close Trevon is to earning a starting role.
As it has been all spring, both lines are very much a work in progress. Again on Wednesday, the Tide worked in split offensive line groups. Ross Piersbacher and Brandon Kennedy worked at the center spots. To the left of Piersbacher were Lester Cotton and Jonah Williams. To the right of Kennedy were Jedrick Wills and Alex Leatherwood. Josh Caher remains in the mix, as Matt Womack will be when he returns in the fall.
More help on the way this summer
The defensive line will not become set until some point after the summer arrivals of JUCO, Tevita Musika and freshman Christian Barmore. The buzz among insiders is both are expected to make an impact this fall.
The secondary has at least nine guys fighting for six spots. That does not include freshman Slade Bolden, sophomore wide receiver Devonta Smith (doing double-duty) or the other summer-arriving freshman. When Patrick Surtain Jr. and Josh Jobe are added to the August practice mix, the six rising to the top will be very talented.
There have been a few constants this spring. Alabama football is once again loaded at running back. Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses have the talent to be superstars. Big Kwon Davis is practically unblockable.
Check out what Nick had to say, compliments of Bama Insider.
Next: Does the Tide have a new nose?
The Tide will practice again on Friday, followed by a Saturday scrimmage. Whatever information escapes the standard blanket on scrimmage reports, we will pass along. Nick commented today about information leaking out about the last scrimmage.