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Alabama Football: Position groups solidfying in camp sesssion No. 16

By Ronald Evans

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide questions an intentional grounding penalty that led to a safety for the Louisiana State University Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide questions an intentional grounding penalty that led to a safety for the Louisiana State University Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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It was back to work as normal for the Alabama football team Tuesday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide worked outside in full pads.

After a lighter practice on Monday, Alabama football returned to normal on Tuesday. Normal means full pads, heat and hitting. There are only four fall camp sessions left before the transition to game week.

Based on the last several sessions, including scrimmage reports, starting roles in some position groups are becoming evident. That does not include the quarterback starting role. Nick Saban will try his best to not name a QB starter for Louisville. To avoid it, Jalen and Tua may be in the backfield for the first offensive snap against the Cardinals. (Just kidding, I think)

Tuesday brought no more bad news on injuries. Jamey Mosley and Daniel Wright practiced without restriction. Matt Womack is still getting around with a scooter and Najee has moved into a walking boot.

Starting roles on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield

Barring a new injury, the first unit on the offensive line will be left to right: Jonah Williams; Lester Cotton; Ross Piersbacher; Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills. A backup at center is needed and a swing guard and a swing tackle. Until Womack returns, the swing tackle is probably Scott Lashley. A slimmer and trimmer Deonte Brown could be more than the swing guard. Brown is powerful and with his renewed quickness, he could push Cotton and Leatherwood.

With Williams and Piersbacher earning first-team status on the preseason AP All America team, Alabama football might have the best O-line in the nation.

Again barring injury, the secondary is set in the nickel and almost set in the dime formation. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith will be the corners in both. Shyheim Carter will at star in the nickel with Deionte Thompson and Xaxier McKinney at safeties. The sixth DB in the dime formation appears to be either Patrick Surtain Jr., Jared Mayden, Kyriq McDonald or maybe Daniel Wright. In the dime, who gets assigned to star, money and the second safety is open. Dime assignments are so fluid, seven, even eight guys can have situational roles.

The only slight negative observed during the media viewing session was Christian Barmore struggling with some drills. Alabama football insiders have been saying the freshman has talent but may be months or even a season away from significant contribution on the defensive line. It has been rumored Barmore has an asthma condition that likely does not mix well with southern, summer heat.

Next. Breakout players on the Tide defense. dark

Alabama football returns to the practice field Wednesday afternoon. The next scheduled media review by Nick Saban is Thursday.

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