Alabama Football: Spring Practice kicks off in T-Town
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football hit the practice field for the first time Friday and based on who did and did not take part, and at what position, there is interesting news.
On Friday, the revamped Alabama football staff put the 2019 Alabama Crimson Tide through practice session No. 1 of the spring season. Due to the school’s Spring Break calendar, the Tide will not practice again until Mar. 18.
Typical for the first day, the Crimson Tide was in shorts and helmets but no pads. It was a warm, overcast afternoon in Tuscaloosa as the team worked outside.
Notably not observed on day 1 was Ale Kaho. Suspended players not seen were Elliot Baker and Kedrick James. Alabama football insiders have predicted Baker will not be a member of the 85-man roster at some point this spring or fall. James is expected to be suspended for early season games. Another player, in a similar situation to James, Deonte Brown, did participate on Friday. Also absent was Ben Davis who is recouping from two recent surgeries.
At least for Friday, one Tide linebacker, Cameron Latu was working with the tight ends. No other significant position changes were noted. Another slight surprise was Tyrell Shavers working in the first four group of wide receivers. Shavers has been working with the Alabama baseball team, who had a game Friday afternoon.
Anfernee Jennings and Chris Allen worked with knee braces and both appeared to be nearing 100 percent recovery. Josh McMillon worked with Dylan Moses as the first group of inside linebackers.
Shyheim Carter was in a black jersey and working with the safeties instead of the corners. Previously injured players, Trevon Diggs, Jaylin Armour-Davis and Daniel Wright appeared to be fully recovered.
Some Alabama football fans will be surprised freshman Antonio Alfano was working with the third of three defensive line trios. Ahead of Alfano were Christian Barmore, Tevita Musika and another true freshman, Justin Eboigbe. The first three were Kwon Davis, LaBryan Ray and Phidarian Mathis.
On the offensive line, Alex Leatherwood was at left tackle with the first group, with Emil Ekiyor next to him at left guard. Chris Owens was at center, with Matt Womack at right guard and Jedrick Wills at right tackle.
it should be remembered the pecking order seen at practice represents what Nick Saban calls organization groupings and not an actual depth chart.
Alabama football fans will be excited to know freshman kicker, Will Reichard was doing punter drills on Friday. Reichard was a placekicker and a punter in high school.
Nick Saban will have his first 2019 season, media review early Friday night. Bama Hammer will provide the highlights.