After a spring break hiatus, Alabama football returned to the practice field Monday afternoon. One key player was absent.
Practice No. 2 of the Alabama football spring season took place Monday afternoon. The Alabama Crimson Tide worked outside in shorts in helmets with one key defensive player not taking part.
Sophomore inside linebacker, Ale Kaho has now missed the first two practices of the spring. After missing the Tide’s opening practice on March 8, he made a statement on Instagram seeming to indicate a quick return. On Monday, Dylan Moses said, he was trying to help Kaho as a “big brother” and aid his teammate in a ‘transitioning process.” It is difficult to understand why a second-year player would still be transitioning but based on reports from last year, Kaho’s situation has been somewhat unique.
It is not a given Kaho will beat out Josh McMillon for the Will linebacker role, next to Dylan Moses. Most Alabama football fans believe Kaho has an advantage in physical skills but McMillon knows the defense and could be a stabilizing influence on the new defense.
Apparently being suspended for an anticipated four games next season is different for Kedrick James and Deonte Brown. James has not practiced this spring but Brown has continued to take part in spring sessions.
One player who may jump up the depth chart is Cameron Latu. Latu has so far worked with the tight ends. The roster at the position would be thin even without the Kedrick James suspension. Latu has an abundance of athleticism. If the position move sticks, Latu could play a key role next fall.
What Nick Saban refers to as operational lineups during practice do not yet indicate any players moving up or down in the ‘depth’ charts. It will take about a week of working in full pads before any pecking order hints might escape. The non-public scrimmages on Mar. 30 and Apr. 6 will be the spring’s best measurement of who is moving up or down in the two-deep. Because of the A-Day rules and the limited playbook use, some positions cannot show much in the spring game.
Monday’s practice had a large number of visitors. Former players like Mack Wilson and Irv Smith Jr. were seen as well as former Alabama football coaches, Mario Cristobal, Karl Dunbar and Brian Daboll. The NFL assistants were in town early for the Alabama Football Pro Day on Tuesday. Scouts and assistants from every NFL team are expected in Tuscaloosa for Pro Day.
The next Alabama football spring practice session is Wednesday, Mar. 20. The Ale Kaho watch will continue.