Alabama Football: Early reviews are good on a few newcomers

A third of the way through spring practice, some Alabama football newcomers are gaining the attention of onlookers and the Crimson Tide coaching staff.

Alabama football has been in pads for only two sessions but there are only two more practice sessions before the first scrimmage of the spring. Much more will be learned on the next two Saturdays.

Even before spring, there were high expectations for 5-Stars Antonio Alfano and Trey Sanders. Alfano has certainly looked the part in drills. Sanders does not join the team until summer.

Given spring has so far included minimal contact, the skill positions are the ones having a greater opportunity to stand out. True freshman wide receiver, John Metchie has done that. He is said to be smooth in route running with crisp cuts and one observer commented he catches “everything” thrown his way. Metchie was only rated as the No. 40 WR in 2019 class and the No. 275 player overall in the 247Sports Composite. Reports coming out of Tuscaloosa are he looks much better than that rating.

Another true freshman getting considerable notice is offensive lineman, Evan Neal. Neal was rated a 5-Star and the top OT in the 2019 class. Media observers have been gushing over the power he exhibits in drills and how well he moves for such a big man. The Tide roster lists Evan as 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds.

When the pads start really popping, there are two more true freshmen to notice. Both of them arrived in Tuscaloosa, physically ready to play college football. They are inside linebacker Shane Lee and defensive end, Justin Eboigbe. Eboigbe is a healthy 283 pounds and Lee is a solid 248 pounds. Neither are reported to have any bad weight.

Some returning players who either redshirted or saw only limited action are also getting mentions. The Alabama Crimson Tide coaching staff remains high on sophomore inside linebacker, Jaylen Moody. The biggest challenge for Moody (and Lee) after learning all the defensive schemes will be pass coverage.

Redshirt freshman, wide receiver, Slade Bolden has looked good in drills. Slade could carve out a possession receiver role this fall.

Redshirt sophomore, Chadarius Townsend has had past looks at wide receiver and at defensive back. This spring, Townsend has been working at running back. Nick Saban commented last Wednesday that Townsend has shown “some promise” at a position needing depth. Chadarius was a high school QB and a dangerous runner throughout his high-school quarterbacking career.

Alabama football fans will soon learn if redshirt freshman, Cameron Latu ends his experiment at tight end or makes that is primary position for 2019. Tight end is another position where depth is a concern. Reports are Latu has done very well so far this spring.

The Alabama football schedule for the week is three sessions. There will be practices on Tuesday and Thursday and a scrimmage on Saturday.