Alabama Football: Five players to watch at A-Day scrimmage

In the long drought of the Alabama Football offseason, the A-Day spring scrimmage game is a bit of a refresher for both fans and players. Here is a list of players I am most excited to see at A-Day.

Spring is officially here as the Alabama football team delves into the thick of spring practice. Spring in Tuscaloosa means the A-Day scrimmage is quickly approaching. The 2019 season will feature many prominent players with plenty of experience, the likes of those debuting their refreshed talents on April 13th, 2019 in the A-Day scrimmage.

Dylan Moses

With Mack Wilson moving on to the NFL, it will be Dylan Moses’ time to shine in the upcoming season. A-Day game will be his first opportunity to demonstrate his seniority in leading the defense. In recent interviews, he has stressed his preparedness to become the leader on the field, no longer the “puppy” in the room following the big dogs. I am hopeful that Moses will rise to the occasion and join the likes of CJ Mosley, Reggie Ragland, and Rueben Foster to become the next great Alabama linebacker.

Evan Neal

A 5-star recruit out of the IMG Academy in Florida, Evan Neal has already made an impression in spring practice. At 6’7” 360 lbs, Neal certainly has the potential to see playing time this season. With offensive line veterans Ross Pierschbacher and Jonah Williams going to the league, the offensive line will need both depth and experience. While Neal may not earn a starting position this year, I anticipate he will earn a spot in the rotation as needed earning valuable experience for the future.

Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa enters his Junior season with the Tide under the third new offensive coordinator this season. While such changes cause an adjustment period, Tagovailoa seems to be embracing the change with Sarkisian. I am very interested to see how Sarkisian’s new style offense highlights Tua’s strengths in the passing game. Reports have touted Tua’s work ethic this offseason claiming he is practicing as though his job is up for grabs. Watching Tua work his magic with the elite wide receiver corps against our rejuvenated secondary in the A-Day scrimmage should be nothing short of exciting.

Trevon Diggs

After leaving early in the 2018 season with an injury, the secondary lacked depth and experience the remainder of the season. Several young players had to work into the rotation to allow the seasoned players rest during games. This lack of experience hurt the 2018 defense significantly. However, Diggs announced he would forgo the draft and return for his senior season shortly after the National Championship loss, much to the delight of Alabama football fans everywhere. His skill set and experience will be a huge benefit for the Tide next season.

Xavier McKinney

This is the player I am most looking forward to seeing next season. I believe he could prove to be the true leader of the secondary at the safety position. He began to emerge in that role by the end of the 2018 season. Several interviews have shown that he is embracing that position as well with Saban praising the Spring he has had so far. The Alabama football secondary should be a strong point for the upcoming season.

These are the players I am most excited to see compete. Theoretically A-Day game should be your toughest game of the season… after all, the competition knows your playbook. The competition among the best should be great, and these players should lead the show.

The annual A-Day scrimmage is Apr. 13 and as usual, will limit the playbook for both the offense and the defense. Top players find a way to shine in any setting.