With a couple of returning, Alabama football starters limited this spring some younger Crimson Tide players are taking advantage of practice opportunities.
In an earlier post this week, sophomore Josh Jobe was highlighted as a younger player possibly developing into an expanded role in the Alabama football secondary. With senior Shyheim Carter still recovering from a sports hernia and not available for contact work, Karl Scott, Charles Kelly and Nick Saban have adjusted the Tide’s first unit secondary.
Trevon Diggs has frequently worked in the utility, dual roles of star and money. Shyheim Carter has spent most of his Crimson Tide career at the star position. With Diggs working to learn the new positions, Josh Jobe has stepped in at the other cornerback, opposite Patrick Surtain Jr.
Another practice opening was noticed during the media viewing session Thursday afternoon. As Alabama football worked outside in full pads for the second time this week, the first unit at linebacker had a new participant, true freshman, Kevin Harris.
Before Alabama football fans jump to any conclusion, let’s pump the brakes a bit. Nick Saban would spew out a string of invectives at the thought of any player working on a first (or even second) unit depth chart. The official word is players work in organizational groups that are very fluid and in no way designate starters.
On Thursday, it was reported Defensive Coordinator, Pete Golding did not use the correct public terminology and called out for the’ first-unit defense’. Sprinting into place were four linebackers, Dylan Moses, and Josh McMillon inside, along with Eyabi Anoma and Kevin Harris as outside linebackers.
One reason there is expanded opportunity for Kevin Harris is the precaution, limiting the work by Terrell Lewis this spring. Still, Harris being with the “ones” on Thursday does indicate he has for now elevated himself above sophomore Chris Allen. That reported change could have been for a portion of just one practice but is still noteworthy. It will merit watching going forward.
Spring practice is not a time when reps are concentrated among the first and second units. As much as possible, all players are being developed throughout spring and into the first week of fall camp.
The Saturday afternoon scrimmage is closed to the public. It is not unusual for some general observations to seep out from invited guests, though any observations are at risk for drawing the ire of Nick Saban.