Alabama Football: Scrimmage and practice No. 9 as offense is clear leader

Nick Saban acknowledged after Saturday’s scrimmage, the Alabama football offense is ahead of the defense. Reviewing the offensive personnel at Monday’s practice, it is easy to see why.

Nick Saban is fully engaged on every Alabama football rep, drill and snap. He equally drives offensive, defensive and special teams units to succeed. Away from the field, in a reflective, offseason moment, Nick might admit a little more of his soul is attached to his defense. Because one part of Nick Saban is still very much an onfield, defensive football coach.

Nick Saban, the greatest coach in the modern era of college football might not do well in the offense-centric, Big 12. Nick is not mentally prepared for his defense to take a back seat to anyone. After Saturday, Saban fairly admitted the 2018 Alabama football team has an offense that is well ahead of the defense. Normally in spring football, it takes longer for the offense to gel. But not this year in Tuscaloosa.

Nick Saban may not like it but the offense may stay ahead all season. Even after losing three starting offensive linemen, a starting tight end and the top two running backs, the Alabama football offensive roster is loaded. Few can debate Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback in college football. The wide receiver top four all return and are collectively the best in the nation.

At running back, Najee Harris could have a bigger season than did his soon-to-be NFL, predecessors. Brian Robinson should also explode. The only question at running back is how many snaps will be left for Jonathan Ford, who insiders say shined in the Saturday scrimmage.

Even with the attrition, the offensive line unit could surpass last season. The Crimson Tide is very deep with O-line talent. Many of them can play more than one position. Look for the eventual starters to be a more physical group than last season. And there is real competition driving them forward.

In drills Monday, the first unit lined up from left tackle to right tackle: Alex Leatherwood, Emil Ekiyor, Chris Owens, Matt Womack and Jedrick Wills. The competition is in the interior. Evan Neal who wowed observers Saturday and Deonte Brown (after a four-game suspension) could win starting jobs. Ekiyor might be given the chance to beat out Owens at center. Though it probably will not happen this season, third unit Darrian Dalcourt can become the best center on the roster.

If needed, Womack can play tackle, as can Evan Neal. There is just so much talent, the eventual best five are going to be very good. Plus, solid depth should provide plenty of cover for injuries.

The Alabama football defense will catch up. Nick Saban will be relentless in demanding nothing less. The rest of spring, fall camp and early season ‘good-on-good’ practice and scrimmage sessions will push the defense forward.