Alabama Football: 10 player nuggets after two practice sessions

Saturday’s Alabama football Fan Day was the second practice session of fall camp. Check out these 10 nuggets about Crimson Tide players.

After two practice sessions, it is far too early to come to any conclusions about Alabama football players. That does not mean there are no items of note about players in the early sessions.

Until there is full contact action in pads and at least a scrimmage, we will not offer any predictions. In the interim, all observations are hints about what may transpire.

Before diving into the nuggets, there is a bit more information on injured players. As expected LaBryan Ray and Miller Forristall did not work Saturday. Joining them on the missing list was defensive back, Nigel Knott. Knott’s ailment is not known. Nick Saban said Knott is out for medical reasons. Five other players were in black, no-contact jerseys Saturday. They were Najee Harris, Darrian Dalcourt, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Xavier Williams and Scooby Carter. None are believed to have any serious problem.

Ten Alabama football player nuggets

• Multiple reports state Terrell Lewis is in great shape following his injury recovery. Terrell has stated he believes he is at 100 percent. On Saturday, Nick Saban said,

"We’ll probably try to manage his reps to some degree, but he practiced all day yesterday. He’s worked hard all summer. He is back to a level higher than he was before he got hurt two years ago."

Those are the most welcome words heard by Alabama football fans since early January. A healthy Terrell Lewis, perhaps a better player than ever before, could redefine the Crimson Tide defense.

• Jared Mayden is in the mix to start at safety in the nickel defense. He will have to beat out Shyheim Carter to do it.
• Early indications are the Tide defensive staff prefers Patrick Surtain II at Star. In that case, the corner opposite Trevon Diggs could be Josh Jobe or Shy Carter can play the third corner.
• Justin Eboigbe will not be the starter at defensive end once LaBryan Ray returns, but the freshman will be a big part of the rotation this fall.
• Ale Kaho is still working for playing time. He has reportedly added 10-15 pounds. He got some work Saturday with the outside linebackers.
• Ben Davis appears to have a shot at the two-deep at outside linebacker.
• Evan Neal worked some at left guard with the first unit. When Neal came in, Emil Ekiyor moved to center.
• As of Saturday, the second unit cornerbacks appear to be freshman, Brandon Turnage and redshirt freshman, Jalyn Armour-Davis.
• Freshman running back Keilan Robinson had surgery for a meniscus repair in April. There was doubt about him being full speed until mid-season. He may not be at full speed yet but two practices show he may not be far off.
• There will be a punter battle between Skyler DeLong and freshman, Will Reichard.

The Crimson Tide will return to the practice field on Monday afternoon. The first fall scrimmage could come as soon as Aug. 10.