Alabama Football: Player awards, roster changes and practice notes

Alabama football was at work for a normal Monday. Check out latest injury and roster news as the Tide heads into week two.

Alabama football worked outside Monday afternoon as week two of the season began. Being a 50-plus point favorite over the New Mexico State Aggies, the Alabama football staff can stress fundamentals and correcting mistakes evident in the Duke game.

Earlier in the day, the Crimson Tide ‘Players of the Week’ were announced. The winners for the Alabama football offense were Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy. Three players were chosen from the Crimson Tide defense, Anfernee Jennings, Xavier McKinney and D.J. Dale. Henry Ruggs III was selected for his special teams play.

Tua and Dale also earned SEC honors. Tua shared SEC Offensive Player of the Week with another quarterback, LSU’s Joe Burrow. Playing in his first college game, Dale shared SEC Defensive Player of the Week with Auburn defensive back, Jeremiah Dinson.

Current Injuries

• Redshirt freshman offensive lineman, Emil Ekiyor hurt a knee against Duke. The injury is not believed to be serious and Ekiyor is expected to return to action in a couple of weeks.
• Freshman defensive lineman, Justin Eboigbe is still in a walking boot. It is not known when he will return.
• Xavier McKinney had a heavily wrapped hand at the Monday practice session. He is not expected to miss any work.

Roster Movement

• Based on Monday drills the offensive line first unit has not changed. From left to right, Alex Leatherwood, Evan Neal, Chris Owens, Landon Dickerson and Jedrick Wills. Matt Womack has the best chance to regain a first unit spot at guard, particularly if Dickerson takes over at center.
• The New Mexico State game will provide an opportunity to assess how deep the Tide can go at defensive line this season. Based on the Duke game and recent practices that depth appears to be seven players. Dale, Davis and Ray, followed by Phidarian Mathis, Tevita Musika, Byron Young and Stephon Wynn. Eboigbe will join that mix once he is healthy. Others with the best chance to contribute this season are Christian Barmore and Antonio Alfano.
• Ale Kaho is currently the Tide’s first choice in sets using a fullback. That role has usually been filled by one of the bigger tight ends or even a lineman.

Roster Changes

Two of the true freshman have changed jersey numbers. Wide receiver John Metchie was No. 3 and is now No. 8. Safety Jordan Battle changed from No. 6 to No. 9. Those changes are to allow certain players to be on the field at the same time.

The college football world is buzzing about Jalen Hurts’ debut performance at Oklahoma. He was sensational and it could not have happened to a more deserving young man.