Alabama Football: Practice news and player updates from T-Town

While most public attention went to 2020 recruiting this week, the Alabama football team has been working toward its Citrus Bowl date with the Michigan Wolverines.

The Alabama football practice schedule before breaking for the Christmas holidays is seven sessions. The last of the seven is Sunday. Nick Saban defined the first three practices as ‘camp-like.’

Starting on Thursday, the Alabama Crimson Tide adopted its ‘game week’ protocol, even though an actual game week is not until after Christmas.

Some of the biggest, non-recruiting news of the week came from Jerry Jeudy. A week ago, Jeudy tweeted he would be playing in the Citrus Bowl. Alabama football message boards had been filled with pronouncements Jeudy had ended his Tide career to not risk a bowl game injury. This week, Jeudy explained,

"I really knew whatever bowl game we played in that I would be playing, so I didn’t have any second guesses."

Last season’s Biletnikoff winner also made it clear he is yet to make a decision on early-entry into the 2020 NFL Draft.

Earlier this week, Devonta Smith and Christian Harris were too gimpy to take part in drills. By Thursday, the Crimson Tide pair appeared close to normal. Guys who are not yet healthy and will not play in the Citrus Bowl are D.J. Dale and Trey Sanders. Sanders has been on the practice field in a black, no-contact jersey, but not taking part in drills. It was reported Friday that Sanders was wearing a boot.

Two guys back at work after injury are tight end, Miller Forristall and defensive end, Labryan Ray. Forristall should be good for the bowl game. Though still in no-contact, black, Ray took part in drills on Friday. His unofficial status for the bowl game is doubtful or questionable – take your pick.

Two cornerbacks were noticeable for their presence or absence this week. New Crimson Tide signee, Jahquez Robinson starting working with the team, one day after signing. 2019 freshman, Scooby Carter had reportedly changed his mind about a transfer. Instead, his name remains in the portal and he has not been seen at practice this week.

Josh Jobe is working with the first-team unit at cornerback. At least in the dime defense, it appears Jobe has replaced Trevon Diggs. The Tide’s other starting corner, Patrick Surtain II talked about Jobe.

"He’s brought a lot of fire to the defense when he’s on the field. It’s not new to him. He’s been out there before. I expect nothing less but great from him."

Some of the best news of the week came to Josh McMillon. Friday night tweets said his request for a medical redshirt was approved by the NCAA. Josh is expected to return for his sixth Crimson Tide season.