Alabama Football: What was learned in first fall camp scrimmage

Alabama football scrimmaged Saturday for the first time in fall camp.

Alabama football scrimmage information is in short supply. The normal insiders allowed to view, and apparently Red Elephant Club members, were not on hand Saturday.

After the scrimmage, Alabama football coach, Nick Saban was a bit more forthcoming than usual. He released one significant stat and spoke positively about certain players. Nick reminded Alabama Crimson Tide fans that Saturday was only the third full contact session of fall camp. Saban continued to compliment his players for adapting to the added demands driven by COVID cautions.

Freshman QB, Bryce Young did not participate in the scrimmage. Apparently he was also not in attendance. Saban said Bryce would ‘return’ on Monday. However, the next practice session is Tuesday, with Sunday and Monday being off-days. Why Young missed the scrimmage is not known. There are rumors a few more Crimson Tide players also did not participate.

Given the structure of the scrimmage; ones vs, twos, Mac Jones worked against the second-team defense. Paul Tyson worked against the first-team. The one stat disclosed by Saban was for Mac Jones. He was 21-36 with three touchdowns. The completion number of 58 percent is somewhat concerning given Mac was not working against the first-team defense.

Speaking of Jones, Saban said,

"I think Mac did some good things. I think Mac’s got to play within himself, be confident, be positive, not beat himself up when he makes bad plays. That’s part of the maturity level as a competitor that his game experience is going to help him do, and I think his experiences up to the game will help him do, as well."

Saban also handed out praise of four, true freshmen; Will Anderson; Drew Sanders; Brian Branch and Malachi Moore. He recognized Chris Allen and Ben Davis for their leadership, perhaps indicating the pair have a hold on the starting outside linebacker spots. Nick also said Anderson and Sanders could be part of the defensive rotation.

Branch and Moore are fighting for the starting spot at Star. Also in the mix is Jaylin Armour-Davis. Nick said Marcus Banks and Josh Jobe “have made significant progress” at cornerback.

Darrian Dalcourt was mentioned as one of three guys working at center. The other two are Chris Owens and Landon Dickerson., who also practice at other positions. Saban said he wanted to build offensive line depth.

Monday afternoon the Alabama football team and coaches will march from the Mal Moore Athletic Facility the the ‘Schoolhouse Door’ at Foster Auditorium.