Alabama Football: Scrimmage news is limited but insightful

Saturday was the last Alabama football scrimmage of fall camp. There is some interesting news.

In terms of two-deep roles, Alabama football players battled for starting positions on Saturday. Scrimmage news is always limited and more so this season with almost no guests or any media attending.

Alabama football coach, Nick Saban gave a brief review via Zoom. He praised “the two quarterbacks,” meaning Mac and Bryce. He also complimented the running back and wide receiver groups. It is believed during most of the scrimmage, the first unit offense worked against the second-unit defense. Nick used a keyword in describing the quarterbacks. He said they were “efficient” on Saturday. Saban highly values QB efficiency, as we discussed in a recent post.

Saban said placekicker, Will Reichard made 4-of-5 field goals. The lone miss being from “around 55 yards.”

Christian Barmore did not participate, due to a minor knee problem, Saban said he will only miss a few days. An unconfirmed insider report stated Kendall Randolph filled in for Alex Leatherwood at left tackle. The backup offensive line spots are fluid with several players competing.

Check out the complete video below.

In place of Christian Barmore at defensive end was Justin Eboigbe. Earlier in the week, it was rumored Eboigbe was ahead of Barmore. Speculation was Barmore was dissatisfied with possibly sliding down to the second unit. Some suggested he might be disgruntled enough to make a foolish exit. Saban complimented Barmore on Saturday, saying he has been the best of the pass rushers during fall camp.

In answering a defensive line question, Nick said, of the younger guys in the unit, Eboigbe has been the most consistent. He also said some of the young guys are good stopping the run and others are their best, rushing the passer. Becoming consistent at both is where Nick wants to see improvement.

The most interesting comment Saban made about the defense pertained to the secondary. He shared a concern about inexperienced guys trying to learn multiple positions, too quickly. When asked about the ‘Money’ role, Saban mentioned DeMarcco Hellams and Brian Branch. He also stated if only five guys are ready for early, game competition, the Crimson Tide may play more Nickel than Dime.

Unconfirmed insider buzz from Saturday said Josh Jobe and Marcus Banks are fighting for the starting corner slot, opposite Patrick Surtain II. Earlier, it had been thought, Jobe was close to locking down the starting job. Another two-way battle is going on with the ‘Star’ cornerback. Two true freshmen appear to have the inside track; Brian Branch and Malachi Moore.

Though not mentioned by Saban, apparently freshman outside linebacker, Will Anderson took advantage of opportunity Saturday. As he has done often in fall camp and filling in for Chris Allen Saturday, Anderson is generating buzz as one the Tide’s top defenders.

With fall camp over, Alabama football will begin working on upcoming opponents and specifically Missouri. The next Crimson Tide practice will be Tuesday.