Alabama Football: Early reports on Saturday scrimmage

Alabama Football scrimmaged on Saturday for its 12th practice session of the spring. Nick Saban was looking for overall progress from the Tide’s first scrimmage on Apr. 2, Early indications are Nick Saban was pleased about some of what he saw on Saturday.

Saban gave specific praise to Bryce Young in post-scrimmage comments,

"He’s done great… wanted him to be the man and (he) has done better and better at that."

Paul Tyson was not mentioned in Saban’s post-scrimmage report. That could well be because the Tyson-led second unit offense had to battle the Tide’s first-unit defense. Saban did say Jalen Milroe showed improvement from the first scrimmage.

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Saban had considerable praise for Cameron Latu.

"He’s had a really good spring, has a lot of maturity, made plays. Athletic guy who understands the offense."

Saban also talked about the strength of the running back group. Though no official statistics are released from the closed scrimmages, Saban did say Roydell Williams gained the most yards among the deep running back group.

Alabama Football still searching for O-Line answers

Without providing elaboration Saban said Alabama football offensive line stalwart, Evan Neal left the field during the scrimmage because of an injury. There is speculation among Alabama football insiders that Neal’s injury is not believed to be serious. Another offensive lineman who is fighting for a future starting role, Javion Cohen, did not participate in the scrimmage. Cohen is believed to be dealing with a bone spur problem. Cohen is expected to return to practice on Tuesday.

Based on the offensive line missing Emil Ekiyor and Cohen, along with Neal going out, there was not much continuity on Saturday. Alabama football fans might need to accept the two future starters to join Neal, Ekiyor and Chris Owens, may not be known until the final scrimmage of fall camp.

Based on reports from Saturday the Crimson Tide has a punting competition between Charlie Scott and Ty Perine. Apparently, any doubt about Scott being eligible for a second Crimson Tide season has subsided. Nick Saban said both Scott and Perine are punting well with Perine needing continued work on consistency.

Alabama Football will practice on Tuesday and Thursday with the A-Day game Saturday at noon. The Tide’s final spring scrimmage can be seen on ESPN.