Alabama Football: Five questions for Saturday scrimmage No. 1

For Alabama Football fans, there is never enough Fall Camp news. Friday’s scrimmage was another of the ‘no media’ viewing sessions. Saturday’s scrimmage is also closed. Alabama Football, Head Coach Nick Saban will take media questions after the scrimmage. He may or may not share a few general stats, but official stats will be released.

The paucity of definitive information will not keep Crimson Tide fans from searching for answers to their favorite questions about the 2021 Alabama Crimson Tide. Tide fans have many questions. Let’s focus attention on five important ones.

Alabama Football Scrimmage No. 1 Questions

• Who locks down the cornerback job, opposite Josh Jobe?

Going into Saturday, the lead guy is Jaylin Armour-Davis. JAD has the edge in experience, now in his fourth Crimson Tide season. True freshman, Kool-Aid McKinstry is pushing JAD hard and many Tide fans believe Kool-Aid will at least be a third cornerback starter soon. Not as much attention has been given to JUCO transfer, Khyree Jackson, but Jackson has the size, speed and experience to be a factor. The good news for Tide fans is the winner of the three-way battle will have shown more than potential to be a solid player.

• Can Javon Baker and Slade Bolden hold on to starting roles?

The wide receiver group is so talented and so deep, only John Metchie III can be considered a sure starter. Jameson Williams, Agiye Hall, Christian Leary and JoJo Earle may have the best chances to unseat either Baker or Bolden. The remaining three of Ja’Corey Brooks, Thaui Jones-Bell and Traeshon Holden cannot be counted out.

• Moody or To’o To’o at inside linebacker?

The buzz is all about To’o To’o. He has not earned a starting nod, next to Christian Harris – yet. Fan-favorite Jaylen Moody will need a good first scrimmage to stay in contention.

• What about right tackle?

So far Kendall Randolph is the guy. He has to hold off freshman, J.C. Latham and sophomore, Damieon George Jr. All three guys are expected to get plenty of action on Saturday. Even if Randolph has a great scrimmage, the right tackle competition is expected to continue into September.

• Does the Crimson Tide have a capable and consistent punter?

The 2021 Crimson Tide will need a better punting performance than last season. Although Will Reichard can punt, keeping him healthy as a placekicker is more important than his punting skills. Two new punters are competing with Ty Perine and Sam Johnson. The newcomers are Troy transfer, Jack Martin and Australian punter, James Burnip. Saturday will be the closest Burnip has ever come to an ‘American’ football game.

Alabama Football fans will have to exercise patience during fall camp. Some questions will be answered, but new questions will evolve as Nick Saban rebuilds the 2021 Crimson Tide.