Alabama Football: T-Town Tennessee week player news and tidbits

As Alabama Football prepares for the Tennessee Vols, check out the latest information from Tuscaloosa. The Vols and maybe a few of their, not too embarrassed fans, will be in Bryant-Denny Saturday. A 15th straight beatdown awaits and there is very little they can do, but endure it.

Alabama Football named 12 Players of the Week from last Saturday’s Mississippi game. On defense, they were Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’o To’o, Jordan Battle, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Josh Jobe. Offensive players were John Metchie III, Brian Robinson Jr. and Bryce Young. Special teams players named were Will Reichard, Slade Bolden, Jameson Williams and Ja’Corey Brooks. Brooks came close to another punt block in the game.

Alabama Football and Tennessee Injury News

• Byron Young has a shoulder injury. The severity is not known and he is considered day-to-day.
• Brian Branch, who left the Mississippi State game with an apparent shoulder injury, returned to the game in the second half and should be fine for UT.
• Trey Sanders continues to recover from the severe injuries incurred months ago in a car accident. He has been medically cleared to play for two months but is reportedly still less than 100 percent.
• Drew Sanders is recovering from a hand injury. Though defined as day-to-day and practicing in a black, no-contact jersey, Sanders is not expected back for the UT game.
• The Vols have three key, injured players. The most seriously hurt could be QB, Hendon Hooker. Along with Hooker, also listed as day-to-day by the Vols, are running back, Tiyon Evans and offensive lineman, Cade Mays.

Evans leads the Vols in rushing with 486 yards and a gaudy 6.7 yards per rush average. Hooker has been outstanding since taking over for early-season starter, Joe Milton.

Based on the Mississippi State game, the Tide is moving away from its 2-4 defensive front. It could have been an adjustment for the Bulldogs, but what worked in Starkville was three of the big guys up front, along with Will Anderson Jr. The ‘big guy’ rotation was mostly Phil Mathis, Byron Young, Justin Eboigbe, LaBryan Ray and Tim Smith. Outside linebacker, Dallas Turner was used in some third-down situations.

Another defensive change for Mississippi State was Daniel Wright at safety instead of DeMarcco Hellams. Wright responded with five tackles against the Bulldogs and no communication issues in coverage.

Other Monday news from Tuscaloosa was an addition to the 2022 class, verbal commits. The Tide added 4-Star and No. 85 player overall, defensive back Trequon Fegans. Per the 247Sports Composite, Alabama Football has a sizable lead as the No. 1 class for 2022.

The latest doghouse addition in Tuscaloosa is wide receiver, Agiye Hall. Saban said on Monday Hall must learn how to use his talent. Hall will discover public complaints do not help.