In Alabama football’s first scrimmage of the spring, no Crimson Tide player won or lost a starting job. Spring for the Crimson Tide is about development and other than a few starters from last season, 2022 roles will be won or lost in August.
That doesn’t mean things learned in each spring scrimmage will not carry over to the season. Nick Saban said something very important in his post-scrimmage review.
"This team doesn’t have any complainers. We don’t have a lot of negative guys on this team. We have some real positive leadership."
What that says about last season’s team does not matter. What is important is Saban comfortable enough with the psyche of the 2022 team to bestow some ‘very early’ recognition.
Saban said some defensive players did not work on Saturday, but not because of any major injuries. Will Anderson Jr. was not banged up but was not allowed to participate. A few weeks we suggested putting a black, no-contact jersey on Anderson for the entire spring.
Saban also said,
"We’re not disappointed in where we are. We’re certainly not where we’d like to be, or want to be, or need to be."
Along with positive mindsets on the team, there were other indications on Saturday that should please Crimson Tide fans.
Alabama Football First Spring Scrimmage Positives
- Saban complimented running backs Trey Sanders and Jahmyr Gibbs, saying both players “did really well” and adding that the offense is running the ball more effectively than last season.
- Along with positive comments for Jermaine Burton, Saban praised freshman wide receiver Aaron Anderson for turning a short route into a big gain. He also complimented the spring work of Traeshon Holden, Christian Leary, Jojo Earle and Thaiu Jones-Bell.
- Saban said backup quarterback Jalen Milroe got some work with the first-team offense. Speaking of Milroe, Saban said the sophomore has made progress performing well consistently. He added that everything is still moving pretty fast for the Tide’s talented QB3, Ty Simpson.
- The Crimson Tide head coach confirmed with Will Anderson sitting out, that Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell did very well.
Much spring and fall work is left to do. The offensive line remains a trouble spot and it might be September before it comes together. Outside that, Alabama Football is in great shape this spring.
Video of Saban’s complete comments can be seen below.
Another closed scrimmage will take place on Saturday, Apr. 9, followed by the A-Day game on Apr. 16.