On Wednesday afternoon, after the sixth Alabama football practice of Fall Camp, Nick Saban provided an update. Not all the news was good. More on that below. The good news was not only welcome, it addressed key areas for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Though Saban has mellowed a bit in recent years, he is still cautious about giving praise too soon – and certainly not before it has been earned.
On Wednesday, Saban talked about a team strength many judge to be the best in college football. That is the Alabama football pass rush.
Going beyond saying the Crimson Tide has three really good, outside linebacker pass rushers, Saban added more about Chris Braswell,
"He has great first step quickness and is a really good rusher. He does a good job of converting speed to power."
In two Alabama football seasons, during Braswell’s 14 games, he has zero sacks and one tackle-for-a-loss for minus-1 yard. With those meager results, for Saban to praise his individual performance is meaningful. As in the guy must be tearing up fall camp. In recent months Braswell has often been mentioned for his weight room exploits, but that does not always transfer to the field. Now his potential is being seen on the practice field.
A couple of days ago, Defensive Coordinator, Pete Golding spoke about the Tide’s unique pass-rushing depth. Golding elaborated his goal was to get the four best pass rushers on the field, regardless of their designated position. The only question is who will join Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner and Braswell as the Tide’s fourth pass-rushing terror.
Some Alabama football fans may have missed another comment from Saban. He said he is pleased with the offensive tackles and their camp performance. He singled out J.C. Latham, saying,
"He’s playing with a lot more confidence. He understands what he’s supposed to do now."
Likely more important to many Crimson Tide fans, Saban was pleased with both tackles J.C. Latham and Vanderbilt transfer, Tyler Steen.
Alabama Football Not Good News
The not-good news on Wednesday was Nick Saban confirming Jojo Earle has a broken foot. Earle, who many expected to start at wide receiver is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Another wideout, Ja’Corey Brooks was mentioned by Saban for improved skills.
With Earle out, a primary punt returner is needed. The replacement could come from Jermaine Burton, Kool-Aid McKinstry or others.
At this point in camp. it appears the primary kickoff returner will be Jahmyr Gibbs. Speaking about returners, the Crimson Tide Head Coach said,
"Jahmyr has done a really good job as a kickoff returner. We’re trying to develop some depth behind him. The No. 1 important thing on punt return is the possession of the ball. The guy that’s the most consistent fielder will be in there."
The full video can be seen below.
Two more things should bring smiles to Alabama football fans. There is a longer explanation, which I will skip, but at the end of the media review, Nick Saban was smiling. Even better, when asked a question about players, the Saban response was “iron shapes iron.” An unhappy Nick Saban does not use that phrase. and an unhappy Saban does not try to smile.