Alabama Football: Players making strong moves in last camp scrimmage

Based on reports from Alabama football insiders, the Alabama Crimson Tide showed real progress in Saturday’s scrimmage. After the last and most important scrimmage of fall camp, there is more good than bad to discuss – much more.

Some Alabama football fans might think Jordan Battle being able to participate was the best news. He took part in a black, no-contact jersey, but was not hampered in movement and reportedly made an interception.

The not-so-good news is Seth McLaughlin and Eli Ricks did not participate. McLaughlin’s situation is not known, but Ricks, who has been slowly recovering from a back problem, is expected to practice when the Tide returns to the field on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Khyree Jackson was able to work on Saturday. Jackson is in contention to win a starting cornerback slot, but he will have to pass Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. Jackson is still not 100%. Kool-Aid and Terrion may not have locked down starting jobs, but they are poised to gain them in the coming week – unless they falter.

Alabama Football Wideouts Shined

Nick Saban was not pleased in the first scrimmage with the execution of his wideouts. One glaring problem was dropped passes. Yesterday, was the opposite. Ja’Corey Brooks was making his catches. Traeshon Holden and Kobe Prentice snagged pass after pass, with more than a few catches coming against the first-unit defense. Nick Saban said about Holden,

"He had a really good day today. Made a lot of good plays … a nice job today. I’m pleased with his progress."

Thanks to UA Athletics and Clint Lamb for the video below of an outstanding scrimmage catch by Holden.

A not-too-early hunch is, the season-opening rotation at wide receiver will be Jermaine Burton, Traeshon Holden, Ja’Cory Brooks and Kobe Prentice. Don’t be shocked if, in the first three-wide snap of the season, true freshman Prentice is on the field.

The total count of touchdown receptions on Saturday is unclear, but there were a bunch. That might concern some Crimson Tide fans who are unsure about McKinstry and Arnold. It is a good idea to remember the Tide’s pass-grabbing receivers have last season’s Heisman winner throwing to them.

Another (maybe) not-too-early take is Jaylen Moody will start the Utah State game at Will linebacker. Moody has been solid in fall camp and was again on Saturday.

Another don’t be surprised take is Kendall Randolph could be the left guard starter for the Utah State game. Randolph may not be able to hold off Javion Cohen for long. Whether he does or not, Randolph will be valuable this season, beyond being a short-yardage blocking tight end.

Talking about short-yardage and red zone, Roydell Williams appears to be the lead guy among the Tide’s deep and talented running back group.

With all the good performances on Saturday, Nick Saban was not pleased with everything.

"The first offense and the first defense was very productive in terms of how they played, how they executed, how they communicated and played together. Second group, both sides of the ball, lots of mental errors, still. Lots of struggles, lack of confidence in terms of how they play, how they execute, which we obviously need to get more guys who can play winning football."

The full post-scrimmage review by Saban can be seen below.

Offseasons, after a National Championship failure, always feel longer. Hang in there Crimson Tide fans – the season is almost here.