Alabama football fans are hoping for more information coming out of the Crimson Tide’s second scrimmage of the spring. The scrimmage is closed to the general public again, but there will be quite a few invited guests. Typically, 12-48 hours after this type of closed scrimmage, some tidbits of information are passed along.
Nick Saban will provide a review as well. Saban has been somewhat less guarded this spring. He certainly has expressed considerable optimism about the progress of the team.
Five areas I am hopeful the scrimmage will provide insight into are listed below. The list could be more than five. And the interest priorities of Crimson Tide fans vary. I expect all will agree on one item. We want to know about the quarterbacks. Is one ahead of the other? Can both deliver when called upon this season? Beyond Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, how do the two freshmen perform?
Alabama Football in the trenches
Two more areas are on both sides of the line of scrimmage. No QB can shine (or running back) unless the offensive line does its job. Improvement is needed over last season. I’ll be trying to sort through the top eight guys based on performance in the two scrimmages. The starters are more important, because, except for last season, Nick Saban rarely rotates any offensive linemen. But at least eight consistent performers are needed. Outside of JC Latham and Tyler Booker, I am not sure any starter is locked in, though Seth McLaughlin might be.
The backup rotation guys on the defensive line are essential. Will Alabama rotate more than six? If it is 6,7, or 8 where are Jamil Burroughs, Damon Payne Jr., and James Smith in the pecking order?
Alabama Football Secondary
Even with all the attrition from last season, I have a hunch that this season’s secondary could be better. But we are far from knowing that. Except for Kool-Aid at field corner, I am not sure anyone has a secure starting role. There is lots of talent. How Earl Little II and Caleb Downs perform on Saturday will be most interesting.
Inside Linebacker is wide open
With Deontae Lawson missing spring, at least four guys are in the hunt for the Will position and backup at Mike. Right now, I am guessing the top four are Georgia transfer, Trezman Marshall, Kendrick Blackshire, Shawn Murphy and Jihaad Campbell.
That’s my five key areas for Saturday. We may not learn much from a closed scrimmage, but then again it is hard to learn much from the vanilla A-Day game either. Fall camp scrimmages will tell the tale.