Alabama Football: Crimson Tide A-Day standouts

The 2023 A-Day game came and went this weekend for Alabama Football, and things did not always go smoothly for the Crimson Tide. In fact, the game provided plenty of ammunition for the media, rival fan bases, and Alabama fans that tend to lean towards pessimism to criticize the team.

The biggest conversation this offseason has surrounded the quarterback competition, and the spring game offered more questions than answers. Both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson showed flashes of promise, but neither looked consistently ready to lead a championship-caliber offense.

There is plenty of time left before the season kicks off, but neither quarterback took this opportunity to pull ahead of the other.

Even more bafflingly, it was freshmen quarterbacks Dylan Lonergan and Eli Holstein that looked the most composed in the pocket. While some Alabama Football fans have already hit the panic button, I maintain the belief that Milroe or Simpson will find their rhythm before the fall and take the position.

Whoever wins the quarterback battle, it will make the job significantly easier if Alabama can lean on the running game and take some responsibility off of its quarterback’s shoulders. While I believe in the QB room, it is very apparent that there is no Bryce Young on the roster. The good news is that the running game should be more reliable in 2023.

Seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are a steady tandem in the backfield, but true freshman Justice Haynes stole the show on A-Day. Haynes racked up 64 yards of total offense in limited opportunities and scored three touchdowns on the afternoon. He is perhaps the most versatile back on the roster, as he has the speed to run outside, the ruggedness to run between the tackles, and the dexterity to be a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Bama’s receivers struggled with drops in the spring game, an issue that must be fixed before the fall. JUCO transfer Malik Benson was quiet for most of the game, but found some chemistry with Milroe on the White team’s final drive. Benson finished with game-highs of five catches for 70 yards, including a touchdown grab. Bama will need him to perform consistently when the season kicks off.

Redshirt freshman tight end Danny Lewis Jr. was impressive, making four grabs for 30 yards for the White team. Coach Nick Saban spoke highly of Lewis Jr. in a recent press conference, and now it’s easy to see why.

With junior Robbie Ouzts nursing an injury, two other tight ends also stepped up. Junior Miles Kitselman and sophomore Amari Niblack were regularly involved, making three receptions each for the Crimson team.

Alabama Football: Revamped secondary shows promise

The defenses for Alabama Football looked solid for the most part on A-Day. Pass rushers like Quandarrius Robinson and Keanu Koht capitalized on their opportunities in place of injured starters. The duo had two sacks apiece for the Crimson team, and Jeremiah Alexander added one for the White squad.

Inside linebackers Kendrick Blackshire and Justin Jefferson were also impressive, and spent a lot of time in the opposing backfield. However, it was the Alabama secondary that looked really strong in moments.

Cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold figure to be a tough tandem this fall, and both played well. After two recent transfers from the position, Bama desperately needs to build depth at corner, and two youngsters played well for the White team. Redshirt freshman Antonio Kite and true freshman Dezz Ricks combined to make seven pass breakups.

Although the positions were depleted by NFL Draft entries following the 2022 season, safety and nickel could be an overwhelming strength for Alabama Football this year.

Senior Malachi Moore is the undisputed leader on the back end, and won A-Day MVP with a 9-tackle and 3-sack performance. Highly lauded true freshman Caleb Downs was as good as advertised, recording eight tackles and an interception.

Senior Kristian Story and redshirt freshman Earl Little II, who are both expected to compete for starting jobs, added interceptions of their own. Little II’s pick was particularly impressive; a diving snag that robbed Ty Simpson and Kobe Prentice of a sure touchdown.

Lastly, redshirt freshman safety Jake Pope was one of the surprise standouts of A-Day, making a game-high 10 tackles and breaking up a pair of passes.

Although it may be easy for Alabama Football fans and haters alike to harp on the negative, there was a lot of promise shown during the 2023 A-Day game. Sure, there are wrinkles to iron out, but the Crimson Tide will be just fine in 2023.