Alabama Crimson Tide news and notes from Wednesday and Thursday, October 8th and 9th.
Ty Simpson's NFL Draft stock is on the rise
Ty Simpson has gone from off-the-radar to firmly in the first round NFL Draft conversation in just five career starts. It wasn't even clear that Simpson was the best option for Alabama after his first start in the Tide's loss to Florida State, but as he has settled in, he's looked like the best quarterback in the country.
In a recent mock draft by CBS, Simpson was mocked in the first round. If he continues his stellar play, he could end up in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. The top of the draft is pretty wide open for a signal-caller.
Kalen DeBoer raves about Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy
Missouri certainly has Alabama's attention. No player more so than RB Ahmad Hardy, the nation's leading rusher this season. Hardy, a UL Monroe transfer, is a problem. And Alabama's defense will have to execute properly in order to solve it.
Kalen DeBoer joined the Bussin' with the Boys podcast this week and raved about Hardy.
"He just keeps plays alive," DeBoer said. "People think they've got him down, and he's still running. The yards after contact just blow your mind... We got to rally. We got to be there."
The hilarious name for the Kadyn Proctor skill package
When asked at practice this week if there was a name for the Kadyn Proctor skill package, Ty Simpson responded, "Krispy." The package is called Krispy for Krispy Kreme because Proctor likes donuts. Who among us?
The Proctor skill package is one of the most talked about sets of plays among Alabama fans. Proctor caught a screen pass against Georgia - ruled a backwards pass and run - and rumbled 11 yards down to the two-yard-line. Last week against Vanderbilt, Proctor lined up at fullback and took a handoff on a 3rd-and-1 to move the chains.
What's next for the Krispy package?
Ryan Williams listed on Alabama's availability report
A surprising - and concerning - addition to Alabama's availability report this week, star sophomore WR Ryan Williams carries a "probable" designation for the Missouri game. He is expected to play - as a probable designation would indicate - but it was still a concerning update for Alabama fans.
Williams is believed to have a minor lower-body injury that is giving him some trouble. In a tough road game against a quality opponent, the Crimson Tide will need Williams. He should play, but it's fair to wonder how close to 100% he will be.
Justin Jefferson unintentionally gave himself an incredible nickname
Justin Jefferson played like a man possessed last week against Vanderbilt. He clearly took the game personally. Jefferson racked up 14 tackles, a sack, and a key forced fumble in the first quarter on Diego Pavia in the red zone.
Jefferson was asked about his and the defense's mentality when it comes to chasing down quarterbacks. He responded with a line from the 1993 movie "Demolition Man."
"Murder, death, kill," Jefferson said.
I hope "Demolition Man" as Jefferson's new nickname takes off.