The first Fall Camp scrimmage for Alabama Football may not settle anything about open starter slots. One reason is that the format will be more situational than game-like. Kalen DeBoer has said the first fall scrimmage will be more basic, but the situational work, "backed-up" and "goal line," will receive more reps than last season's first scrimmage.
Fans often focus scrimmage attention on starter roles, but rotational players and key backups are almost as important. Coaches consider scrimmages a training opportunity, which, while testing players, also provides learning opportunities. That does not mean Ryan Grubb would not love to name his QB starter on Monday. If Ty Simpson has a stellar scrimmage performance, that might happen. But Grubb and Nick Sheridan are not just developing a QB1. Getting Austin Mack and Keelon Russell to a solid QB2 level is important. The Alabama football staff wants to continue the development of all three, but soon practice reps must be apportioned. They cannot be equal.
In other position groups, scrimmages provide a pecking order. That is especially true for the wide receivers, running backs, defensive linemen, and defensive backs. Alabama has fortunate depth; key positions like Bandit, Wolf, and Husky can frequently rotate during games.
Alabama Football seeks consistency from new kickers
Alabama football fans are hopeful for good scrimmage news from the Crimson Tide's kicking game. Conor Talty is not fully proven as a field goal kicker. Even less proven are the Crimson Tide's punter options. Many Alabama fans are hoping a punt returner takes charge, and that it will not be Ryan Williams. Their thought is that Williams is too valuable to risk losing to injury while returning punts.
Three more questions are about the offensive line. Is it possible that the guard slots will use a three-man rotation, with Kam Dewberry, Jaeden Roberts, and Geno VanDeMark? How much has Wilkin Formby improved in pass protection? And who will be the backup tackles?
As much as fans and coaches would love all questions to be answered by the first scrimmage, they will not be. That will have to wait until Aug. 16 or later. Earning starting and rotation roles will be a weekly task until at least the Monday of Georgia week.