It is not everything, but it is something. With spring practice fully underway in Tuscaloosa, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer took it upon himself to address who all will not be taking part in it. For some players, it may be limited action for them in the spring. For others, they may not get to put in the necessary work to get better at all due to injury. We can only hope that they can return to form soon.
DeBoer mentioned four players by name on Tuesday who are either out or will be limited this spring.
“Zeebo (Jah-Marien) Latham, he’ll be out for the spring. You got Bray (Hubbard), will be limited, limited contact, just coming off stuff from the ball. London Simmons will be out for the spring. Will Sanders will be out for the spring.”
Defensive end Jah-Marien Latham, nose tackle London Simmons, and left guard Will Sanders will not be taking part in spring practice at all due to injury. The good news, if any, is that strong safety Bray Hubbard will be limited. The bad news is all four of these players are listed as first-team players on Alabama's depth chart over at Ourlads. Now is the time to build up some depth in the trenches, right?
Let's now unpack the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to these guys being out.
Kalen DeBoer rules out several first-teamers during Alabama spring ball
The good news is other players will be getting the reps these four presumptive starters will not. Football is a game of injury. It is why guys like Devan Thompkins, Jeremiah Beaman, and Nick Brooks could take advantage of their extended opportunities. Thompkins was a huge get for Alabama in the transfer portal out of USC. He is a graduate transfer, whereas Beaman and Brooks are sophomores.
The bad news is we are talking about nearly a quarter of the first-team defense missing extended time for DeBoer. Factor in that not being his side of the ball, and you can understand how big of an issue that may be... As far as the downright ugly is concerned, Alabama may not be in a position to suffer any more injuries during spring practice or this summer at these key position groups of note.
If we want to spin this in a positive, maybe underclassmen like Beaman and Brooks could grow up quickly? With redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell putting on some muscle, this could help him challenge Austin Mack for the starting job. You understand what is at play here, right? Alabama is going to win with depth it forges during spring practice. However, too much injury attrition is an issue.
Right now, Alabama will have no choice but to make the best of it with these key players all ruled out.