Alabama Football Fall Camp Day One Surprises

There were surprises Wednesday morning as Alabama Football conducted its first of 20 Fall Camp sessions. For those accustomed to southern heat, the temperature in the 80s was a welcome surprise. To Kalen DeBoer, the heat was more intense, but like everything else with the Crimson Tide's head coach, DeBoer put a positive spin on it, describing the weather, "Welcome to the South."

One media session spent viewing drills is just a glimpse into what the 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide will become. But, what was seen will excite Alabama football fans. Freshman phenom wide receiver, Ryan Williams looked every bit the part of a future Alabama superstar. That is no surprise. In the next several weeks what will surprise many former detractors of Bama's wide receiver group is the gifted Ryan Williams is just one of a loaded position group. Kendrick Law, Germie Bernard, Kobe Prentice, Caleb Odom, along with Jaren Hamilton, Emmanuel Henderson, and Cole Adams easily appear to be the most talented wide receiver group in college football.

Alabama football fans know well that inside linebacker is in great shape, both athletically and in leadership skills from Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell. Sometimes forgotten is behind then is another gifted former 5-star in Jeremiah Alexander. Alexander and a bigger Justin Jefferson give the Tide depth at the position many had questioned.

The roster at the Bandit and Wolf positions has long been known to give Alabama a big advantage. The depth at both positions is exceptional. On Wednesday, what could not be missed was the imposing size and quickness shown by Keon Keeley, Jordan Renaud, and Qua Russaw. Other defenders, notably James Smith and Damon Payne looked impressive as well.

Alabama Football Cornerback

It is too early to predict what will happen at cornerback. Drills on Wednesday suggested DaShawn Jones is next in the pecking order after Domani Jackson. What was also clear in the first camp session is the Crimson Tide's trio of freshman defensive backs, Zabien Brown, Zay Mincey, and Jaylen Mbakwe are physically ready for the SEC now. The three look pretty much NFL-ready in their first college practice.

Some other good Crimson Tide news from the post-practice review by DeBoer is that Jahiem Oatis is fully healthy and had a great summer of preparation.