Five Alabama football areas worth a close A-Day look
A new style Alabama Football A-Day will provide indications of the Crimson Tide's progress under Kalen DeBoer and his staff.
By Ronald Evans
- Offensive Line - One reason for the new A-Day format is a shortage of available offensive linemen. Kadyn Proctor will not join the squad until summer. Washington transfer Parker Brailsford is not available on Saturday. Jaeden Roberts is not expected to take part and Miles McVay is either not at full speed or will be held out as well. Alabama fans hope to see Crimson Tide tackles Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby not be overwhelmed by the Tide's pass rushers. With touch tackles on the QBs, eight or 10 or more recorded sacks would not be a surprise.
- Defensive Backfield - A young and thin Crimson Tide secondary could struggle. Along with the offensive line, DeBoer has mentioned the secondary as a position group in need of transfer additions. Every defensive back will be under a microscope on Saturday, but particularly Jahlil Hurley, Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe and Red Morgan.
- Inside Linebacker Backups - Alabama is solid with Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell, but what happens during the season if either one is injured? The play of Justin Jefferson and Jeremiah Alexander will be watched closely on Saturday to assess the Crimson Tide's depth at the position. Alexander was moved to the inside last October and inside linebacker is now his role, but the former 5-Star recruit does not have much experience.