Alabama Football Through the First Week of Spring Practice: What We’ve Learned About the Tide

As the Alabama Crimson Tide enters its first week of spring practice under head coach Nick Saban’s guidance, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the program. With the 2024 season on the horizon, Alabama’s spring practice serves as a crucial period for players to hone their skills, for coaches to experiment with new strategies, and for fans to get a glimpse of what the team may look like come fall. The first week of practice has already yielded several insights into the current state of the Alabama football program—insights that are critical as the team prepares for another title run.

With high expectations continuing to surround the Tide, spring practice provides a unique opportunity to see how Alabama is developing both on and off the field. While many programs are still in the midst of their offseasons, the Crimson Tide is focused on refining the elements that have historically made them perennial championship contenders: talent, discipline, and adaptability.

As we reflect on the early stages of spring practice, here’s a breakdown of what we’ve learned about Alabama football through the first week of workouts.

1. Quarterback Battle: Still Wide Open

One of the most pressing storylines heading into spring practice was the quarterback competition, as Alabama looks to replace its starting quarterback from the 2023 season. After the departure of Jalen Milroe, the competition at the position is wide open, with multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting role.

In the first week of spring practice, it’s become evident that head coach Nick Saban is taking a measured approach in evaluating the quarterbacks. The leading candidates include Ty Simpson, who showed flashes of potential during his time as a backup last season, and Jalen Milroe’s backup, Dylan Lonergan. Additionally, Alabama has brought in several highly-touted recruits who are also in the mix, and it’s clear that the coaching staff is evaluating each quarterback’s performance in real time.

Ty Simpson, widely regarded as the frontrunner, has had a strong start, showcasing his arm strength and command of the offense. His ability to read defenses and his chemistry with Alabama’s wide receivers has been apparent during the early practices. That said, Dylan Lonergan has also impressed, particularly with his mobility and playmaking ability outside the pocket. The coaching staff is working to establish which quarterback can manage the game effectively, maintain consistency, and make the necessary plays to elevate the offense.

There’s no doubt that Alabama’s success this season will depend heavily on who emerges as the starting quarterback. By the end of spring practice, it is expected that Saban and his staff will have a clearer picture of which signal-caller is the best fit for the offense.

2. Running Back Depth: Reloading with Talent

Alabama has long been known for its physical, ground-and-pound offense, and that tradition continues as the team looks to reload its backfield. After losing standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL, the Crimson Tide enters the spring with a host of talented backs vying for significant roles.

The first week of spring practice has shown that Alabama’s backfield will be deep and dynamic. Jase McClellan, who has been a consistent performer for Alabama in recent years, is likely to be the lead back in 2024. McClellan brings a blend of size and speed that makes him a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing games. His experience and leadership will be vital to the success of the offense, especially as the team works to establish an identity under a new quarterback.

Behind McClellan, Alabama boasts an impressive group of young backs. Roydell Williams, a former highly-rated recruit, has looked explosive in practice and could contribute in both short-yardage situations and on special teams. Additionally, freshmen like Justice Haynes have shown flashes of brilliance and could provide a spark for the offense in the coming season. Haynes’ blend of power and agility makes him a promising option to complement McClellan in the backfield.

The running back position is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2024 season, and the first week of practice has shown that Alabama has the talent to dominate on the ground once again. Whether it’s McClellan leading the way or a young back stepping up, the Tide is loaded with options to keep defenses guessing.

3. Offensive Line: Stability and Competition

The offensive line has long been one of Alabama’s strengths, and heading into spring practice, the Tide’s front five looks to be a mix of experience and potential. While Alabama has historically been known for its dominant offensive line, this year’s group will need to replace a few key players and establish a new identity.

The first week of practice has shown that the coaching staff is experimenting with different combinations on the offensive line, with an emphasis on building chemistry and consistency. The competition for starting spots is fierce, as the team looks to find the right balance between veteran experience and young talent.

Senior guard Emil Ekiyor Jr. has been a steady presence on the line, providing leadership and stability. Alongside him, tackle J.C. Latham has been a standout, and his athleticism and power make him one of the top offensive linemen in the country. Both players are expected to anchor the line in 2024.

However, the biggest question mark for Alabama is at center, where the team is looking for a new starter after the departure of several key players. In the first week of practice, several candidates have emerged, but there has been no clear frontrunner. The coaching staff will continue to evaluate the center position throughout spring practice, as it’s crucial for the offensive line to establish a solid foundation for the quarterback and running backs.

As always, Alabama’s offensive line will be a focal point in determining the team’s success on offense. The first week of spring practice has shown that there’s a strong mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, and the team will need to find cohesion up front to ensure the offense runs smoothly in the fall.

4. Wide Receiver Corps: New Faces, Same Standard

Alabama has a long history of producing elite wide receivers, and that tradition is expected to continue in 2024. With the departure of standout receiver Jermaine Burton, the Tide is looking to retool its receiving corps while maintaining its high standards of playmaking ability.

Through the first week of spring practice, it’s become clear that Alabama has plenty of talent at the receiver position, with several players making strong impressions. Isaiah Bond, who had a solid 2023 season, looks poised for a breakout year. His speed and ability to stretch the field give the Crimson Tide a dynamic weapon on the outside.

In addition to Bond, newcomers like Malik Benson and Kobe Prentice have been impressing coaches. Benson, a transfer from junior college, is a physical receiver with excellent hands, while Prentice has the speed to take the top off the defense. Both players bring a new dimension to Alabama’s offense and will be key contributors throughout the season.

As always, Alabama’s receiving corps will need to establish a strong connection with the quarterback, and spring practice is crucial for building that chemistry. The first week of practices has shown that the team has the playmakers necessary to continue its tradition of elite wide receiver play, with an impressive mix of veterans and newcomers.

5. Defensive Line: Reloading but Loaded with Potential

Alabama’s defense has long been the backbone of its success, and the 2024 defensive line will continue to be a focal point of the team’s overall strategy. While Alabama lost some key pieces on the defensive front, the first week of spring practice has shown that the Tide is reloading rather than rebuilding.

Senior defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis has been a standout early on, displaying his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Oatis is expected to be a key leader on the defensive front in 2024. Alongside him, several young players have shown promise, including freshman prospect Hunter Osborne, who could make an immediate impact.

The biggest area of focus for Alabama’s defensive line is generating a consistent pass rush. With the departure of several key pass rushers, the Tide will need to find new players to step up and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Through the first week of practice, it’s clear that this will be a point of emphasis for the defense.

6. Secondary: Strong Leadership and Rising Stars

Alabama’s secondary is also in the process of reloading, with several key players returning for 2024, including star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry has been one of the best defensive backs in the country, and he will be looked upon to lead a young, talented group.

The first week of spring practice has also seen some promising performances from young corners and safeties, including freshmen who are expected to contribute immediately. The depth and talent in the secondary could be a major strength for Alabama this season, especially with McKinstry leading the charge.