**Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Shares Crucial Updates on Key Injuries and Fierce Position Battles After Spring Practice**
The Alabama Crimson Tide wrapped up their spring practice sessions with a renewed sense of purpose under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, and as the team transitions into summer workouts, several key storylines have emerged that will shape the program’s 2024 campaign. From critical injury updates to intense position battles, DeBoer provided a comprehensive look at where his squad stands following weeks of intense competition on the practice fields.
The quarterback position remains the most talked-about topic in Tuscaloosa, with returning starter Jalen Milroe looking to build on his breakout 2023 season. Milroe, who accounted for 35 total touchdowns last year, dealt with minor shoulder soreness during the latter stages of spring practice but has been fully cleared for all offseason activities. His development as a more consistent passer has been evident, with coaches particularly praising his improved footwork and progress through his reads. However, the competition behind him remains fierce, as Ty Simpson continues to push for playing time with his polished pocket presence and quick release. The dark horse in the race has been early enrollee Austin Mack, the 6’6″ freshman who has shown rare poise for his age and an advanced understanding of DeBoer’s offensive system. While Milroe remains the clear QB1 entering fall camp, the coaching staff has emphasized that all positions remain open for competition, setting the stage for what could be an intriguing preseason battle.
Along the offensive line, the Tide are working to replace three starters from last season’s unit, and the spring sessions provided clarity on several fronts. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who briefly transferred to Iowa before returning to Alabama, has reclaimed his starting spot after showing improved technique and conditioning. The massive 6’7″, 360-pound sophomore has drawn rave reviews from offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic for his renewed focus and leadership. At right guard, Tyler Booker has solidified himself as the unit’s anchor despite managing a minor knee issue that limited him in some contact drills. The interior line competition features an intense battle between Jaeden Roberts and Terrence Ferguson at left guard, with both players seeing significant first-team reps throughout the spring. Center remains in the capable hands of James Brockermeyer, who has taken command of the line calls and protections after serving as a backup last season. Depth remains a slight concern, but the emergence of redshirt freshman Wilkin Formby and transfer Naquil Betrand has provided optimism about the unit’s overall development.
The running back room might be the deepest position group on the roster, with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes establishing themselves as co-leaders in the competition to replace Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. Miller’s explosive playmaking ability has been on full display, particularly in scrimmage situations where his breakaway speed has resulted in several long touchdowns. Haynes, the former five-star recruit, has lived up to his lofty billing with a spring performance that showcased his elite vision, balance, and surprising power for his size. The wildcard in the group remains USC transfer Raleek Brown, whose versatility as both a runner and receiver has given the coaching staff creative options for how to deploy the dynamic playmaker. Richard Young, another former blue-chip recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs more consistency in pass protection to earn significant snaps. DeBoer has hinted that Alabama may employ more of a committee approach this season rather than featuring a true bell-cow back, given the wealth of talent at the position.
At wide receiver, the departure of Isaiah Bond to Texas created an opportunity for several players to step into larger roles. Kobe Prentice has emerged as the likely WR1 after an impressive spring where he demonstrated improved route-running and hands to go with his elite speed. The slot receiver position appears to belong to Washington transfer Germie Bernard, who followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa and has quickly developed chemistry with all of Alabama’s quarterbacks. Perhaps the most exciting development has been the rapid ascent of freshman Ryan Williams, the five-star phenom who re-committed to the Tide and has already shown why he was considered one of the most dynamic players in the 2024 class. His ability to create separation and make contested catches has drawn comparisons to some of Alabama’s recent star receivers. The receiving corps suffered a scare when Jalen Hale went down with a knee injury late in spring, but the prognosis appears positive with expectations for a full recovery before the season opener.
Tight end has become an increasingly important position in DeBoer’s offense, and the Tide boast an intriguing mix of experience and upside at the spot. CJ Dippre enters fall as the presumed starter after showing significant improvement as a blocker while maintaining his reliable hands in the passing game. Robbie Ouzts provides a physical, mauling presence in run situations, while freshman Caleb Odom represents the future with his rare athleticism and receiver-like skills at 6’5″. The coaching staff has experimented with multiple tight end sets throughout the spring, signaling that the position could see increased usage compared to recent seasons.
Defensively, Alabama is undergoing a philosophical shift under new coordinator Kane Wommack, who has implemented his aggressive 4-2-5 scheme with an emphasis on creating turnovers. The defensive line features a formidable interior duo of Tim Keenan III and Jah-Marien Latham, who have both taken significant steps in their development. Ohio State transfer Hero Kanu has provided quality depth at nose tackle, while freshman Jeremiah Beaman has turned heads with his quickness and technique despite his youth. The edge rusher position remains one of the team’s biggest strengths, with Quandarrius Robinson and Keon Keeley leading the charge. Keeley, in particular, has shown why he was considered the nation’s top edge prospect in the 2023 class, displaying an advanced repertoire of pass rush moves during spring scrimmages.
At linebacker, Deontae Lawson has assumed the mantle of defensive leader following Dallas Turner’s departure to the NFL. His running mate Jihaad Campbell will be sidelined until August following shoulder surgery, creating an opportunity for sophomore Justin Jefferson to earn meaningful snaps. True freshman Cayden Jones has been the surprise of the linebacker group, displaying rare instincts and athleticism that could force the coaching staff to find ways to get him on the field early.
The secondary features the most open competition on the roster, as Alabama looks to replace both starting cornerbacks from last season. USC transfer Domani Jackson has locked down one corner spot with his physical press coverage, while redshirt freshman Zabien Brown has emerged as the favorite to start opposite him after a stellar spring. At safety, Malachi Moore’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, with Devonta Smith and Bray Hubbard competing for the other starting role. The Star position in Wommack’s defense appears to belong to freshman Red Morgan, whose coverage skills and tackling ability have made him an immediate contributor.
Special teams remain a work in progress, with kicker Conor Talty showing improved consistency on field goals but still needing to prove he can handle clutch situations. Punting duties will likely fall to freshman Alex Asparuhov, who brings a powerful leg but needs refinement with his placement. The return game features several candidates, with Raleek Brown and Ryan Williams both getting looks on kickoffs and punts.
As the team breaks for summer conditioning, DeBoer expressed satisfaction with the progress made during spring but emphasized there’s still significant work to be done before the season opener against Western Kentucky. “The competition level has been exactly what we wanted,” DeBoer said. “Every position group has guys pushing each other to get better, and that’s how you build a championship team.” With fall camp just months away, the foundation has been laid for what could be another special season in Tuscaloosa, provided the Tide can navigate the injury concerns and position battles that will define their 2024 campaign.
