Where does Alabama football stand after Week 1 of spring practice? 7 Crimson Tide takeaways
One week of Alabama football spring practice is in the books. And the Crimson Tide is now on a break.
With the University of Alabama on spring break, Alabama football will not practice March 10-14, with practice resuming March 18.
Through three practices, the Crimson Tide has a better idea of what it could look like come Aug. 30 in its season-opening meeting at Florida State.
Here are seven key storylines to watch for the rest of Alabama football’s spring schedule. All eyes are on the Alabama quarterback room, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell competing for reps to be at the top of the depth chart.
It’s a battle that was not solved in the first three practices of spring, with DeBoer said each quarterback had times where they looked “really good” and others where they continued to “grow and get better.” Alabama is incredibly high on the experience Simpson brings in, the progress Mack has made and the potential Russell carries. After three practice, the order seems clear: Simpson, Mack, Russell. None of this surprising, given DeBoer’s comments at the Senior Bowl where he said Simpson has the “opportunity to step in and be the quarterback.” But nothing has been decided. And based on how DeBoer and Ryan Grubb are talking, there’s no rush to make anything official.
Alabama is pushing its experience for 2025
As DeBoer, Grubb and Wommack speak about the 2025 recruiting class, expectations are clearly high, and there has been ample praise, especially for players like Russell, offensive lineman Michael Carroll and defensive back Dijon Lee.
But when it comes to the returners, players Wommack called “the best recruiting job” from the Crimson Tide’s past offseason, the head coach and two coordinators can’t say enough, creating a feeling that experience will carry Alabama in 2025, especially with a road game against Florida State to open the season Aug. 30.
No matter the quality of the Seminoles, experience will be vital in a hostile environment that could set the trajectory of a season. And with how Alabama is handling spring, that mentality seems to be at the forefront.
Alabama is advertising wide receivers as a strength
Two Alabama wide receivers made a significant impact in 2024. Based on conversations with coaches and players after three practices, that number will grow in 2025.
Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard are the two leaders in the Crimson Tide receiver room. But players like Isaiah Horton, Jalen Hale, Derek Meadows, Lotzeir Brooks and even Jaylen Mbakwe have all garnered acclaim working with quarterbacks so far.
With a quarterback battle brewing, Alabama expects its receiver room to be a strength.
Alabama may have a problem on the offensive line
Alabama’s depth on the offensive line is being significantly tested.
On Wednesday, with Kadyn Proctor in a black non-contact jersey and Wilkin Formby not seen during the open period, the Crimson Tide worked with a patchwork line that included starters Jaeden Roberts and Parker Brailsford, but also showed Casey Poe, a guard, out at right tackle, Olaus Alinen at left guard and Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom at left tackle. True freshmen Jackson Lloyd and Mal Waldrep Jr. were not far behind, while Carroll also took tackle reps.
Like Grubb said, spring is a time for development, especially up front. But the Crimson Tide could be showing there’s not much room between the top of the depth chart and inexperience.