Other than a select few, the last time anyone got a look at Alabama was during its national championship victory over Ohio State in January. That’s set to change this weekend as the Crimson Tide will wrap up its spring camp with the annual A-Day game on Saturday at noon CT inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
As in previous years, Nick Saban confirmed that the scrimmage will once again feature the first-team offense against the first-team defense and the second-team offense against the second-team defense. Alabama will allow 50 percent capacity for the event and is selling tickets at $5 apiece. A-Day will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Here are some storylines to watch heading into the scrimmage.
What will we see from Bryce Young?
Saban officially named Bryce Young his starter at quarterback… for the A-Day game at least.
During his post-practice Zoom call Thursday, the head coach confirmed that Young will work behind center with the first-team offense on Saturday. However, that’s as far as he was willing to talk about his team’s quarterback position heading into the scrimmage.
Despite stating himself that Young “is the quarterback right now” Saban took offense when a reporter referred to his statement later during the call.
“I said Bryce is going to play with the 1s,” Saban interrupted. “Aight, so that's the way it's going to be.”
Saban grew even more frustrated when the reporter assumed that he was pleased with Young’s progression this spring.
“Well, how do you know that he's progressed the way he has been?” Saban questioned. “What have you seen to be able to make that statement first of all? I mean, I'm happy with his progress. I don't want you to think that, but I don't know where you sort of can just come out and make that statement.
“But I'm happy with his progress. I think he's played well this spring. I think he's showed good leadership. He's made good progress. I think he understands the offense. He's worked hard. I can make the statement because I've watched him practice every day, but I don't know how much practice you saw.”
While all practices have been closed this spring, Saban has praised Young following each of Alabama’s past two scrimmages, stating the sophomore knows the playbook really well and has done a good job of managing the game. According to sources, the five-star quarterback has thrown a combined seven touchdowns the past two scrimmages, making several big plays downfield.
Saturday should answer a few more questions as fans and reporters alike should get a good look at how Young operates the first-team offense.
Who will be available?
Along with his displeasure in addressing the quarterback position, Saban also wasn’t in a mood to discuss injuries heading into A-Day. Following Alabama’s second scrimmage last weekend, the head coach revealed that tackle Evan Neal was forced to exit while guard Javion Cohen sat out with a bone spur.
When asked about the two Thursday, Saban declined to comment.
“I’m not gonna talk about injuries, I’m not gonna talk about status of players,” Saban said. “If we’re playing in the playoffs, I might say whether they were going to play or not. If they play, it’s gonna be an opportunity for them to improve and get better. If they don’t, it’s gonna be an opportunity for the guys behind them to play and get better. So either way, we win. I don’t think it’s significant.”
Alabama has been without several notable players this spring, including receiver John Metchie III, guard Emil Ekiyor Jr., offensive lineman Pierce Quick, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and defensive back Malachi Moore. Running back Trey Sanders is also still sidelined after suffering a season-ending hip injury last November.
By the sound of it, those won’t be the only absences Saturday.
“We will hold some guys out,” Saban said. There will be, you know quite a few guys out of the game, but this is going to be a game where a lot of the young players, you know, really get an opportunity to play. We'll probably make it pretty simple on offense and defense so that guys can go out there and play fast and sort of show us what they can do.”
How will the receiving unit look?
Thursday night’s drama didn’t end with Saban’s Zoom call. Later in the evening, it was revealed that Keilan Robinson had been switched from running back to receiver on Alabama’s official roster. The move was commented on by sophomore receiver Traeshon Holden, who confirmed Robinson’s involvement in the receiving unit. However, Alabama changed Robinson’s position back to running back shortly after.
Sources told BamaInsider that Robinson has lined up as a slot receiver during scrimamages along with his role out of the backfield. If utilized at the receiver position, the playmaking back could help add more speed to the unit, something Saban expressed a need for earlier during spring.
Robinson’s possible role as a receiver is one of several reason to keep an eye on the unit Saturday. With Metchie out this spring, the only other returning wideout with starting experience is redshirt junior Slade Bolden, who filled in for an injured Jaylen Waddle at slot last season. Alabama brought in three Rivals100 receivers as early enrollees in Ja’Corey Brooks, Christian Leary and Agiye Hall. The Tide also features several capable returning players including Metchie, Bolden, Holden, Javon Baker, Xavier Williams and Thaiu Jones-Bell.
Thursday, Saban referred to the receiving unit as “work in progress.” However, the Tide should have the pieces to put together a capable unit this season.
“From the start of spring practice, it is always tough starting to get the concept of the offense down,” Bolden said earlier this week, “but I think everybody in the first two groups has done a good job of understanding what it takes to learn the concept, and they are also putting in the effort and working hard to improve themselves, and I think they have definitely improved themselves since the beginning of the spring.”
Can Will Anderson Jr. ruin A-Day?
During halftime of the 2016 A-Day game, Saban joked with ESPN’s Joey Galloway that outside linebacker Tim Williams was going to “ruin the game” due to how disruptive he was on defense. During that A-Day the former Alabama pass rusher recorded three quarterback hurries and two sacks en route helping the White team to a 7-3 victory.
There’s a good chance Will Anderson Jr. could be just as disruptive for the Tide’s first-team defense on Saturday. The five-star outside linebacker led the nation’s freshmen with seven sacks last season while also recording 10.5 sacks for a loss. Thursday, he was presented with the Shaun Alexander National Freshman Player of the Year Award at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. The award was presented to him by its namesake, former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander.
“I remember watching him playing, and I was glad that there was eight other guys putting in their votes because I didn’t wanna feel like I was being a homer,” Alexander said during the presentation. “But I was like, ‘Is this young man wrecking shop like what I’m seeing? Am I cheering, or is it really like he’s that guy?’ And the other writers, they all saw what I saw, that we have a great young man with great character. He’s definitely a person that can be a spokesman and is a spokesman for our great university.
“We see the talent in him, it jumps off the field, and we think that he will be great — in time — to go to the NFL and do great things in the NFL world.”
According to sources, Anderson has been a terror this spring. That should only continue during the A-Day game as he lines up against an offensive line that could be without several of its key figures.
Will there be a breakout star?
In the past, the A-Day game has provided a first look at several future stars. Receiver Jerry Jeudy earned MVP honors during his freshman season in 2017. The following year, Mac Jones shared MVP honors with kicker Joseph Bulovas, showing an ability to lead an offense that became more apparent later in his career. During the most recent A-Day game in 2019, Metchie earned MVP honors, providing the first glimpse of his playmaking ability.
So who will be the next breakout A-Day performer this year?
If past scrimmages are any indication, Baker and tight end Cameron Latu have a decent shot. According to sources, that duo has tallied three receiving touchdowns apiece from Young over the past two outings inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Perhaps Young could earn the honor. After all, his seven touchdowns over the last two scrimmages are quite impressive as well.
In six of the last 10 games, a running back has been named MVP. Last weekend, the Tide was led by sophomore running back Roydell Williams, who reportedly recorded more than 100 yards on the ground. Could he have a repeat performance this week?
Alabama hasn’t seen a defensive player named MVP since defensive tackle Jeremy Nunley in 1992. However, given Anderson’s dominance, maybe he could break that drought.
As in previous years, Nick Saban confirmed that the scrimmage will once again feature the first-team offense against the first-team defense and the second-team offense against the second-team defense. Alabama will allow 50 percent capacity for the event and is selling tickets at $5 apiece. A-Day will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Here are some storylines to watch heading into the scrimmage.
What will we see from Bryce Young?
Saban officially named Bryce Young his starter at quarterback… for the A-Day game at least.
During his post-practice Zoom call Thursday, the head coach confirmed that Young will work behind center with the first-team offense on Saturday. However, that’s as far as he was willing to talk about his team’s quarterback position heading into the scrimmage.
Despite stating himself that Young “is the quarterback right now” Saban took offense when a reporter referred to his statement later during the call.
“I said Bryce is going to play with the 1s,” Saban interrupted. “Aight, so that's the way it's going to be.”
Saban grew even more frustrated when the reporter assumed that he was pleased with Young’s progression this spring.
“Well, how do you know that he's progressed the way he has been?” Saban questioned. “What have you seen to be able to make that statement first of all? I mean, I'm happy with his progress. I don't want you to think that, but I don't know where you sort of can just come out and make that statement.
“But I'm happy with his progress. I think he's played well this spring. I think he's showed good leadership. He's made good progress. I think he understands the offense. He's worked hard. I can make the statement because I've watched him practice every day, but I don't know how much practice you saw.”
While all practices have been closed this spring, Saban has praised Young following each of Alabama’s past two scrimmages, stating the sophomore knows the playbook really well and has done a good job of managing the game. According to sources, the five-star quarterback has thrown a combined seven touchdowns the past two scrimmages, making several big plays downfield.
Saturday should answer a few more questions as fans and reporters alike should get a good look at how Young operates the first-team offense.
Who will be available?
Along with his displeasure in addressing the quarterback position, Saban also wasn’t in a mood to discuss injuries heading into A-Day. Following Alabama’s second scrimmage last weekend, the head coach revealed that tackle Evan Neal was forced to exit while guard Javion Cohen sat out with a bone spur.
When asked about the two Thursday, Saban declined to comment.
“I’m not gonna talk about injuries, I’m not gonna talk about status of players,” Saban said. “If we’re playing in the playoffs, I might say whether they were going to play or not. If they play, it’s gonna be an opportunity for them to improve and get better. If they don’t, it’s gonna be an opportunity for the guys behind them to play and get better. So either way, we win. I don’t think it’s significant.”
Alabama has been without several notable players this spring, including receiver John Metchie III, guard Emil Ekiyor Jr., offensive lineman Pierce Quick, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and defensive back Malachi Moore. Running back Trey Sanders is also still sidelined after suffering a season-ending hip injury last November.
By the sound of it, those won’t be the only absences Saturday.
“We will hold some guys out,” Saban said. There will be, you know quite a few guys out of the game, but this is going to be a game where a lot of the young players, you know, really get an opportunity to play. We'll probably make it pretty simple on offense and defense so that guys can go out there and play fast and sort of show us what they can do.”
How will the receiving unit look?
Thursday night’s drama didn’t end with Saban’s Zoom call. Later in the evening, it was revealed that Keilan Robinson had been switched from running back to receiver on Alabama’s official roster. The move was commented on by sophomore receiver Traeshon Holden, who confirmed Robinson’s involvement in the receiving unit. However, Alabama changed Robinson’s position back to running back shortly after.
Sources told BamaInsider that Robinson has lined up as a slot receiver during scrimamages along with his role out of the backfield. If utilized at the receiver position, the playmaking back could help add more speed to the unit, something Saban expressed a need for earlier during spring.
Robinson’s possible role as a receiver is one of several reason to keep an eye on the unit Saturday. With Metchie out this spring, the only other returning wideout with starting experience is redshirt junior Slade Bolden, who filled in for an injured Jaylen Waddle at slot last season. Alabama brought in three Rivals100 receivers as early enrollees in Ja’Corey Brooks, Christian Leary and Agiye Hall. The Tide also features several capable returning players including Metchie, Bolden, Holden, Javon Baker, Xavier Williams and Thaiu Jones-Bell.
Thursday, Saban referred to the receiving unit as “work in progress.” However, the Tide should have the pieces to put together a capable unit this season.
“From the start of spring practice, it is always tough starting to get the concept of the offense down,” Bolden said earlier this week, “but I think everybody in the first two groups has done a good job of understanding what it takes to learn the concept, and they are also putting in the effort and working hard to improve themselves, and I think they have definitely improved themselves since the beginning of the spring.”
Can Will Anderson Jr. ruin A-Day?
During halftime of the 2016 A-Day game, Saban joked with ESPN’s Joey Galloway that outside linebacker Tim Williams was going to “ruin the game” due to how disruptive he was on defense. During that A-Day the former Alabama pass rusher recorded three quarterback hurries and two sacks en route helping the White team to a 7-3 victory.
There’s a good chance Will Anderson Jr. could be just as disruptive for the Tide’s first-team defense on Saturday. The five-star outside linebacker led the nation’s freshmen with seven sacks last season while also recording 10.5 sacks for a loss. Thursday, he was presented with the Shaun Alexander National Freshman Player of the Year Award at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. The award was presented to him by its namesake, former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander.
“I remember watching him playing, and I was glad that there was eight other guys putting in their votes because I didn’t wanna feel like I was being a homer,” Alexander said during the presentation. “But I was like, ‘Is this young man wrecking shop like what I’m seeing? Am I cheering, or is it really like he’s that guy?’ And the other writers, they all saw what I saw, that we have a great young man with great character. He’s definitely a person that can be a spokesman and is a spokesman for our great university.
“We see the talent in him, it jumps off the field, and we think that he will be great — in time — to go to the NFL and do great things in the NFL world.”
According to sources, Anderson has been a terror this spring. That should only continue during the A-Day game as he lines up against an offensive line that could be without several of its key figures.
Will there be a breakout star?
In the past, the A-Day game has provided a first look at several future stars. Receiver Jerry Jeudy earned MVP honors during his freshman season in 2017. The following year, Mac Jones shared MVP honors with kicker Joseph Bulovas, showing an ability to lead an offense that became more apparent later in his career. During the most recent A-Day game in 2019, Metchie earned MVP honors, providing the first glimpse of his playmaking ability.
So who will be the next breakout A-Day performer this year?
If past scrimmages are any indication, Baker and tight end Cameron Latu have a decent shot. According to sources, that duo has tallied three receiving touchdowns apiece from Young over the past two outings inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Perhaps Young could earn the honor. After all, his seven touchdowns over the last two scrimmages are quite impressive as well.
In six of the last 10 games, a running back has been named MVP. Last weekend, the Tide was led by sophomore running back Roydell Williams, who reportedly recorded more than 100 yards on the ground. Could he have a repeat performance this week?
Alabama hasn’t seen a defensive player named MVP since defensive tackle Jeremy Nunley in 1992. However, given Anderson’s dominance, maybe he could break that drought.
