TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved outdoors Tuesday for its sixth practice of spring camp. Players were dressed in full pads in sunny, 84-degree weather for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period:
— Rising sophomore receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) was not at practice. Jeudy confirmed a report Monday night stating that he recently sustained a meniscus injury that required surgery. According to the report, he could be able to return by the end of the spring.
— Alabama’s wide receivers worked in three different groups. DeVonta Smith was followed by Tyrell Shavers in one group, while Henry Ruggs III was followed by Derek Kief in the other. Xavian Marks was followed by Chadarius Townsend at slot.
— Tua Tagovailoa still spent plenty of time off to the side with head trainer Jeff Allen but did participate with the rest of the quarterbacks during both handoff and passing drills. The rising sophomore is still recovering from a broken bone in his left (throwing) hand. He is not wearing a glove but has the lower part of his hand taped.
— Heading into the third week of spring practice, Alabama’s first-team offensive line continues to remain the same. The Crimson Tide is lining up with Jonah Williams, Joshua Casher, Ross Pierschbacher, Lester Cotton and Jedrick Wills from left to right. It’s looking very likely that will be the first-team unit during the first scrimmage on Saturday.
— VanDarius Cowan was back with the inside linebackers for a second straight practice after missing two practices due to what head coach Nick Saban alluded to as academic issues. Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson worked in the first unit and were followed by Joshua McMillon and Markail Benton in the second unit. Cowan and Ben Davis were in the third unit.
— Alabama’s first three defensive linemen were Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis and Quinnen Williams. Next were Johnny Dwight, La’Bryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis and Stephon Wynn Jr.
— Alabama gave a rare look at an actual play as the offense went up against the defense in goal-line rollouts. With Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa throwing to receivers, Mac Jones worked out of a three tight end set.
— Because the drill was only going to one side, Alabama only lined up one side of its defense, ignoring what would have been the opposite corner who would not have been involved in the play. Instead, the defense used two inside linebackers, two outside linebackers, a cornerback and a safety.
— The offense definitely won the drill as Jones found multiple wide-open tight ends in the back of the end zone. Kedrick James caught a touchdown in the right corner of the end zone, while Irv Smith caught one in the left corner. Hale Hentges also almost made a nice one-handed catch but was unable to come down with the ball.
— Alabama’s linebackers struggled in coverage during the drill. Wilson was beaten on Smith’s touchdown, while Cowan missed his assignment leading to James’ wide-open score. Davis was also beat badly on the final play of the media viewing period.
— One thing worth noting was how well Jones looked at quarterback. The redshirt freshman was composed during the drill and always got the ball to the right man. On the few times where everyone was covered, he threw the ball away. It’s just a drill, but Jones appears to be showing real improvement this spring.
— Rising sophomore receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) was not at practice. Jeudy confirmed a report Monday night stating that he recently sustained a meniscus injury that required surgery. According to the report, he could be able to return by the end of the spring.
— Alabama’s wide receivers worked in three different groups. DeVonta Smith was followed by Tyrell Shavers in one group, while Henry Ruggs III was followed by Derek Kief in the other. Xavian Marks was followed by Chadarius Townsend at slot.
— Tua Tagovailoa still spent plenty of time off to the side with head trainer Jeff Allen but did participate with the rest of the quarterbacks during both handoff and passing drills. The rising sophomore is still recovering from a broken bone in his left (throwing) hand. He is not wearing a glove but has the lower part of his hand taped.
— Heading into the third week of spring practice, Alabama’s first-team offensive line continues to remain the same. The Crimson Tide is lining up with Jonah Williams, Joshua Casher, Ross Pierschbacher, Lester Cotton and Jedrick Wills from left to right. It’s looking very likely that will be the first-team unit during the first scrimmage on Saturday.
— VanDarius Cowan was back with the inside linebackers for a second straight practice after missing two practices due to what head coach Nick Saban alluded to as academic issues. Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson worked in the first unit and were followed by Joshua McMillon and Markail Benton in the second unit. Cowan and Ben Davis were in the third unit.
— Alabama’s first three defensive linemen were Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis and Quinnen Williams. Next were Johnny Dwight, La’Bryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis and Stephon Wynn Jr.
— Alabama gave a rare look at an actual play as the offense went up against the defense in goal-line rollouts. With Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa throwing to receivers, Mac Jones worked out of a three tight end set.
— Because the drill was only going to one side, Alabama only lined up one side of its defense, ignoring what would have been the opposite corner who would not have been involved in the play. Instead, the defense used two inside linebackers, two outside linebackers, a cornerback and a safety.
— The offense definitely won the drill as Jones found multiple wide-open tight ends in the back of the end zone. Kedrick James caught a touchdown in the right corner of the end zone, while Irv Smith caught one in the left corner. Hale Hentges also almost made a nice one-handed catch but was unable to come down with the ball.
— Alabama’s linebackers struggled in coverage during the drill. Wilson was beaten on Smith’s touchdown, while Cowan missed his assignment leading to James’ wide-open score. Davis was also beat badly on the final play of the media viewing period.
— One thing worth noting was how well Jones looked at quarterback. The redshirt freshman was composed during the drill and always got the ball to the right man. On the few times where everyone was covered, he threw the ball away. It’s just a drill, but Jones appears to be showing real improvement this spring.
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