5 Things We Learned from Alabama's Spring Practice
The more things change, the more some things stay exactly the same.
That’s an accurate summation of the University of Alabama’s recently-concluded spring practice, one that showcased another stingy defense and an offense still finding its way.
There is much to decide before the Crimson Tide opens the season Sept. 3 against Southern California, including who starts at quarterback and a shuffling offensive line that needs settling.
However, after spring practice much more is known about the 2016 version of Alabama. This is what was learned.
The running back position in in good hands
Monday afternoon UA running backs coach Burton Burns posed for a picture in between the program’s two Heisman trophies (the most recent trophy was presented to the school Saturday during A-Day). Burns tutored both winners: Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry.
That said, Burns has two capable, even if inexperienced, running backs heading into the season in sophomores Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris. Scarbrough starred in the first two scrimmages during spring and Harris on A-Day.
Harris’ 114 yards on 20 carries earned him the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award. Scarbrough combined for 263 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries during the three spring scrimmages.
There probably isn’t as much depth as head coach Nick Saban would like, especially when you consider the season-ending injury to Ronnie Clark's Achilles tendon last week. However, there are two more running backs heading to campus for the summer in B.J. Emmons and Joshua Jacobs.
Cooper Bateman is in good shape
If you’ve paid attention to the previous two spring practices, veteran quarterbacks Blake Sims and Jake Coker put themselves in good position during the spring and secured the job during the fall.
Judging by that formula, junior Cooper Bateman, the most senior quarterback on the roster, did nothing during the spring that would hinder his chances of winning the starting job. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be the starter, but he avoided the big mistakes that could have derailed his chances.
The other three quarterbacks — David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts — will continue to push in the competition but as Saban noted several times during spring, Bateman has the best grasp of the offense.
The only question that remains is can he earn the trust of his teammates, becoming someone the team will follow? That’s something Saban said he will not rush. Until one of the quarterbacks does, the starting job will remain in competition.
Defense leading the way
Ten years into Saban’s tenure, the fact that the defense is again among the nation’s elite should come as no surprise. However, given what the defense lost in 2015 (A’Shawn Robinson, Reggie Ragland, Cyrus Jones, among others) it should be noted that this year’s version of the defense doesn’t appear to have lost a step.
The defensive line, even without Jonathan Allen, controlled the line of scrimmage Saturday and outside linebacker Tim Williams looked special. Throw in Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster and Eddie Jackson, all leaders in the locker room, and you can see why Alabama again will be formidable on defense.
Marlon Humphrey is set for his second year to start at cornerback and Minkah Fitzpatrick looks like a natural at corner after a year starting at the nickelback position.
Lots and lots of targets
The strength of the offense could very well come from the wide receiver position. The team has lots and lots of talent already on campus and another graduate transfer on the way.
Calvin Ridley had a special freshman season, Robert Foster is back from a injury that curtailed his 2015 season and ArDarius Stewart is showing the consistency that could take him to the next level.
Then there is Cam Sims, who returns from a season lost to injury, and graduate transfer Gehrig Dieter. And that’s not even factoring in tight end O.J. Howard.
Whoever wins the quarterback job will have lots of targets to throw to this season.
Special teams remains mixed bag
It’s a topic that elicits lots of reaction from the fan base, but the special teams unit remains a unit in progress exiting the spring.
To-be junior JK Scott resembled the form that made him an All-American punter as a freshman throughout spring practice, highlighted by his A-Day performance. In total, Scott average 45.7 yards per punt Saturday (on 15 punts for the two teams).
Senior kicker Adam Griffith made 1 of 5 field goals attempted.
Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.