Alabama Crimson Tide started its spring practice slate without some key players who are recovering from surgeries and injuries. Edge rusher Dallas Turner and linebacker Deontae Lawson are among those who will miss the entire spring practice. Roydell Williams and DeVonta Smith are also out recovering from unspecified injuries, while freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell has been suspended from the team. Quarterback Bryce Young left school early to enter the NFL draft, and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien left to rejoin the New England Patriots. Coach Nick Saban emphasized that development at the quarterback position would be critical this year because he likes the players around them. Jalen Milroe was Young’s primary backup last season, and Ty Simpson, a true freshman, was third on the depth chart. Saban said Simpson has made significant progress despite a lack of reps and has a lot of potential to be a good player. The Crimson Tide is set to open the season at home against Middle Tennessee on September 2.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team began its spring practice slate on Monday. However, the team will be without star edge rusher Dallas Turner and reserve linebacker Deontae Lawson, as they recover from surgeries. Turner was a Freshman All-American last season, and his role could expand with the departure of fellow edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., who left for the NFL. Meanwhile, reserve running back Roydell Williams and backup defensive back DeVonta Smith are also out recovering from unspecified injuries.
Despite the absences, Coach Nick Saban stated that there shouldn’t be any issues for Turner and Lawson moving forward. Saban did not disclose the nature of their surgeries, though. In addition, Saban mentioned that Williams and Smith would likely return at some point during spring practice.
Freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell, however, has been suspended from the team after being arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell and/or deliver. Saban did not provide a timeline for Mitchell’s return, stating that the team is gathering more information about the incident.
Saban emphasized that everybody has an opportunity to compete for a position, particularly at quarterback, where Bryce Young, the Heisman Trophy winner and two-year starter, has left school early to enter the NFL draft. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien also left to rejoin the New England Patriots, with former Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees taking his place. Saban noted that none of the four players vying for time at the QB position has a significant amount of experience.
In conclusion, the theme of opportunity seems to be prevalent as the Alabama Crimson Tide opens its spring slate. Despite some players recovering from injuries and Mitchell’s suspension, Saban emphasized that there are chances for players to compete for positions, especially at quarterback, where a new starter will take over.
Jalen Milroe was Bryce Young’s primary backup last season but played sparingly, starting one game when Young was injured. He finished with 297 yards passing and 263 yards rushing. Meanwhile, true freshman Ty Simpson, who was third on the depth chart, has made significant progress despite a lack of reps, according to Coach Nick Saban. Saban believes Simpson has a lot of potential to be a good player. Top-10 prospects Dylan Lonergan and Eli Holstein are also on the roster, but Saban noted that development at the quarterback position will be critical this year because he likes the players around them.
Alabama is set to start the season on September 2 at home against Middle Tennessee. They will then host Texas the following week.
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