3 winners from Alabama's annual A-Day spring game as Kalen DeBoer kicks off new era for Crimson Tide football
Alabama football may never be the same without Nick Saban, but the Crimson Tide looked more than promising at the annual A-Day game as Kalen DeBoer kicked off a new era in Tuscaloosa. The offense defeated the defense 34-28 on the day, but both sides flashed real potential through the highly competitive contest.But who were […]
Alabama football may never be the same without Nick Saban, but the Crimson Tide looked more than promising at the annual A-Day game as Kalen DeBoer kicked off a new era in Tuscaloosa. The offense defeated the defense 34-28 on the day, but both sides flashed real potential through the highly competitive contest.
But who were the three biggest winners after it was all said and done? Let's dive in.
Crimson Tide Running Back Room is Stacked
Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young make quite the dominant trio coming out of the back field for the Crimson Tide. All three running backs scored at least one touchdown, and actually accounted for every single touchdown in the A-Day game.
Jam Miller looked the most impressive, winning the A-Day game MVP for his stellar performance. He was incredible in pass protection, consistent in all phases, scored two touchdowns, and gave Alabama the most explosive play of their offensive day with his big 50-yard run.
But Miller wasn't alone in his ground game dominance. Justice Haynes scored the first touchdown of the day, violently attacking defensive back DeVonta Smith at the goal line to punch it in. Haynes also took a couple receptions and added some physical yards after catch too, running strong and angry all day.
But speaking of angry runs, Richard Young would not be stopped when he had the ball in his hands. He broke at least a half dozen tackles on about as many carries. Young is still considered the clear third running back of the room, but he obviously doesn't want it to stay that way.
Alabama's running back room is more stacked than it's been in few years now.
Germie Bernard is a Star Wide Receiver
The question as to which Alabama wide receiver would be stepping up this year may be answered already. Yes, there are several talented wide receivers with pedigree on Alabama's roster. And yes, true freshman Ryan Williams who will be joining the team this summer may have more raw talent than anyone else. But that doesn't change the fact that Germie Bernard is a bona fide star wide receiver already.
He made a handful of impressive plays at the Alabama A-Day, and was the only consistent target for any of the quarterbacks on offense. Bernard's best play came on a 52-yard catch and run from Jalen Milroe early in the game.
There may have been a subtle last second push off, but it was a beautiful play by Bernard, adding over 30 yards after the catch. He also snagged a beautiful contested reception for about 40 yards before that too. Bernard looks like the truth for Alabama, and they're going to need him to step up in a big way this fall.
Alabama Linebackers Look Promising
Every Alabama fan knows that Deontae Lawson is the proven veteran leader of the Crimson Tide defense this year. He's heading into his third season of playing a critical role for the Alabama defense, so it wasn't a surprise that he found himself in the right place on many occasions during the A-Day game. That wasn't shocking at all. The linebacker depth around him was the pleasant surprise.
Jihaad Campbell sat out due to injury, so a handful of other linebacker options got their chance to step up and they did not disappoint. Justin Okoronkwo was always around the ball, racking up nearly a dozen total tackles, and Jeremiah Alexander grabbed a handful himself.
While the group did start off a bit slow against the run in the first half, Lawson's leadership and the defense as a whole took their game to another level later on, shutting the offense down. With Lawson at the helm, JihCampbell, Quandarrius Robinson, Keon Keeley, and now Justin Okoronkwo and Jeremiah Alexander stepping up too, the linebacker room looks like the deepest on the entire team.
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And if you want to check out the best A-Day highlights from Jalen Milroe, Jam Miller, Germie Bernard, and more you can do so in the video below!
