Alabama Practice Observations: Lotzeir Brooks brings that “it” factor at wide receiver
Alabama returned to the practice field on Thursday in preparation for the season opener against Florida State.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama returned to the field on Thursday for its second practice of fall camp. It was yet another hot day in Tuscaloosa, but the Crimson Tide got good work in as they prepare for the season opener against Florida State.
Below are some of our observations from Thursday’s practice:
-The first team offensive line looked a little different on Thursday. After Geno VanDeMark worked with the starting group at left guard on Wednesday, Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry was lining up there for the second practice along with Kadyn Proctor (LT), Parker Brailsford (C), Jaeden Roberts (RG) and Wilkin Formby (RT). The battle to replace Tyler Booker continues. The second team consisted of Jackson Lloyd (LT), Olaus Alinen (LG), VanDeMark (C), Will Sanders (RG) and Michael Carroll (RT). Third team: Casey Poe (LT), Micah DeBose (LG), Jo Ionata (C), Mal Waldrep (RG) and Arkel Anugwom (RT).
-The quarterback order remained the same from Wednesday, as Ty Simpson led the way with Austin Mack (second) and Keelon Russell (third) working behind him. All three players looked sharp throwing against air.
-So Alabama has been dividing each position into at least two groups, typically consisting of the upperclassmen in one and younger players, mostly freshmen and walk-ons, in another. On Wednesday, the linebackers were separated into two sets of four. The first included Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, Nikhai Hill-Green and Cayden Jones. The other consisted of QB Reese, Luke Metz, Abduall Sanders and Duke Johnson. But on Thursday, Reese and Jones had switched. To me, that signals that the battle for LB4 behind the three veterans continues.
-Alabama’s interior defensive linemen were hitting the one-man sled while I was watching. In that drill, you’ve got to show hip explosion, extension and patience getting the sled into the air before throwing it to one side or the other. This drill caused a few guys to struggle, including JUCO product Steve Mboumoua and even veteran James Smith (he got it right quickly though). I thought Jeremiah Beaman and Edric Hill both had strong showings during the drill. Beaman displayed a ton of power and Hill was exploding into it with great pop. I continue to be high on those two guys as key rotational pieces along the defensive line.
-Another guy who looked good in that drill was Florida transfer Kelby Collins. It was interesting to see him there though, as all of the other Bandit candidates were separated and doing their own thing. I don’t recall if Collins was working with the interior guys yesterday too or is he doing both? Either way, expect to see inside reps for the former top-100 recruit this upcoming season. He’s now playing at 275, but he’s got some power, which was evident on Thursday. As I’ve mentioned before, he could be that fifth interior option for Alabama along with Tim Keenan III, Smith, Beaman and Hill.
-Three-star freshman London Simmons looked surprisingly good for a guy who wasn’t able to enroll early and go through the spring. Good size and mass to go with a solid anchor. He did pretty well on those sled drills. Definitely looks like a nose to me while Isaia Faga is still built more like a 3-tech defensive tackle. Alabama could really use these guys to come on and provide some depth in case there are any injuries along the defensive line.
-Utah transfer Cam Calhoun was at Husky on Thursday after being on the perimeter during Wednesday’s practice. This is an interesting development. Calhoun has the tenacity and physicality to play in the slot, but I had wondered if his size (only 180 pounds) would prevent him from getting those opportunities after watching Red Morgan struggle there at a similar weight in 2024. Calhoun is more physically developed though, so maybe it shouldn’t be surprising. Either way, Calhoun will continue to provide depth at cornerback, but if he can also help at Husky (similar to DaShawn Jones last year) then that only helps. This could also clear the path for Dijon Lee to get more reps as Alabama’s CB3 behind Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown.
-There’s so much suddenness to Lotzeir Brooks’ game. The freshman’s ability to alter route speed to get in and out of his breaks makes him such a difficult pass-catcher to defend. Only so much you can take from guys running routes on air, but it’s clear that he’s got a second gear that’s going to take defensive backs by surprise, maybe even as early as this fall. Silky smooth mover.
*Stay tuned for more updates being added.
