Alabama Practice Observations: Shakeup with the Crimson Tide’s offensive line stands out as fall camp continues
Alabama was back on the field on Sunday for its fourth practice of fall camp.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama returned to the field on Sunday morning for its fourth practice of fall camp. We have yet to see the Crimson Tide donning full pads in a practice, but for a second straight day, they were out there in shorts and shoulder pads.
Here are some of our observations for the day:
-The offensive line was once again split up into multiple groups, but the lineups were interesting. The first team consisted of Kadyn Proctor (LT), Kam Dewberry (LG), Parker Brailsford (C), Geno VanDeMark (RG) and Wilkin Formby (RT). Jaeden Roberts was out there, but he ran with the other group at RG with Jackson Lloyd (LT), Will Sanders (LG), Jo Ionata (C) and Olaus Alinen (RT) flanking him. Michael Carroll also got looks at RT with the second group while Alinen flipped over to LT with Lloyd watching.
-One thing to point out is that we’ve now seen Geno VanDeMark get first-team reps at all three interior spots. He was with the first-team at LG on Day 1, took over for Brailsford, who was participating in the summer commencement ceremony and didn’t practice on Saturday, at center and as of Sunday, he was running with the first team at RG. Meanwhile, I’ve only noticed Kam Dewberry at LG. Some might say that could be signaling Dewberry as the trending favorite, but I don’t necessarily think that’s the case (although, I do believe he’ll ultimately win that job). Remember, even if VanDeMark wins the competition at LG, he’ll be the one to slide over to C or RG in the event of an injury to Brailsford or Roberts with Dewberry replacing him at LG. So Geno needs as many reps as possible at all three spots.
-One player who’s seemingly flying under the radar is third-year Bandit Jordan Renaud. We talk about LT Overton a lot (and rightfully so), but the conversation then seems to immediately flip to Keon Keeley and Kelby Collins with little to no mention of Renaud. Look, this guy looks fantastic. Yes, it’s only individual drills, but 1) he’s a lot more technically sound nowadays and 2) he seems to be playing more under control. He’s likely to be Alabama’s second Bandit behind Overton, and I think he’s got a real shot at making a significant impact. Don’t forget about him.
-I cannot even begin to describe how much better Russaw looks out there. We’ve talked extensively about him changing his body some this offseason (going from 251 to 243 while looking leaner), and I think that development, along with being healthy, is going to help him take his game to the next level. If he can stay healthy, he can be one of the guys you move around and create matchups for. Compact and powerful build, but there’s more twitch this year. Watching him, you can just feel the breakout coming.
-Today was my first day getting to see the team in shoulder pads. I have to say, Kaleb Edwards looked a lot different once the pads came on. There’s some physicality to his game, but you can tell that he’s got some mismatch ability as a pass catcher. Marshall Pritchett continues to look the part too. I thought the additions of Brody Dalton and Jack Sammarco would all but end any chance of the two freshmen earning Year 1 playing time. And who knows, that could very well be the case, but I’m coming around on the idea of at least one of these guys earning some type of role in their debut seasons. We’ll see.
-Steve Mboumoua is clearly the new Keon Keeley. Last year, it was evident that the coaching staff was doing everything it could to help Keeley develop. They knew he had the ability to be a contributor at a major college program, and while we still haven’t officially seen all of that hard work translate to Saturdays, it’s clearly trending in that direction. Well, now we’re seeing the same with Mboumoua. A lot of time is being spent giving him extra attention. The staff clearly thinks he can contribute at some point, whether that be in 2025 or beyond. I’ve got a feeling that extra time is going to pay off in a major way down the road, similar to how I think it’s coming for Keeley.
-We continue to see Cayden Jones and QB Reese go every other day as far as being the fourth linebacker with the “veteran group” consisting of Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson and Nikhai Hill-Green. The other one goes with the three freshmen. Speaking of the off-ball linebackers, I’m curious to see what the reps look like this fall. I can see an argument for all of these guys being with the starters. So how will they divvy up the workload? Jefferson is one that I’ve been bullish on in the past, and while I do think it’s possible that he’s held to LB3 in that rotational role, I also think he could be one to surprise some people. His movement and acceleration are both excellent. Love watching him run around out there.
-One player who was noticeably absent on Sunday was freshman wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks. I wasn’t at Saturday’s practice, but from what BOL and others reported, the young pass-catcher was in a black, no-contact jersey while riding a stationary bike. He was also seen wearing a walking boot, so that is probably going to be something that comes up with Kalen DeBoer during his press conference that’s set for later on Sunday.
-For those who will obviously be curious, the QB order remained the same. Ty Simpson led the way with Austin Mack (second) and freshman Keelon Russell (third) both behind him.
