Alabama shakes up offensive line for scrimmage

Crimson Tide has a different look for first fall scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama football team had a different look on the offensive line for its first fall scrimmage on Saturday.

With senior Matt Womack apparently not participating (he looked limited during drills), freshman Evan Neal was at left guard, with redshirt freshman Emil Ekiyor Jr. sliding over to right guard on the first unit.

BamaCentral reported that the players lined up in those spots during Friday’s practice observation period.

The second-team offense line had Deonte Brown at left guard, and Landon Dickerson, a graduate transfer from Florida State, on the right side.

Junior linebacker Dylan Moses was in uniform for the closed scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but wasn’t participating in drills.

With junior defensive end LaBryan Ray (ankle) and freshman nose tackle DJ Dale (undisclosed) both out, redshirt sophomore Phidarian Mathis and freshman Justin Eboigbe were lined up besides starter Raekwon Davis on the defensive line.

Redshirt junior Miller Forristall (foot) went through individual drills with the tight ends.

Among those out included defensive backs Nigel Knott and Brandon Turnage. Running back Trey Sanders (foot) was with the team, but on crutches. He reportedly will miss the season due to an injury suffered Thursday night.

Nick Saban will address reporters after the scrimmage. 

With storms possible later in the day, Tuscaloosa was under a heat advisory. The conditions were 86 degrees and sunny when players were stretching, but the heat index was already up to 95.