Alabama Football Rose Bowl Practice Report: Dec. 28

Notes and observations from the Crimson Tide's practice in southern California.

CARSON, Calif. — Alabama football was back on the practice fields at Dignity Health Sports Park Thursday afternoon in full pads for its 10th Rose Bowl practice. 

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon in Carson, California as the team continued preparations to face No. 1 Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal. 

Crimson Tide starting quarterback Jalen Milroe said on Wednesday that the team's energy at practice has been good since the first practice when the team got off the plan Tuesday afternoon.

"Honestly I’m pleased with how well we practiced yesterday," Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe said about the team's first practice in California. "We hopped off the plane and got straight to work. No complaining at all. We got in the locker room, changed over and practiced well. So, I’m pleased with the guys."

The media got a 15-minute viewing period of in-season practice for the first time since Alabama's bowl practices last season at the Sugar Bowl. Here are some notes and observations from the viewing period. 

Practice notes:

• USC transfer defensive back Domani Jackson, who is a portal target for Alabama, was in attendance at practice.

• Earlier on Thursday, Alabama running back Jase McClellan said he was close to 100 percent after missing the SEC title game with a foot injury. McClellan was leading the running back group through drills and seemed to be moving without issue. He was not wearing a no-contact jersey. 

• Early enrollee Julian Sayin was at practice running drills with the quarterbacks. Sayin was wearing No. 7 and was fifth behind Milroe, Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan and Eli Holstein. Tyler Buchner, who is transferring back to Notre Dame to play lacrosse, was on the practice field with the quarterbacks, but was not really participating in the drills during the limited media viewing period. 

• As previously reported, offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett was practicing with the team following his arrest last week. 

• Energy was high at practice, and as always, Nick Saban was working closely with the defensive backs and was getting pretty animated with the group. 

• New Alabama assistant coach and former Michigan assistant George Helow was in attendance at practice. 

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