In the Huddle with Hannon: Biggest Takeaways from Alabama Football's Open Practice

Terrion Arnold, Ty Simpson and the running backs were the winners in the Crimson Tide's lone open practice of fall camp.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — For the first time in a while, media members were allowed two hours of practice viewing in fall camp.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is exactly four weeks away from its season-opening game against Middle Tennessee State at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Until then, it's a full month of hot days in the sun with position battles at center stage.

What did we learn on a blistering afternoon in Tuscaloosa? A lot.

Ty Simpson Looks Like QB No. 1

I couldn't not start with the quarterback battle. Like I've said many times, it is likely that Jalen Milroe will be the first quarterback on the field on Sept. 2 — but that doesn't mean he's the right guy for the job.

Don't get me wrong, the athleticism is absolutely there. Once again on Saturday, Milroe showed his ability to get out of the pocket and make things happen with his legs. But he is still way too inconsistent as a passer. Early on in practice, Milroe threw a ball that died five yards in front of his intended receiver on a flag route. More often than not, he elected to dump the ball off in the flat rather than going downfield with it. Now — that might be what he was told to do. I was merely a set of eyes in the press box looking on from far away. But I still don't think he has the passing ability to be the starting quarterback in 2023-24.

Ty Simpson wasn't perfect. He elected to throw the ball into a few tight spaces, including one for an interception — but his overall performance was far superior to Milroe's. For example, right after that interception, Simpson delivered a perfect pass to Isaiah Bond for a touchdown. That kind of bounce back is exactly what Alabama needs this season. To put a cherry on it, Simpson busted a run for a touchdown as well, fooling the defense into thinking he was handing the ball off — he jokingly taunted defensive backs on his way to the end zone, too.

I'm still not sure about Tyler Buchner. He made some throws, he missed some throws. But more importantly, he's so new to the team. I think it will be hard for him to win the job joining the team so late unless he seriously impresses coaches over the next few weeks and into the first game.

The Running Back Room May Be Special

I'm nearly ready to say it — this could be the deepest group of running backs Nick Saban has ever had at Alabama.

He hasn't been shy about it. Saban has told reporters on several occasions that barring any serious injuries, the unit is one of the best on the team. Jase McClellan looks even faster than he was on that 81-yard touchdown run against Texas. Roydell Williams is finally healthy — and looks poised for a bigger role in 2023-24. And there's this kid named Justice Haynes. There have only been a few running backs during Saban's tenure that have had impactful playing time as underclassmen — Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry and Najee Harris. That's good company. Haynes is going to play this season — and maybe a lot.

Terrion Arnold Says "Not So Fast"

A lot has been said this spring and summer about the Crimson Tide's secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry is obviously the top cornerback on the depth chart — but it's been about who's next and who's going to play where. With the recent additions, many thought Arnold's spot in the lineup was potentially going to be someone else's.

Not if he plays like he did on Saturday.

Arnold was all over the field. He made a couple of big hits in the backfield, broke up potential touchdown passes and held his own with Alabama's electric wide receivers all day long. If the open practice was any indication, Arnold will absolutely be opposite McKinstry this season at cornerback.

The Offensive Line is Massive

Time will tell if the Crimson Tide's offensive line is as strong and dominant as it looks on paper, but there's one thing you will never be able to say about it — "undersized."

There's a world where Alabama can put JC Latham (6-foot-6, 335 LBS), Tyler Booker (6-foot-5, 335 LBS), Kadyn Proctor (6-foot-7, 354 LBS), Elijah Pritchett (6-foot-6, 312 LBS) and Seth McLaughlin (6-foot-4, 301 LBS) on the line together.

That's one scary world.

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