What We Learned from Alabama Football's Final Scrimmage of Fall Camp

Analysis and observations from eyes inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Crimson Tide's Saturday scrimmage.

Austin Hannon | Aug 20, 2023

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Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Two more weeks.

That's all that's between the Alabama Crimson Tide and its 2023-24 season. There are plenty of questions that still need to be answered and position battles that need to be resolved. Eventually, there will be a depth chart — and a real game — to answer these questions. For now, we're at the mercy of head coach Nick Saban.

Well, sort of.

Here's what we here at BamaCentral are being told about the Crimson Tide's second and final scrimmage of fall camp.

Note: Media members were not allowed into the scrimmage. All the observations listed below are from individuals who were permitted inside.

Quarterbacks Beginning to Come Around

Without a doubt, the quarterback battle has been far and away the biggest story of the offseason for Alabama. And not necessarily for positive reasons. At this point, nobody between Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner has taken the job.

Saturday seemingly was a sign of progress and potential for the quarterback room.

Jalen Milroe continues to take the majority of first-team snaps. That obviously won't matter if he doesn't perform well on the field when it matters.

Ty Simpson played well on Saturday against the first-team defense. Dylan Lonergan surprisingly got some reps with the first team as well — and supposedly looked full of potential. Sources said he threw a long touchdown — with the ball traveling around 50 yards in the air. The problem with Lonergan is the lack of experience — he's probably not a threat to compete for the starting job, at least not yet.

"[Lonergan's] done really well," Saban said. "He's shows great ability, great potential. I think that the thing that he needs is experience. [...] That's how you learn and progress, so he's a talented guy and certainly a guy that we want to continue to try to develop but he's done a nice job so far in camp."

Tyler Buchner led a lengthy scoring drive — finishing with a touchdown to Kobe Prentice, who fumbled earlier in the scrimmage.

Roydell Williams RB No. 1?

Many assumed Williams would be second fiddle to fellow senior Jase McClellan — not so fast. Williams was lining up with the first team offense on Saturday. It may not be groundbreaking news, though, as numerous running backs are expected to contribute this season.

It still feels significant that Williams may be the leader in the room as we get close to the season.

Nick Saban Experimenting with Offensive Line

The Crimson Tide is still figuring out its offensive line for 2023-24. JC Latham, Tyler Booker and Seth McLaughlin are surely going to start — but it's about the other two spots, as well as figuring out where everyone will line up.

Tyler Booker was taking snaps at left guard on Saturday after spending most of the time on the right side with JC Latham throughout fall camp.

First-team offensive line on Saturday:

LT: Kadyn Proctor
LG: Tyler Booker
C: Seth McLaughlin
RG: Darrian Dalcourt
RT: JC Latham

Saban said it was a strategic move. He believes Latham can help the younger guys on the left side develop and progress.

"Basically, we moved some guys around to try and get a balance of experience a little bit more," Saban said. "[Booker] played left guard last year. He was playing right guard, but we moved him back to left guard. I think that’s helped the left tackles who are less experienced, somebody that’s got more experience, more confidence, can make calls, can help them with their communication. That doesn’t mean it’s the way it’s going to be, but that’s one thing that has helped, to some degree, on that side of the line."

Drops Remain Problem for Wide Receivers

Those in the building said that there were way too many dropped passes on Saturday. Wide receiver Malik Benson couldn't handle a touchdown pass from Milroe. Tight end Amari Niblack dropped a pass as well.

Saban was still upset about the drops, but wasn't all negative in his assessment of the group.

"I think our receivers have really improved," Saban said. "I think they played faster [today]. They're playing with more confidence. I think we've had less drops, but obviously the goal is you never want to have any drops. We're going to continue to work on that. But I think they've made improvement. I think we've made improvement in the passing game. I think we're more consistent in what we're doing and I think we're more confident. I think that's helpful for the quarterbacks as well as the confidence of the receivers."

First-team wide receivers on Saturday:

Jermaine Burton
Malik Benson
Isaiah Bond

Will Reichard is Automatic

Surprise, surprise. Not really. Will Reichard enters the season as one of the best kickers in the country as a fifth-year player for the Crimson Tide.

On Saturday, Reichard continued what supposedly has been a near-perfect fall camp for the specialist from Hoover. On Saturday, he reportedly nailed a kick from over 50 yards out.

Alabama fans can remain confident in the kicking game in 2023-24.

Other Notes

Niblack was first-team tight end
Terrence Ferguson II is fine — his absence from first team was experimental
Caleb Downs and Jaylen Key started at safety
Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall was opposite Deontae Lawson at interior linebacker
Punter James Burnip appears to be much improved this year