Nuggets and notes from Alabama’s second scrimmage of fall camp

On Saturday, the Alabama football team hosted its second and final scrimmage of fall camp inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. With the season opener exactly two weeks away, we’re beginning to get a better idea of where things stand. Below, we are including a few live nuggets that we’re hearing from Saturday’s scrimmage.

Check it out.

Nuggets/notes

As expected, redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe was the one to take the first snap with the first-team offense. This one was a rollercoaster (in mostly a good way) for the quarterbacks though. Multiple sources were flooding my messages with praise for Ty Simpson, Tyler Buchner and Dylan Lonergan. And of course, Milroe apparently had some good moments, too. Let’s break down some of what we heard on Saturday regarding that position group.

A source early on in the scrimmage said “Ty has been the best so far,” but also mentioned that it was still early. From there, we started getting information on all of the quarterbacks and their performance. Buchner led a 95-yard touchdown drive that was capped off with a touchdown to Kobe Prentice. Lonergan responded with an 80-yard touchdown to Kendrick Law on a busted coverage. Even Eli Holstein got into the mix with a long run (40+ yards) followed by a touchdown to fellow freshman Jaren Hamilton.

I will say this is the most praise I’ve seen regarding Buchner. We knew the Notre Dame transfer would take some time getting acclimated after arriving in the summer, and it seems that he’s finally gotten comfortable in his new environment. We don’t know where exactly he stands in this competition, but anyone who has officially ruled him out as an option was probably premature. He apparently made several impressive throws on Saturday, some of which were dropped. This is something to keep an eye on.

Alabama fans will certainly be encouraged by the news regarding the quarterbacks, but that also means the defense — whether it be the first or second team — struggled to keep the passing game in check. Early on, the offense seemed to have the upperhand, but the defense battled back and had some great moments. There was constant pressure on the quarterbacks, especially as the scrimmage carried on. In summary, offense started strong, defense finished stronger.

The first-team pass-catchers included Jermaine Burton, Isaiah Bond and Malik Benson at wide receiver with sophomore Amari Niblack as the lone tight end. This is a significant development for a number of reasons. First off, Benson getting the nod over a veteran such as Ja’Corey Brooks is big. We haven’t heard much on the five-star JUCO signee up to this point, but he’s clearly in the mix for a significant role. There was once again a lot of rotation at receiver, which is to be expected at this point.

Drops continue to be a problem. Benson was a part of the first group, but he dropped what should’ve been an easy touchdown from Milroe after getting impressive separation. Niblack had a drop on what one source said was a “laser” from Lonergan. Brooks then dropped a Buchner throw that would’ve gone for a decent chunk of yardage. Even Robbie Ouzts, who typically has reliable hands, dropped a pass (not sure who the quarterback was on the throw though). Bond also dropped what would’ve been a touchdown later on in the scrimmage. Obviously, this is becoming a significant concern as Week 1 approaches.

The first-team offensive line (from left to right) consisted of Kadyn Proctor (LT), Tyler Booker (LG), Seth McLaughlin (C), Darrian Dalcourt (RG) and JC Latham (RT). We’ve noticed that Booker has been spending more time at left guard recently after spending most of the spring and fall camp on the right side. More than likely, this has to do with the play at left tackle and ensuring the two options (Proctor and Elijah Pritchett) have some extra help there. One source said pass protection was an issue at times, but another added that “the first-team OL is moving folks” in the run game.

Surprisingly, Roydell Williams got the first snap of the day at running back. We knew that he was going to be involved in the rotation, but many would’ve assumed that Jase McClellan would be the guy. I still believe that’s the most likely scenario, but a source did say that Williams was “running like a man possessed.” When watching him, there isn’t anything that stands out as a weakness. He’s a low, compact runner with servicable receiving chops and ample experience as a pass protector. He did fumble on Saturday with Kool-Aid McKinstry returning that turnover for a touchdown.

Second-year runner Jam Miller was also heavily involved early on and made his presence known as both a runner and pass-catcher. Despite being limited in the first scrimmage, the former top-100 recruit was able to rip off multiple impressive runs. Now, he’s apparently stacking quality scrimmage performances, which is a good sign for how involved in the offense he could be in 2023. We should note that Justice Haynes did not take part in the scrimmage due to a minor injury, and that gave way for more opportunities for others.

Jordan Renaud got signficant run with the first-team defense. In fact, the freshman was in the first group to begin the day alongside a front that included Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell and Justin Eboigbe. Seeing Renaud at 260+ pounds feels big for his chances at first-year playing time. As a 6-4, 245-pound high school senior, he had an impressive power profile, but he played more like a defensive lineman than a bendy, full-time edge. The Tyler (Tex.) native has tremendous upside as an inside-out option in Alabama’s defense. This is an encouraging development for a defensive line in need of more depth.

Trezmen Marshall and Jihaad Campbell saw the most time at the inside linebacker spot next to Deontae Lawson, but it was Marshall who got the first snap. Nick Saban has praised Campbell on multiple occasions since fall camp got underway, but it doesn’t look like a starting job has been locked down. Marshall brings experience and physicality while Campbell brings length, athleticism and a more intriguing skillset overall. Marshall apparently made a couple of eye-opening plays in the scrimmage.

The other two transfer defenders worked a lot with Alabama’s first-team defense on Saturday. Jaylen Key (UAB) lined up alongside five-star freshman Caleb Downs at safety while Trey Amos (Louisiana) worked at the Money position as Alabama’s sixth defensive back. The starting cornerbacks were McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.

Other quick nuggets

K Will Reichard was perfect on the day, which included a 55-yard FG on the first drive.One source said P James Burnip is “way better than at any point I saw last season.”Buchner’s favorite target was Law. They were “on the same page for the entire scrimmage”.

*** Note: This article will continue to be updated as we talk to more sources.

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