Six on the clock for Saturday’s scrimmage
Outlining six members of the Alabama Crimson Tide of particular interest for Saturday’s scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
3 CB Terrion Arnold
Why he’s on the list: After an up-and-down season as a part-time starter, the sophomore has gone wire-to-wire with the first group during the offseason. There is more than the starting job opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry in play for Arnold. The star spot remains a possibility for Arnold, too. Meanwhile, the presence of Louisiana transfer Trey Amos could have a ripple effect on the secondary. If Amos and Arnold are two of UA’s best five or six defensive backs, both will be on the field in the nickel and dime packages. In other words, the Crimson Tide looks to be in much better shape at corner than it was a year ago at this time.
71 IOL Darrian Dalcourt
Why he’s on the list: Heading into the first of two fall camp scrimmages, the emergence of Terrence Ferguson at left guard has Dalcourt in the role of underdog. The good news for the fifth-year senior is that head coach Nick Saban likely had Dalcourt in mind Wednesday, when Saban said, “I think we have six or seven guys who may be starters.” The bad news for Dalcourt is that three or four of those guys are probably interior offensive linemen. Even if Ferguson wins out opposite Tyler Booker, a veteran who can swing between center and guard offers a lot of value. That’s Dalcourt.
17 ILB Trezmen Marshall
Why he’s on the list: Since joining the program in January, the Georgia transfer has been in the mix for a top three spot in the rotation. With Deontae Lawson all but a certainty to start at one of the two spots, Marshall, Jihaad Campbell, Shawn Murphy, Kendrick Blackshire and Justin Jefferson are battling for roles of their own. Marshall doesn’t flash like some of his competitors, but he doesn’t bust assignments, either. As a fourth-year player in the SEC, he also brings needed physicality to the position and can handle signal caller duties.
4 QB Jalen Milroe
Why he’s on the list: While Saban seems intent on carrying the competition into the regular season, the quarterback with the most time in the program is likely feeling the most urgency. If we haven’t already reached if-not-now-then-when? territory where Milroe’s candidacy is concerned, it wouldn’t be a reach to think it’s just a few exits up the road. The trick for Milroe entails not succumbing to the kind of anxiety that that doesn’t serve his position well. Ball security (as a passer and runner); running the operation smoothly; and distributing to surrounding cast members accurately on a consistent basis. Those are the ongoing objectives for Milroe and primary competitors Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner. Seeing as how it marks the ninth practice of fall camp, something resembling a pecking order based on performance to date should be a byproduct of Saturday’s scrimmage.
57 OT Elijah Pritchett
Why he’s on the list: The tackle spot opposite JC Latham is similar to the quarterback race in that Saban is waiting for someone to take the starting role and run with it. While that hasn’t happened to this point, Pritchett has done enough to remain very much in the mix for the job. Giving as good as he gets in battles with outside linebackers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell would go a long way in garnering confidence from his quarterbacks and coaches. Until that happens, true freshman Kadyn Proctor will be asked about. Alot.
8 DB DeVonta Smith
Why he’s on the list: In making a push for first-team status in the nickel and dime packages, Smith has been one of the top storylines of camp. With Malachi Moore working at the star position in the former, Smith has manned a safety spot. In the dime, Caleb Downs is in the mix at money, leaving open the possibility of Smith seeing the field in the latter. Still some moving pieces to consider in those roles, though, including a scenario that would have Amos working at the corner opposite McKinstry in the nickel and dime and Arnold sliding to star. That combination would free up Moore to work alongside Downs at safety in those looks (in addition to the base). Having repped at the sub package positions himself, Smith brings some versatility to the mix, too. What Smith controls goes back to himself. That means stacking one quality practice rep on top of the other and building trust.
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