Takeaways from Alabama’s third practice of preseason camp

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama hit the field on Saturday morning for its third practice of the preseason under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Reporters were permitted to watch 20 minutes of the workout on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields, and here are our takeaways.

– After wearing helmets and shorts the first two days, Alabama wore shells for the first time.

– Defensive lineman LT Overton was back at practice after not being seen during the media viewing periods on Wednesday or Thursday. The Texas A&M transfer didn’t appear to be limited and lined up as the Bandit with the second-team defensive front later in practice.

“He’s not feeling well right now, but I think we’ll have him back in a day or two,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack after Thursday’s practice.

– We got a good look at the defensive linemen and outside linebackers working together for a good chunk of the viewing portion of Saturday’s practice. Quandarrius Robinson was not there because of graduation and Jehiem Oatis didn’t participate in this drill, but below are the quartets we saw in drills with Freddie Roach, Christian Robinson and Jamey Mosley.

Keanu Koht, Tim Smith, Tim Keenan, Jah-Marien Latham
Qua Russaw, Damon Payne, James Smith, LT Overton
Yhonzae Pierre, Hunter Osborne, Edric Hill, Jordan Renaud
Jayshawn Ross, Jeremiah Beaman, Isaia Faga, Keon Keeley

– Robinson wasn’t the only player graduating on Saturday. Four other scholarship players were not on the field due to the morning commencement, which started at 9 a.m. The other guys included Justin Jefferson, Robbie Ouzts, Jaeden Roberts and DeVonta Smith. Graduation had ended by the time the media viewing period was over, so those five players could still make it for the second half of practice. If not, there is another one tomorrow.

– With Roberts graduating, Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark worked at right guard with the first-team offensive line. The rest of the first unit was the same with Elijah Pritchett at left tackle, Tyler Booker at left guard, Parker Brailsford at center and Wilkin Formby at right tackle. Kadyn Proctor continued to practice with the second unit and lined up to the left of Olaus Alinen. Roq Montgomery, Casey Poe and Naquil Betrand rounded out the twos.

– Another Alabama player elected to change jersey numbers early in fall camp. On Saturday, offensive tackle Miles McVay was spotted in No. 58. He had previously worn No. 54.

– Jefferson was walking across the stage at Coleman Coliseum, so we didn’t get a good look at him a couple of days after Wommack said he viewed the senior as a third starter along with Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell. That duo once again led Alabama’s inside ‘backers through individual drills. The next two ILBs up were Jeremiah Alexander and Justin Okoronkwo, who are two more players the defensive coordinator praised earlier this week.

– Wommack and Chuck Morrell worked hand in hand with the inside ‘backers while I watched drills. As noted in a previous practice report, the NCAA now allows analysts to coach during practice, and Alabama’s linebackers might be the biggest beneficiaries of this new rule, getting a chance to learn from two experienced coordinators on a daily basis.

*** What’s next: Alabama will return to the field on Sunday, Aug. 4, for preseason practice No. 4. After today’s practice session, Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and select offensive assistant coaches and offensive players will be available for interviews.

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