Alabama football approaches its second scrimmage of the spring Friday.
The Crimson Tide held its first on Thursday, March 27. Now, Alabama will take part in closed scrimmage No. 2 this week, about a week out from A-Day.
Plenty of questions still loom about the Crimson Tide in coach Kalen DeBoer’s second season leading the team. Here are some of the biggest questions heading into the second scrimmage, set to be held at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Does a drastic change occur in the QB competition?
So far, there’s been nothing to indicate there’s been massive shakeup in the pecking order at quarterback so far. Ty Simpson, the oldest and most experienced quarterback, still seems to be at the front of the line ahead of Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Simpson was voted a leader this spring by his teammates. Plus former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said on his podcast this week he’s heard that Simpson is “in firm control of the No. 1 job so far.”
Key emphasis on “so far.” There’s plenty of time, practices and scrimmages between now and the season opener against Florida State on Aug. 30. Simpson being the front runner still is no surprise considering he’s been around since 2022. But will he remain there? Or will another quarterback turn in an electric second scrimmage and start to narrow the gap?
Each scrimmage gives the coaching staff more data points in making their decision as for who will be the signal caller in 2025. Perhaps this one will further cement Simpson’s spot ahead of the pack. Or, maybe Austin Mack or Keelon Russell will shine.
What do the receivers do?
In what might be the most talented position group on the team, who separates? Who will get, and make the most of, prime opportunities outside of the presumed starters?
Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton figure to man the three starting spots. And their progress is worth monitoring. There’s palpable buzz around Horton, the Miami transfer. Will he continue to do things that draw high praise as the offseason progresses?
But outside of those three, who rises and makes the most compelling case for snaps? A cast of characters that includes Rico Scott, Jaylen Mbakwe, Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, Lotzeir Brooks and more features plenty of talented players with different skillsets. But who can rise above that group and remain the most consistent?
This group continues to be one to follow, not from a point of concern but a point of fascination with how much talent the coaching staff must sift through here.
Who takes advantages of opportunities at DB?
Starting cornerback Domani Jackson is out for the spring. Starting safety Keon Sabb is out of the spring, too. That leaves two big spots open for younger and other defensive backs to get more reps and opportunities.
At safety, that gives more opportunities to someone such as Zay Mincey alongside Bray Hubbard. The duo started the ReliaQuest Bowl together on the backend of the defense.
At cornerback, Utah transfer Cam Calhoun and freshman Dijon Lee Jr. both have more chances to get snaps alongside Zabien Brown.
There’s also a trickle down effect of starters being out, allowing for even more reps for all defensive backs.
Who makes the most of them in the second scrimmage? That remains to be seen.
