JUST IN: Alabama Today’s Football Spring Practice Insight – March , 2025

Updates, insights, and practice footage from Alabama’s second spring practice under Kalen DeBoer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Crimson Tide held their second spring practice session on Wednesday morning at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. The team worked in shorts and shells under overcast skies.

Media members were granted a brief viewing period, providing the first look at the 2025 squad in Kalen DeBoer’s second year as head coach. As anticipated following DeBoer’s Monday injury report, several players were either in black non-contact jerseys or not participating.

Practice Observations and Key Takeaways:

• Quarterback Battle in Focus: The biggest storyline this spring is the competition for the starting quarterback role. DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan were actively working with the quarterbacks during the media viewing period.
• Ty Simpson led drills, followed by Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. However, when the quarterbacks split into groups, Russell stayed with Simpson, while Mack joined a separate group. The windy conditions (18-20 mph gusts) impacted quarterback accuracy during the morning session.
• Offensive Line Rotation: Left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who is limited this spring, wore a black non-contact jersey but still participated in some drills. With Proctor not at full strength, Alabama rotated multiple players at left tackle, including redshirt sophomore Olaus Alinen and freshmen Jackson Lloyd and Michael Carroll.
• Injury and Player Updates: Linebacker Justin Jefferson wore a black jersey but was still involved in drills. Meanwhile, Jah-Marien Latham and Isaiah Horton were seen on stationary bikes during the viewing period. Former Alabama linebacker Que Robinson was also present, chatting with them.
• Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack’s Hands-On Approach: Wommack moved quickly across different position groups, starting with the linebackers before sprinting between the defensive backs and defensive line to observe drills.
• Limited View of WRs and QBs: The wide receivers and quarterbacks were positioned far from the media area, making it difficult to gather detailed observations.
• Tight End Update: Tight end Marshall Pritchett was spotted in a black jersey, though he was not listed in DeBoer’s previous injury report.
• Running Back Impressions: Freshman Daniel Hill looked comfortable behind Jam Miller, showcasing his athleticism. AK Dear also appeared to fit in well during drills.
• Defensive Standouts: Transfer defensive back Cam Calhoun made a strong first impression. Defensive line coach Freddie Roach was vocal during sled drills, demanding high intensity from his players. At one point, he shouted, “Hit the damn thing, Kelby!” at Florida transfer Kelby Collins. Roach also focused on Steve Mboumou and James Smith, with Smith wearing a black non-contact jersey. Mboumou’s connection with Roach was evident as he responded well to tough coaching.
• Special Visitor at Practice: Patrick Nix, head coach of Central High School in Phenix City and father of Bo Nix, attended Wednesday’s practice. Several of his former players, including Isaia Faga, Mal Waldrep Jr., and Red Morgan, are now part of the Alabama roster.
• Subdued Practice Music: Unlike last season’s buzz about loud music during practice, Wednesday’s session featured background music at a much lower volume.

Practice Footage

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