A Glimpse into the Tide’s Future: Four Observations from Alabama’s A-Day Preview
The anticipation hung thick in the Tuscaloosa air as Crimson Tide faithful gathered for the annual A-Day scrimmage, offering the first public glimpse of the 2025 Alabama football team. While the traditional Crimson versus White game took on a slightly different format this year, morphing into a more controlled practice session spanning 19 periods, it still provided valuable insights into the team’s progress and potential under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. For the thousands who filled Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 12th, and the many more following from afar, several key storylines emerged, offering a tantalizing preview of what to expect from the Crimson Tide in the upcoming season.
Perhaps the most closely watched aspect of the day was the quarterback competition. With the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL draft, a three-man race has been brewing throughout spring practice between redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and true freshman Keelon Russell. While Coach DeBoer has consistently stated that no definitive separation has occurred, A-Day offered a tangible, albeit limited, look at the hierarchy. Throughout the practice, Simpson primarily worked with the first-team offense, Mack with the second unit, and Russell leading the third team. This alignment, while perhaps influenced by Russell’s relative inexperience, provided a visual representation of the current pecking order.
Simpson, the presumed frontrunner, showcased his arm talent and decision-making, appearing comfortable leading the offense. Mack demonstrated accuracy in various passing drills, connecting on a high percentage of his throws in non-defensive scenarios. However, it was the highly touted freshman Russell who arguably generated the most buzz. Despite throwing an interception on his very first attempt, the Gatorade National Player of the Year displayed remarkable composure and arm strength for the remainder of the practice. His consistency on deep throws and a couple of touchdown passes during a seven-on-seven red zone drill highlighted his immense potential and left fans eager to see his continued development. While Simpson appears to hold a slight edge based on experience, the performances of Mack and Russell suggest a competitive quarterback room that will continue to be a focal point heading into the fall.
Beyond the quarterback battle, A-Day provided a platform for returning players to showcase their growth and for new faces to make their initial impressions in front of the Crimson Tide faithful. With several key contributors from the 2024 squad now departed, opportunities abound for players to step into more prominent roles. One such player who seized the moment was sophomore wide receiver Rico Scott. Having seen limited playing time in his freshman season, Scott displayed impressive route-running ability and an uncanny knack for creating separation during the A-Day practice. With Ryan Williams sidelined due to injury, Scott received increased repetitions and demonstrated the potential to become a significant contributor in the receiving corps this fall.
On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore cornerback Zabien Brown, who earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2024, looked poised to solidify his role as a lockdown corner. He was rarely targeted during team drills, and when he was, he showcased his coverage skills, including an interception against Mack. Another sophomore defender who stood out was safety Red Morgan. With starting safety Keon Sabb still recovering from an injury, Morgan received valuable reps with the first-team defense and impressed with his tight coverage and multiple pass breakups. These performances from returning players offered a glimpse into the continued development within the program and suggested that the defense remains in capable hands despite the loss of key veterans.
The modified format of this year’s A-Day also allowed for a more detailed observation of specific position group drills and individual matchups. Fans were able to witness offensive and defensive line work, individual receiver-versus-defensive back drills, and various special teams exercises. This provided a deeper understanding of the coaching staff’s focus areas and the individual skill sets of the players. The emphasis on controlled drills and limited full-contact scrimmage likely reflected a desire to prioritize player health and prevent unnecessary injuries during the spring.
Furthermore, the A-Day experience extended beyond the on-field action. The day was filled with various fan engagement activities, including Champions Lane, featuring a live DJ, autograph sessions, and interactive displays. The traditional Walk of Champions, where the team enters the stadium, remained a highlight, allowing fans to connect with the players and coaches. While the attendance figures may have been lower than in previous years, likely due to the altered scrimmage format and the lack of television broadcast, the enthusiasm of the fans in attendance remained palpable. The opportunity to witness the team’s progression firsthand and to participate in the gameday traditions underscored the deep connection between the program and its passionate fanbase.
Looking ahead, the insights gleaned from A-Day provide a foundation for optimism among Crimson Tide supporters. The quarterback competition appears to be a genuine battle with intriguing potential at the top. Returning players are demonstrating growth and readiness to embrace larger roles, and new faces are flashing their talent and potential impact. While spring practice is just one phase of the offseason, the A-Day preview offered a compelling glimpse into the 2025 Alabama football team – a team that is undoubtedly undergoing transition but remains determined to uphold the program’s storied tradition of excellence. As the summer months approach and fall camp looms, the observations from this spring day will serve as a reminder of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the Crimson Tide.
