Alabama football players’ comments regarding the final spring scrimmage

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the echoes of shoulder pads colliding faded inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama’s annual A-Day spring scrimmage wrapped up with plenty to analyze—and plenty for players to say.

With the Crimson Tide entering a new era under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Saturday’s scrimmage wasn’t just a display of talent but also a glimpse into the emerging identity of Alabama football post-Nick Saban. The Crimson team (first-team defense and second-team offense) faced off against the White team (first-team offense and second-team defense), and while the scoreboard read White 27, Crimson 24, the comments from the players told a more compelling story.

From position battles to rising stars and a renewed sense of leadership, Alabama’s roster left the field with more than just bruises—they left with clarity, hunger, and belief. Here’s what some of the key players had to say following the final spring scrimmage.

Jalen Milroe: “We’re Just Getting Started”

Returning starting quarterback Jalen Milroe took the field with composure and command, leading the White team with two touchdown drives and no turnovers. When asked about his progression, Milroe didn’t hold back.

“It’s been a grind this spring,” Milroe said. “Coach DeBoer has challenged us to not just rely on talent but to sharpen our execution. I feel like I’m seeing the field better, I’m more patient in the pocket, and I’m trusting the guys around me more than ever.”

Milroe connected well with his receivers, most notably sophomore Kendrick Law, and showed improved footwork and timing—elements that were inconsistent last fall.

“It’s about taking the next step,” Milroe continued. “This is Alabama. Good isn’t good enough. We want to be elite.”

Caleb Downs: “We Set the Tone”

Star safety Caleb Downs, who opted to stay in Tuscaloosa after some offseason buzz about a potential transfer, was the most vocal player on the Crimson team. The second-year defensive back led the secondary with seven tackles and a pass breakup.

“I think the defense did what we needed to do,” Downs said. “It’s all about tone-setting. We wanted to make sure this new staff knows that defense is still our identity. No matter who’s calling the plays, that doesn’t change.”

Downs also praised fellow defensive back Devonta Smith (no relation to the former Bama star) for an interception in the second quarter.

“We’ve got depth. Guys are hungry,” he added. “You saw it today.”

Justice Haynes: “I Want to Be That Guy”

Sophomore running back Justice Haynes left a lasting impression with two touchdowns and several bruising runs between the tackles. He finished with 91 yards on 13 carries and reminded fans why he was one of the most talked-about freshmen a year ago.

“I came into spring with a mindset—to separate,” Haynes said. “We have a lot of talented backs in the room, but I want to be that guy.”

Haynes showed off his improved vision and pass protection, two areas he’s worked on with running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider.

“Coach Seider’s big on the little things. Blitz pickup, footwork, how we finish every run. That’s made all the difference.”

Kobe Prentice: “Chemistry Is Everything”

Wide receiver Kobe Prentice found the end zone on a slick 42-yard post route from Milroe and emphasized the importance of developing trust with the quarterbacks.

“We’ve been working all offseason on timing and trust,” Prentice said. “It’s about chemistry. Jalen and I have this unspoken thing now—he knows where I’ll be, and I know when the ball is coming.”

Prentice’s route running looked sharp, and he seemed to have built on the flashes he showed as a freshman.

“This receiver room is dangerous. We’re not just speed guys anymore—we’re complete receivers,” he added.

LT Overton: “This Defense Can Be Special”

Transfer defensive lineman LT Overton, who arrived from Texas A&M during the offseason, made his presence known with a sack and several quarterback hurries. He expressed excitement about his role in Kevin Steele’s new-look defensive front.

“Coach Steele has brought in some fresh concepts, but more than that, he’s challenging us mentally,” Overton said. “This defense can be special—no doubt.”

He also praised the leadership of veterans like Tim Keenan and Dallas Turner.

“When you’ve got leaders who hold you accountable on and off the field, you grow fast.”

Ty Simpson: “I’m Going to Keep Pushing”

Backup quarterback Ty Simpson, who played most of the game for the Crimson team, had a strong showing, going 13-of-20 for 178 yards and a touchdown.

“I just want to keep competing,” Simpson said. “Jalen’s the guy, but I’m going to keep pushing. Iron sharpens iron.”

Simpson also revealed how the new offensive system has helped him refine his mechanics.

“Coach Grubb’s offense is complex, but it gives us freedom too. I feel like I’m growing every day.”

Kadyn Proctor: “We’ve Got Something to Prove”

Sophomore left tackle Kadyn Proctor, now a full-time starter, emphasized that the offensive line is taking things personally after last year’s inconsistencies.

“We hear everything. People questioned us last year, and rightfully so. But that ain’t flying this season,” Proctor said. “We’ve got something to prove.”

Proctor played with improved leverage and footwork, helping keep Milroe upright against a feisty pass rush.

“We’re more physical, more in sync, and more disciplined. It starts up front.”

Malik Benson: “This Is Just the Beginning”

Junior college transfer Malik Benson, who finally seems to be living up to the hype, caught three passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. His speed was a problem for the secondary all day.

“Last year I was adjusting—this year I’m attacking,” Benson said. “I feel like I’ve finally settled in, and this is just the beginning.”

Benson figures to be a major vertical threat in the fall.

“Coach DeBoer wants us to stretch the field, and that’s what I do best.”

Tim Keenan III: “We’re Holding the Standard”

Senior defensive tackle Tim Keenan, one of the most respected voices on the team, gave an impassioned postgame interview about leadership and accountability.

“We didn’t meet expectations last season. That’s just the truth,” Keenan said. “But this spring has been different. Guys are stepping up. Nobody’s coasting.”

Keenan praised the freshman class and said the culture shift under DeBoer has been “refreshing.”

“We’re still holding the standard, just in a new way.”

Coach DeBoer on the Player Mindset

While not a player himself, Coach DeBoer was quick to shine the spotlight on the team’s mental growth over the past month.

“What I saw out there today was hunger,” DeBoer said. “These guys have bought in, and that’s a credit to the leadership in the locker room. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

Final Takeaways

The A-Day spring scrimmage rarely provides all the answers, but the voices of the players give a glimpse into the heart of the program. From Milroe’s confident tone to Haynes’ determination and Downs’ defensive swagger, Alabama’s roster isn’t just focused on surviving the transition from Saban to DeBoer—they’re embracing it.

Whether it’s the offense finding its rhythm or the defense setting its tone, one thing is clear: the 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide is a team with something to prove. And judging by the way the players spoke after the final spring scrimmage, they wouldn’t want it any other way.