Five Players to Watch During Alabama’s A-Day

The Crimson Tide will wrap up its spring football practice on Saturday, April 12, with the annual A-Day. The final practice will look different this year compared to years past, with head coach Kalen DeBoer opting for a 90-minute open practice instead of the traditional final scrimmage.

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Despite the change, plenty will still be taken away from the Tide's practice on Saturday. While all eyes will be on the quarterback battle, there are other areas to watch as the Tide prepares for the 2025 college football season. Who are five players we will be keeping an eye on Saturday?

Freshman Wide Receiver Lotzeir Brooks

Brooks has generated significant buzz since arriving in Tuscaloosa as an early enrollee. The 5-foot-9, 188-pound wide receiver has made a name for himself making circus-style catches and will no doubt impress during the Tide's practice on Saturday. He flashes big-play ability with game-changing speed and sharp route running for a true freshman. While it is still early, it may be difficult for him to crack an already deep rotation at wide receiver as a freshman. However, he will certainly have the support of the Crimson Tide fanbase with a big showing on Saturday.

Sophomore Wide Receiver Jaylen Mbakwe

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound receiver flipped positions from defensive back this offseason after briefly entering the transfer portal. Since spring practice started, Mbakwe's name has not generated as much buzz as other newcomers in the wide receiver room, but make no mistake, he's a talented player who knows what to do with the football in his hands. As the starting quarterback for Clay-Chalkville's state championship-winning team, he's familiar with the offensive style of play. Mbakwe will have the opportunity to shine on offense on Saturday for the Tide.

Freshman Defensive Back Dijon Lee

Lee, a 6-foot-4, 197-pound defensive back, has been running with the first-team defense with Domani Jackson out during spring practice. His length is something Alabama can use in the defensive backfield, and the five-star prospect will be difficult to keep off the field during fall. With how much Alabama rotated at defensive back last season, Lee should see the field early and often this season.

Redshirt Senior Running Back Dre Washington

Washington, a 5-foot-9, 218-pound running back, transfers to Alabama as an apparent change-of-pace back. He showed explosive speed during his time at Louisiana and could be a vital part of the Tide's passing game or outside running scheme to run past defenders. A running back who is a capable pass catcher can make life much easier for a new quarterback, which Alabama will have this season. He is currently running behind Jam Miller and Daniel Hill in the rotation, but with as talented a room as Alabama has, running back by committee would not be a bad option if no one separates themself from the rest of the pack.

Redshirt Sophomore Right Tackle Wilkin Formby

Formby, a 6-foot-7, 322-pound offensive tackle, competed at right tackle last season, even starting two games for Alabama before shifting back to a reserve role for the Tide. With Elijah Pritchett's departure in the transfer portal, Formby has been the mainstay in the right tackle competition after using last season to develop more. Does Formby have a stranglehold on the right tackle competition? We'll get a glimpse of it on Saturday. Despite Formby being the de facto guy at right tackle, he will still need to go out and win the competition to hold off hungry talent behind him.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.