Kalen DeBoer Reflects on First Spring Scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - On Thursday, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer met with the media following the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage of the spring, offering insight into the team's progress as they continue to prepare for the upcoming spring practice showcase (A-Day) and the upcoming season. With a few weeks under their belts, DeBoer addressed some key takeaways from the scrimmage, areas of growth for himself as a coach, and the development of different position groups.

Scrimmage Takeaways:

DeBoer opened with remarks by evaluating the scrimmage as a whole, including some positivity about the team. He highlighted the team's energy and competitiveness.

"Got a really good scrimmage in today," said DeBoer in his opening statement. He continued, "Fifteen with the three's – gotta work backwards, right? – and 50 with one's and two's. So, got 115 plays in altogether. Hit the numbers we wanted as far as the goal there. It was really good back and forth. Specialists got some times that they got in the opportunities to get their kicks in. I thought both of them, especially [Conor] Talty, getting in there in some field goal opportunities; he made all his kicks, PATs. So, did a nice job there, which is an important part of the game. Something you kind of talk about offense and defense a lot, you forget about that part, and it's critical, especially in the big moments. So, just a lot of give and take. Some guys up front did a nice job getting in the backfield at times. I thought we were consistent in the run game offensively. We held out a few guys beyond the injuries that have been from the beginning. A couple of guys that got a few nicks, just giving more opportunity for some young guys to go out there and show us what they got."

Standout Players and Position Groups:

When asked about individual standouts, DeBoer pointed to several position groups who have made an impact during the spring so far.

"I think the group that is coming along and different than what we had last year was the receiving corps. And I know some of those guys are the same guys, but I think the depth of them, of that group is certainly evident. Today, they made more of those plays and were very consistent, I thought. I think the defensive backfield is something that is just completely different than what it was a year ago at this time. I know they got better throughout the season, so I don't want to say that they're drastically approving right now. They're definitely playing with a lot of confidence. And so that matchup, whether it's one-on-ones or seven-on-sevens that we do throughout the practices, and then today in the scrimmage, that matchup is really great to see. You see big plays being made on both sides. You see the competitiveness, and that "iron sharpens iron" pieces, making both sides of the ball better. So those skill areas, I think, are improving a lot from where we were at a year ago."

As he continues to settle into his role leading Alabama, DeBoer acknowledged that he is still learning how to best navigate the environment. He expressed a desire to grow in his relationships with players, and ensuring that his coaching style aligns with the program's expectations.

"I think a lot of it is just been, at a lot of times over your career, whether it's head coach or an assistant coach, Year 2 always just feels different, right? You know the guys. You understand now and have gone through experiences together. And they know where you're coming from when you come to them, good or bad, and you know what they've been through and what they're experiencing. So I think a lot of it's just the next step of the relationships leading to just the passion coming out of myself, our staff, and the expectations aren't changing. It's just that everyone is, and especially after a season like last year, got another level of hunger to make sure we get back to where we expect to be. And it's been a joy out there because the guys know where I come from and coach them up. I know where they got to get better. I've been articulating that; our staff articulates that to them, and we hold them to that expectation."

As spring practice continues, stay tuned to Tide 100.9 for more updates