Post Spring Practice Report for March 5

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Alabama again took to the practice field for spring practice No. 2 as the Crimson Tide prepares for the 2025 college football season. Practice two was available for a short period for media viewing, giving us our first look at several newcomers to the Crimson Tide. What were the observations from the second day of spring football on the Thomas Drew practice fields?

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We got an up-close and personal look at Alabama's defensive line, led by returning senior Tim Keenan III. On Wednesday, Keenan participated in drills and helped some of the newer players in bag drills.

Alabama defensive line coach provided some personal coaching to new defensive lineman Steve Mboumoua. Based on what we heard at practice, one of the key areas to the drill is to keep the players' butt lower to the ground, emphasizing the "low man wins" philosophy in football. Another key is the push at the end, which Roach and Keenan both helped the newer players with.

The raw power from the massive defensive lineman is easy to see. Roach was providing tough coaching because he knows what Mboumoua is capable of. The sky is the limit for Mboumoua if he takes to heart what Roach and Keenan were telling him on Wednesday.

In addition to Mboumoua, Jordan Renaud (No. 11) looks like an absolute unit. The strength and conditioning staff has done a great job with him this offseason. Standing at 6-foot-4, 20 pounds, he pushed the bag back with authority and strength. I'm really excited to see how he progresses this season.

Alabama's running backs were available to watch during the media portion, led by Jam Miller and Ruchard Young. Alabama's running backs were working with bags on the ground, maneuvering their way around them before a coach would roll a waist-high ball towards the player, simulating a defender trying to tackle low. Some players simply pushed the ball out of the way, while other players swiped to push it behind them and get into the "open field."

The linebackers were close to the media area, providing a good look at some of the exciting freshmen in the room, including Luke Metz (No. 26) and Duke Johnson (No. 15).

The linebackers would race to the ends of the cones on the ground and then turn and locate the opposing linebacker before racing to the sideline. While Justin Jefferson was wearing a black non-contact jersey, he did participate in the drill leading the rest of the Alabama linebackers.

Metz has quick feet and made decisions without second-guessing himself on Wednesday. He may not be the biggest guy in the room (6-foot-3, 220 pounds), but decisiveness is something needed to play linebacker at a high level. He exploded out of his stance then did so again once he reached the top of the drill.

Cornerback may be one of the deepest position groups at the Capstone this season. Sophomore Zabien Brown led the way, but the show was quickly stolen by the athleticism of Utah transfer Cam Calhoun (No. 9) and the length of freshman Dijon Lee (No. 5).

Lee has all the size in the world to be successful in college. His arm length is to be marveled, and he towers above the rest of the Alabama defensive back room. He is the tallest listed cornerback at 6-foot-4.

Cam Calhoun's hand speed was noticeable on Wednesday, firing them wherever defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist told him. He looks every bit the part of a veteran cornerback with quick feet and quick hands.

Of course, what would spring football be if we did not talk quarterbacks and receivers? They were on the far side of the field, so it was a little more difficult to see their progression. Even still, Ty Simpson (15) and Keelon Russell (12) were spotted throwing to receivers, while Austin Mack (10) and Cade Carruth (16) were on the other end of the field throwing towards Simpson and Russell.

There is no denying that the ball jumps out of Russell's hands when he throws it. Several high-arching passes landed in a good spot for the receiver to make plays. Ty Simpson had impressive throws as well to Germie Bernard (5) and Rico Scott (11). While both players looked good in the limited viewing, don't think the Alabama quarterback race will just come down to those two, as Austin Mack (10) was putting the ball in the right place going the other direction.

Ryan Williams (2) made a signature acrobatic catch, skying up to catch the ball over the top of the "defender" on a pass from Simpson. Freshman Lotzier Brooks (17) made an impressive one-handed catch on a ball from Russell.

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_.