Staff Predictions for the 2017 A-Day Game
The Alabama football team will wrap up spring camp this Saturday with the annual A-Day. It's hard to believe that 10 years ago Nick Saban ushered in a new era of Crimson Tide football by setting an attendance record at his first spring game.
Now preparing for his 11th A-Day, Saban entered this spring in an unfamiliar position: national runner-up. His team suffered a final-second loss to Clemson in the national championship game three months ago, which was Alabama's first in five title games. Now there's added motivation in Tuscaloosa to rebound from that 14-1 season and make another trip to the College Football Playoff.
Saturday's game will give fans their first look at this year's team, and it should be another intriguing A-Day. We asked the staff to make a few predictions for us on who would win MVP, which player would have a breakout performance, and which true freshman will turn heads.
Martin Houston, Host of The Morning Blitz
A-Day MVP: JK Scott (seriously Joshua Jacobs)
Breakout performer: Offense-Robert Foster, Defense-Trevon Diggs
Top freshman: Tua Tagovailoa & Brian Robinson
Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
A-Day MVP: Calvin Ridley
Breakout performer: Rashaan Evans
Top freshman: Brian Robinson
Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
A-Day MVP: Da'Shawn Hand
Breakout performer: Christian Miller
Top freshman: Tua Tagovailoa
Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports
For the second time in 14 spring games, the two teams will combine for more than 40 points. Here's thinking the second-team offense will get a few more behind Tua Tagovailoa and Najee Harris.
A-Day MVP: Najee Harris
Breakout performer: T.J. Simmons
Top freshman: Najee Harris
Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach
A-Day MVP: Jalen Hurts
Breakout performer: Tua Tagovailoa
Top freshman: Najee Harris
Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game
I understand why people do not enjoy A-Day games, but any time I can go inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and watch some football, I consider it an excellent day. I'm excited to see some of the new players showcase their talent. Alabama’s first defense (White Team) will win the game by a couple of touchdowns.
A-Day MVP: Rashaan Evans
Breakout performer: Brian Robinson
Top freshman: Tua Tagovailoa
Ben George, Digital Managing Editor
A-Day MVP: Calvin Ridley
Breakout performer: Jerry Jeudy
Top freshman: Najee Harris
James Hardy, Producer
A-Day MVP: Robert Foster
Breakout performer: Da'Shawn Hand
Top freshman: Brian Robinson
Thomas Paradiso, Producer
A-Day MVP: Minkah Fitzpatrick
Breakout performer: Jerry Jeudy
Top freshman: Najee Harris