What Did Kalen DeBoer Say After Scrimmage One

Alabama Football has wrapped up its first scrimmage of Fall Camp. With 21 days to go until the Crimson Tide take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Alabama is preparing for its first season without Nick Saban since the Fall of 2006. This Alabama roster is more talented than 2006, and Crimson Tide fans have been spoiled with success from the football team. Despite the turnovers on staff and the roster, expectations are high for DeBoer's first season in Tuscaloosa.

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With scrimmage No. 1 in the books, Alabama ran around 102 plays for the first scrimmage. Head coach Kalen DeBoer mentioned that would be the most Alabama ran, and next week's scrimmage would not have as many plays.

81 plays from the first scrimmage were run by the "ones" and "twos", or the first and second-string players. We got a little insight into who was with the first-team offense, and some players we know are starters.

It's no secret by now who Alabama's starting quarterback is: Jalen Milroe will lead the Alabama Crimson Tide on their quest for national championship No. 19. Tyler Booker is the starting left guard. Based on last season's offensive line starters, so are Kadyn Proctor and Jaeden Roberts. It's the center position that is questionable, but with the return of Parker Brailsford from his spring absence, there has been no indication of anyone else starting. The battle right now along the line is between Wilkin Formby and Elijah Pritchett for right tackle.

Kalen DeBoer also mentioned the running backs. While it is assumed Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are the 1a and 1b in that room, somebody has to win the competition and start for Alabama this season. Kalen DeBoer mentioned that both players saw almost all the reps with the first-string offense on Saturday.

Last season at Washington, Kalen DeBoer's offense produced two 1,000-yard receivers, and the top three options were all drafted in the top 100 of the 2024 NFL draft. Safe to say, wide receivers will be heavily featured in this offense. DeBoer mentioned that the ball was spread around to multiple receivers on Saturday, and not one guy had "five to seven catches."

Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Spreading the wealth on offense can keep a defense guessing, and if there are multiple playmakers making plays in "have to have it" situations, Alabama will likely be in good hands. It may not be the return of the Rydeouts, but the talent in Alabama's wide receiver room is certainly there.

In 2023, Alabama ranked No. 65 in the country in penalties per game, averaging 5.8. It's been an area of concern for the Crimson Tide ever since the most recent national championship. How did the penalties look in Saturday's scrimmage?

"Did a really good job of it. Actually, when I think about it, very few," Kalen DeBoer said.

What's the biggest area of concern so far for Alabama? Staying healthy.

The Crimson Tide are projected to have six new starters on offense and six new starters on defense. The Tide's depth was hit hard by the transfer portal, with 24 'scholarship' players leaving Alabama via the portal in the Winter and Spring transfer windows. Alabama only added eight players in the portal. They also added 23 players with the recruiting class.

The depth is there, but it is inexperienced. If the injury bug bites Alabama, it could spell disaster for a promising season.

Want to watch the full press conference from Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer? Click here.

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_.