Happy Thursday, everyone. Alabama basketball is actively shopping in the Mercenary Mall, but there is no concrete news to report on that so we’ll pick at the carcass of spring football.
Greg McElroy echoes the recent sentiment expressed by many, that Ty Simpson is the clear leader at quarterback.
“Right now, based on my understanding of what’s going on in Tuscaloosa, is that Ty has had a solid camp, McElroy said. ”He is in firm control of the No. 1 job so far that the other two, between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, those are the ones that are kind of competing for that No. 2 spot right now.”
Simpson is the oldest of the group, having been with Alabama since 2022. Mack transferred from Washington ahead of the 2024 season. Russell, meanwhile, is a five-star freshman.
“Once we get into the summer, maybe that competition is extended,” McElroy said. “Maybe one of those guys makes a leap and makes this thing super competitive down the stretch. I don’t think we’re going to have an answer anytime soon.”
The best thing would be for Ty to have his Mac Jones year. We shall see.
Wilkin Formby and Jaeden Roberts are reportedly doing well on the right side of the line, though they have a weird little contest.
According to Formby, the two have built chemistry through the past few years.
“A lot of people don’t realize that we’ve been playing together for so long, because when I first got here, he was with the twos and we were playing a lot with each other during spring and during fall camp,” Formby said. “…It’s awesome playing next to J-Rob. We’ve got good chemistry and he just brings that energy.”
Roberts, long known as one of the strongest players for the Tide, dealt with injuries throughout the 2024 season, playing through most of the pain. He said Wednesday that the injures affected him, but he’s “100%” entering the year.
The senior from Houston said his biggest point of emphasis during spring practice was improving his hands.
“Me and J-Rob are in a competition of who sweats the most at this point,” Wilkin Formby told reporters on Wednesday.
Who is winning the competition?
“I got him beat,” Roberts said.
“He just naturally sweats that much, but every time you see us in the facility, we’re just pounding fluids,” Formby said.
How is a winner of the competition determined? The dieticians used to help judge, but the two Tide linemen have discovered a better method.
“When you lay on the floor to do abs, whoever has more of a stain on the ground,” Formby said.
That’s just disgusting.
Qua Russaw shared some notes about the defense.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Noah Carter, Russaw said, is consistently bringing his “fast get-off” and life to the defense.
“When we get going, he can go,” Russaw said. “Just him, he brings energy to the room, too. You’ll see him all the time just yelling and saying, ‘Let’s go,’ and stuff like that.”
Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Keon Keeley, Russaw said is taking it “step-by-step,” spending each day “working on his craft.”
“He’s gotten way better,” Russaw said. “He’s been working.”
Freshman Justin Hill, Russaw said, has “a lot more room to grow,” but is seeing progress, showcasing his explosiveness on a regular basis on the practice field.
Hill has been mentioned several times as a player who has flashed already.
Ryan Grubb is reportedly bringing a little Gump-pleasing intensity to the practice field.
Ryan Grubb has brought a different personality to Alabama football, especially compared to Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide’s new offensive coordinator has delivered a fiery presence to the practice field so far, as he works to reinvigorate the UA offense.
Alabama offensive guard Jaeden Roberts said he’s enjoyed working with Grubb, who took over as primary OC and playcaller after a year with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
“I love his intensity,” Robert said Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. “I love him as a coach. I mean, he’s just that guy to be out there, the guy that we need to push the offense and make us better.”
Last, if you need a freshman to really adopt and root for this year, Chuck McDonald might just be your man.
Chuck McDonald III, who had worked his way back to full strength after breaking his leg the fall before his freshman season at Mater Dei, initially questioned his want to play football after his mother’s death. But once McDonald returned to the field, he was “more ferocious than he was before,” his father said.
Chuck McDonald III had something, or someone, for whom to play.
“That was real low for everybody. It hurt a lot of people. (It) hurt me. It still does,” Chuck McDonald III said. “What really pushed me is knowing that she’s watching me from above, and I have to do it for her, and she would be proud, most definitely. My mom has pushed me a lot through that. She (has) been there for me through all of it, so she (pushed) me a lot through it.”
That mentality has not wavered since.
That kid has overcome quite a bit.
That’s about it for now. Have a great day.
Roll Tide.
