Observations from Alabama football’s 13th spring practice

Alabama football held its 13th spring practice on Tuesday, taking cover from the rain indoors. For the third time this spring, reporters were allowed to observe part of the practice, a level of access reinstated by new head coach Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban discontinued it.

The Crimson Tide only has two spring practices remaining after Tuesday. The first comes on Thursday, and Saturday is the annual A-Day spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here are some observations from Tuesday’s open practice periods.

– Due to rain in Tuscaloosa, Tuesday’s practice was inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

– Parker Brailsford continued to not be in attendance for Tuesday’s practice. According to DeBoer, Brailsford, a center who transferred in from Washington this offseason, is dealing with some personal issues.

According to DeBoer, speaking Saturday, Brailsford is still working with the Crimson Tide’s strength staff.

– Offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts was dressed out for practice in his normal white jersey. However, he did not seem to be participating in most drills.

Roberts was hurt during the team’s second scrimmage of the spring, but DeBoer said Saturday that he had escaped serious injury.

– Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was wearing a black jersey, signaling him as no-contact for the practice. Contact did not become a risk for Campbell during the observed periods, as he spent most of them riding an exercise bike.

When not on the bike, Campbell was walking with a limp.

– Offensive lineman Miles McVay joined Campbell on the bike. He was dressed in his regular white jersey, but was also limping as he walked.

– The observable periods were mostly individual drills. Quarterbacks mostly threw to receivers and tight ends without much in the way of defense. Wide receiver Kendrick Law made an impressive fingertip catch.

– Freshman defensive back Zay Mincey ran off the field a few minutes into the practice without his shoulder pads. Mincey looked to be holding his upper body.

– The practice music playlist included Outkast’s “So Fresh, So Clean,” and “Ms. Jackson,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize,” and “Big Poppa,” along with “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire.