What Alabama, Nick Saban learned from the Tide’s 2nd fall scrimmage
Another Saturday afternoon and another fall scrimmage for Alabama football.
The Crimson Tide played its second and last warmup ahead of the 2023 fall season in Bryant-Denny Stadium, two weeks before it hosts Middle Tennessee State. The practice was closed to the public and reporters, but the Bama Red Elephant Club was welcomed.
Nick Saban met with the media at approximately 3:05 p.m. CST to break down what he saw from the quarterbacks, freshmen and more. Here’s what Saban took away from the practice.
–The goal of camp is to get as many players as possible to a level of “winning football,” Saban said. He thinks Alabama has significantly improved in that area across camp, which has been aided by the August heat pushing players.
–”What do you think of yourself? Have a conversation with yourself about what you’re doing,” Saban said. “… You need to give effort, you need to finish every play.”
–”I think that everybody wants to have fun, but I don’t know what’s more fun than winning,” Saban said, referencing the cost of winning displayed in The Last Dance documentary on the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.
–Saban did not mention the play of the quarterbacks in his opening statement.
–UA’s receivers have had “less drops,” Saban said. That group has improved confidence and is playing with consistency throughout camp.
–Freshman Dylan Lonergan, who’s been reportedly shining in camp, has “done a nice job so far.” The Georgia four-star needs “more experience.”
–Saban played coy when asked about all the quarterbacks, saying they each completed passes while flashing a brief smile.
–Tyler Booker has reverted to left guard, a position he played last year, and that’s allowed some pressure to be taken off Alabama’s left tackle.
–”I’m never satisfied with the play of the defense,” Saban said, highlighting defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis and JuCo linebacker Justin Jefferson.
–Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and Jamarion Miller each are adequate in pass blocking, Saban said when asked which running back was the best as a blocker.
–Justice Haynes has been out for a “few days” with a quad contusion, per Saban.
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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].