While they’ve been less talked about than the ever-present quarterback battle, Alabama football has other positions up for grabs during preseason camp. Tight end is one of those.

Last year’s starter and fourth-leading receiver, Cameron Latu is off to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, and the Crimson Tide need to find a replacement. During the offseason, Nick Saban and company brought in some veteran help in the form of Maryland transfer CJ Dippre.

After Thursday’s practice, the first of preseason camp, Saban praised how Dippre has fit in.

“The tight end group has made really good progress,” Saban said. “CJ has been a really good addition to that group. He’s got maturity. He’s got experience. He’s got size. He’s got good hands. He’s pretty good in the passing game. He’s a pretty decent blocker.”

Related: What Nick Saban said about Alabama’s quarterback battle to start preseason camp

Dippre, who stands six-foot-five and weighs in at a listed 257 pounds, racked up 314 yards and three touchdowns on 30 catches last season for Maryland. He’s joined by a cadre of returners, including Robbie Ouzts, who appeared in every game in 2022 for the Crimson Tide.

The group is in the hands of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who made good use of his tight ends during his time at Notre Dame. Rees coached Michael Mayer with the Fighting Irish, helping Mayer grow into the No. 35 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Saban said the entire group is doing well and singled out sophomore Amari Niblack, who appeared in 10 games, with one catch for a touchdown against ULM last season.

“Amari has really made a lot of improvement,” Saban said. ” He’s kind of a mismatch player a little bit in the passing game, which is a good thing. All the other guys are progressing nicely, as well. That group has come a long way, I think, over the spring and summer.”

Alabama will continue preseason camp practices through Aug. 26. The Crimson Tide open the season against Middle Tennessee State at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 2.