News Article: Battles to watch as spring practice nears

[jdavis3]

what is the date on the spring game in april?

 

[Bodhisattva]

This article just reaffirms how incredible the talent is on the defensive front seven.

 

[Bama 13-0]

Jess, is it safe to assume that Hightower will be able to participate in Spring Drills? I haven't seen an update lately on his rehab. Will he be "full speed" for Spring?

 

[buzzincuzzin]

This article just reaffirms how incredible the talent is on the defensive front seven.

It's the #2 OL I'm the most excited about. The depth has been iffy at best lately.

 

[13&counting]

Jess, is it safe to assume that Hightower will be able to participate in Spring Drills? I haven't seen an update lately on his rehab. Will he be "full speed" for Spring?

He will not be full speed for Spring

 

[JessN]

Jess, is it safe to assume that Hightower will be able to participate in Spring Drills? I haven't seen an update lately on his rehab. Will he be "full speed" for Spring?

I don't know how much work he'll get at this point. He's ahead of schedule in his rehab but he has very little to prove at this point. He is pretty much guaranteed a starting role in the fall, he already knows both Jack and MLB, and even if he wasn't able to participate in spring ball at all, he could get acclimated within a week's time once fall camp starts.

 

[CrimsonNeck]

Strongside linebacker
Out: Cory Reamer
In: Jerrell Harris, Jonathan Atchison, Chavis Williams, Alex Watkins, Tana Patrick
Favorite: Jerrell Harris
Darkhorse: Jonathan Atchison
Prediction: Jerrell Harris

Jess, I'm aware Petey Smith was a Grey-shirt this past year but won't he be eligible to participate in Spring drills? Do you have a feel for whether Petey will be able to complete for playing time this year? Special teams seems the logical place to begin contributing but the way the kid hit in all the films I've seen of him, he reminds me of a young Jesse Tuggle (Falcons I know, but a fine undersized MLB nonetheless...) What Smith lacks in height seems to be offset by his nose for the ball & his on-field mean streak. Do you see him competing for playing time this year or next at one of the LB slots? Do you think he has the physical attributes to play SLB or possibly even MLB for us at some point down the road? Thanks
:BigA:

 

[Bamaglory]

Jess, as far as punter goes, there are two other outstanding walkons, Sam Buckingham, and Cody Mandell, who turned down a scholly at Tulane that I think will give Williams a run for his money.

 

[tftplisa]

Less than a week til practice begins. I can't wait. Wednesday will be Bama's pro day as well so there should be some good football news this week. I'm anxious to hear early reports on DBs.

 

[JessN]

Jess, I'm aware Petey Smith was a Grey-shirt this past year but won't he be eligible to participate in Spring drills? Do you have a feel for whether Petey will be able to complete for playing time this year? Special teams seems the logical place to begin contributing but the way the kid hit in all the films I've seen of him, he reminds me of a young Jesse Tuggle (Falcons I know, but a fine undersized MLB nonetheless...) What Smith lacks in height seems to be offset by his nose for the ball & his on-field mean streak. Do you see him competing for playing time this year or next at one of the LB slots? Do you think he has the physical attributes to play SLB or possibly even MLB for us at some point down the road? Thanks
:BigA:

I see Smith more as an inside linebacker, or maybe the flex WLB/RILB position we have that Hightower was supposed to play last year. I don't think he'll be an outside backer but I could be wrong.

By the way, Jalston Fowler may be starting out at linebacker and not fullback.

 

[JessN]

Jess, as far as punter goes, there are two other outstanding walkons, Sam Buckingham, and Cody Mandell, who turned down a scholly at Tulane that I think will give Williams a run for his money.

Thanks for that information. Is Prevost also back?

 

[Let's Roll Tide]

What about the depth at Strong Safety? If Mark Barron stays there rather than moving to free safety, who will back him up?

 

[Nolan]

What about the depth at Strong Safety? If Mark Barron stays there rather than moving to free safety, who will back him up?

I think it would be Rod Woodson, Robert Lester, guys like that. A true frosh like Jarrick Williams could show up strong.

I've always wanted to see BJ Scott at safety - is he being moved around at DB or is it just corner?