RBR: "Initial Impressions from the A-Day Game"

[Chechem]

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True freshman T.J. Yeldon largely stole the show yesterday afternoon, gaining 179 all-purpose yards as a runner and a receiver while adding a touchdown for the second-team offense, despite frequently playing behind a struggling offensive line. Now, before we crown Yeldon, it should be noted that he has some improvement to make in several different areas -- he needs to run with a lower pad level, improve in pass protection, and bulk up just a bit -- but even so his physical tools as a runner and his soft hands out of backfield as a receiver make it obvious that only an injury could cause him to redshirt, and if he can stay healthy he will receive a significant amount of meaningful playing time as a true freshman. As we wrote here on RBR at the beginning of spring practice, Yeldon just simply oozes star tailback based upon even a cursory glance, and frankly it is hard to overstate at this point just how big of a recruiting coup it was last December when 'Bama flipped the Daphne product away from Auburn.

Rising junior Jalston Fowler never really got going yesterday, picking up only 22 yards on eight carries, but no one should sell him short at this point. He had a very strong spring, received much of the work load in the two scrimmages, and was praised numerous times by Nick Saban. Pedestrian showing yesterday notwithstanding, Fowler figures to be a key cog this fall. Dee Hart, on the other hand, had his best showing of the spring yesterday, providing strong production nearly every time he touched the football as a runner, receiver, and returner. Many were very concerned about his future when he blew out a knee last summer, but by all accounts Hart appears to be recovering quite well with little, if any, negative impact on his overall athletic ability....

Thorough review of most positions/players.   

[Catch Prothro]

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True freshman T.J. Yeldon largely stole the show yesterday afternoon, gaining 179 all-purpose yards as a runner and a receiver while adding a touchdown for the second-team offense, despite frequently playing behind a struggling offensive line. Now, before we crown Yeldon, it should be noted that he has some improvement to make in several different areas -- he needs to run with a lower pad level, improve in pass protection, and bulk up just a bit -- but even so his physical tools as a runner and his soft hands out of backfield as a receiver make it obvious that only an injury could cause him to redshirt, and if he can stay healthy he will receive a significant amount of meaningful playing time as a true freshman. As we wrote here on RBR at the beginning of spring practice, Yeldon just simply oozes star tailback based upon even a cursory glance, and frankly it is hard to overstate at this point just how big of a recruiting coup it was last December when 'Bama flipped the Daphne product away from Auburn.

Rising junior Jalston Fowler never really got going yesterday, picking up only 22 yards on eight carries, but no one should sell him short at this point. He had a very strong spring, received much of the work load in the two scrimmages, and was praised numerous times by Nick Saban. Pedestrian showing yesterday notwithstanding, Fowler figures to be a key cog this fall. Dee Hart, on the other hand, had his best showing of the spring yesterday, providing strong production nearly every time he touched the football as a runner, receiver, and returner. Many were very concerned about his future when he blew out a knee last summer, but by all accounts Hart appears to be recovering quite well with little, if any, negative impact on his overall athletic ability....

Thorough review of most positions/players.   

I think we see a different Yeldon after he participates in the conditioning program.  Add some bulk and that guy is going to be special.

[McBaman]

I was unable to see the game so this write-up is most helpful.  Thanks.

[Catch Prothro]

I was unable to see the game so this write-up is most helpful.  Thanks.

You can watch a replay online at ESPN3.

[ricky023]

I am waiting for CSS, or FSS to have the game on TV and watch it. The write up is informative and well done. Thanks for your time to help us. RTR!

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