Crimson Red Sports

What a fun day it was at the scrimmage yesterday, I'm glad I read my emails and didn't miss it. It was a good day for a scrimmage as the air was cooler and the players seemed ready for some live action.

There was a big crowd there yesterday with a lot of anticipation and for good reason, everyone wanted to see Tua and what he had to offer. You can trust me on this, no one left disappointed with the quarterback situation as was the case last year at this time. Let's not leave out Mac Jones either, he looked like a freshman but I thought he improved toward the end of the scrimmage especially on his deep throws but let's give the receivers some credit too as they made some very good receptions, something that haunted the team at the end of last season with a lot of dropped balls.

The defense looked the stronger of the teams but that is usually the case at this time of the year. The offensive line still has some work to do pass blocking on the ends, something that really hurt us last year. Another bright spot for the offense yesterday was the running backs. Scarborough and Jacobs wasn't there which gave the young ones a chance to show their skills and a couple of them didn't disappoint the fans. The one that got the most oohs and aahs was freshman Brian Robinson (24) from Hillcrest High School here in Tuscaloosa. He gave the defense all they wanted with his power and agility on his runs. Najee Harris had some good runs as well with his quickness on his cuts and the ability to get extra yards after being hit.

Now, the kicking game. J K Scott is still J K Scott as he was booming the ball on his punts. The problem now is what about field goals. Yesterday the transfer from Ole Miss  and Scott were the only two field goal kickers available as the recruited kicker has not arrived yet.  I thought both did well on short and mid range kicks but not so well from a long distance. J K Scott is a phenom kicker and by the fall I think he will be ready to answer the call for the duty of being the kicker if needed. Hopefully the new kicker will fill the bill though when he arrives.

Now the excitement of the day came when CNS addressed our group with his analysis of the scrimmage. He seemed in a good mood and felt they came away with some questions answered of where the team is right now. When it came to the question and answer time is when the big moment of the day happened. I don't think I have ever thought of CNS being at a loss of words until yesterday. He was quick to say he had just left meeting with the press and that usually means he's a little irritated so be careful with your questions. Everything was going as usual with the questioners until this 13-14 year old boy asked him would Jalen Hurts be the starting QB next year. He started to fire back but realized it was a young man this time and not the press. He started to answer and then just looked from side to side of the room trying to think of how to answer this young man without biting his head off. The audience realized this the room burst with laughter. This lasted for 3-4 minutes and a big smile came on his face, he knew he had been had, it was too funny. He gave the young man a very good answer that at this time of the season there is no depth chart but he did tell him that it was Hurt's job to lose. A round of applause was then given the coach for his answer. Coach also added in his answer that Miss Terrie was the QB coach and she would probably make that decision when the time comes. It was a classic moment that we will all remember.

Anyway the first scrimmage is over with a lot of promise from a fans point of view and I think the coaches left with something to work with in preparation for A Day. It should be well worth the trip to Bryant Denny April 22nd to watch Jalen and Tua battle it out on A Day as well as Mac Jones showcasing some of his skills at the QB position as well.

J -- Thanks for the report.  Always good to hear from a trusted eyewitness.

I read somewhere that Tua threw a TD pass on a rollout play.  Probably a P-R option.  Sounds like he could be very effective on such a play since the guy can run.

Man great report. It made it really interesting when you brought up the young man. Looking forward to the season for sure. RTR!

Great report, J. Can't wait for A Day!!!  #+

Yes he did and he was rolling to his right, remember he is left handed, and hit the receiver, about 30 yards, in stride on a sideline route. There were two defenders on the receiver and Tua put enough air under the ball to drop it in his hands. That got everybody's attention. He showed good accuracy all day, short and long.

Thanks Jamos for that first-hand account.  I know we won't get any info like that from the press but that's fine too.  Stuff like this really gets me excited for the season to get started.

Also, as for kicking FG's, as long as we throw and/or run for TD's then I don't really worry about FG's all that much...  ;)

Thanks for the update.

I'm optimistic about the QB play this year. Hurts led the team to an undefeated season and made what could have (should have?) been the championship winning play had the defense not been worn out and facing the best QB in college football.

I expect his passing to improve at least to the point where he can consistently complete short to mid-range passes enough to spread the defense out and create more breathing room for the running game.

And if he doesn't improve, it sounds like Tua could be ready to step in. 

Great report! i'm excited too that the qb's look good.

I do have a concern, in that what if Tua starts thinking he is better (which he might be) and decides he cant sit there for two more years. It will always be a problem as long as Saban is recruiting 5 stars but the Qb position is one we need to continue to have great backups. :pray:

You have a great point here. Every QB is one play away from playing for Alabama in the SEC conference. RTR!