Alabama football opened part of spring practice before A Day. Here's what we saw (2025)

Table of Contents

Ty Simpson seems at front of Alabama football quarterback pack Where does Alabama tight end room stand? Alabama offensive line notes Who didn't practice for Alabama football? Alabama Wolf linebacker room takes shape Alabama defensive line notes Who was at Alabama's Husky position? Alabama first team defense preview Alabama middle linebacker pairings Where was Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Grubb and Kane Wommack during Alabama practice session? What music was playing in Alabama football practices?

A Day is coming quickly for Alabama football.

On Saturday, the Crimson Tide will take the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium this spring for the final time with its annual spring game. Kickoff for Alabama's hour-and-a-half-long practice will be at noon.

What will Crimson Tide fans see Saturday afternoon? The Tuscaloosa News had a preview of where Alabama football stands late in its spring practice schedule.

Here's a look at a few takeaways from Tuesday's open practice period:

Ty Simpson seems at front of Alabama football quarterback pack

Whenever Alabama's quarterbacks took reps, Ty Simpson was consistently at the front of the line.

At the beginning of the viewing session, Simpson and five-star freshman Keelon Russell traded throws, with the veteran connecting with Rico Scott, Dre Washington, Jaylen Mbakwe and Jay Loper Jr. Russell found Isaiah Horton, MJ Chirgwin, Lotzeir Brooks and Colby Cruz.

Where does Alabama tight end room stand?

On Tuesday, Alabama had five total tight ends working with the unit, with Jay Lindsey at the front of a line that also included Mississippi State transfer Jayden Hobson, the offensive lineman-turned-tight end.

Alabama offensive line notes

In one group drill, the first offensive line, from left to right, consisted of Olaus Alinen at tackle, Kam Dewberry at guard, Parker Brailsford at center, Jaeden Roberts at guard and Wilkin Formby at right tackle.

Another OL grouping included heralded incoming freshmen Jackson Lloyd and Michael Carroll at the tackle spots (Lloyd left, Carroll right), along with Mal Waldrep at left guard, Joseph Ionata at center and William Sanders at right guard.

Who didn't practice for Alabama football?

Wide receiver Cole Adams and offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark were on exercise bikes during the practice viewing period with a trainer guiding the pair through burst drills and races. Wide receiver Ryan Williams was also not practicing and on an exercise bike.

Defensive linemen James Smith and Fatutoa Henry each worked on individual drills, but were distinguished in black jerseys. Henry was previously listed as out for spring, while Smith was listed as limited

Alabama Wolf linebacker room takes shape

Alabama's Wolf linebacker room is taking shape with many returners at the front of the line. Qua Russaw was the first to take reps, followed by Yhonzae Pierre, Noah Carter and Jah-Marien Latham. Justin Hill watched the set of drills from the side before taking part in the final rep.

Alabama defensive line notes

During the viewing period, defensive line coach Freddie Roach had praise on multiple occasions for Kelby Collins, the Gardendale native who transferred from Florida.

In one DL drill, the unit was led first by Tim Keenan, followed by LT Overton and Jeremiah Beaman.

Who was at Alabama's Husky position?

DaShawn Jones, who played Husky in Alabama's ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, was seen again at the slot corner position on the practice field.

Alabama first team defense preview

Alabama gave a preview of what its defense could look like in the fall.

Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee were paired at corner, while Domani Jackson is listed as out for spring. Jones was at Husky with Bray Hubbard and Zavier Mincey both at safety. Qua Russaw took first-team reps with the Wolf, while Cayden Jones was at another linebacker spot.

Alabama middle linebacker pairings

Cayden Jones and QB Reese were at the front of the line for middle linebacker drills Tuesday morning, followed by Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green and Abduall Sanders Jr., and Luke Metz and Duke Johnson.

Where was Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Grubb and Kane Wommack during Alabama practice session?

Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb were seen talking together in the middle of the Alabama offensive practice field, nearest to the offensive line group.

Kane Wommack started the viewing session with the defensive line, working one-on-one with Steve "Bolo" Mboumoua, before moving to the defensive backs.

What music was playing in Alabama football practices?

Most of the practice session, Alabama was playing rap music during reps. At the end of the viewing session, Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" was playing.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football opens spring practice before A Day: Takeaways