Alabama veterans happy to see scout-team players have success vs. Mercer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama’s 52-7 win over Mercer meant the Crimson Tide was able to get plenty of young players into the non-conference buy-game. According to Alabama’s participation report, the Crimson Tide played 92 total players, including 21 true freshmen.
Five quarterbacks received snaps in the lopsided Week 12 win, including walk-on Cade Carruth. Eleven different players took at least one handoff, and 13 caught at least one pass.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, after leading the Tide to its eighth win of the year, shared the joy the Crimson Tide’s veteran players felt in seeing so many teammates earn snaps.
“Downstairs, I know some of the upperclassmen (were) talking about how much they appreciate the young guys and how happy we were that some of those guys got a chance to go out there,” DeBoer said. “They’re giving scout-team looks all week, all season long, and for them to get out there and have a little success and enjoy the moment was great and the whole team’s happy for them.”
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe scored three touchdowns in his 25th career start, and he was replaced by Ty Simpson with 8:56 left in the third quarter. Dylan Lonergan and Austin Mack saw work behind center, as well, with Mack throwing the only other touchdown pass.
It was Mack’s first career passing touchdown, and it ended up in the hands of freshman receiver Rico Scott for a 31-yard score to give Alabama a 52-7 lead. It marked Scott’s third appearance of his rookie year, while Mack attempted the first three passes of his college career. The former Washington quarterback has emulated opponents on the scout team.
When Mack and Scott connected for six, it fired up the entire Crimson Tide sideline.
“I’m speechless for that,” said Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. “It’s great. Just me, going against those scout O-linemen and then seeing them in the game, that’s one of the precious things in football.
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“… You see these guys every day at practice – excuse my language – they’re busting their ass every day. They don’t care that they’re hurt, they don’t care if they’re injured, but they go out there.”
Campbell was one of several Alabama starters who were happy to see the lesser-known Tide players, who received the chance at playing time at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Without the scout team, we’re nothing,” said Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson. “That’s the truth. They grind each and every day just like us, and they don’t really get the opportunity to showcase their talents. So just coming in for a game like this, we were preaching all week for them to come in, and we were all excited when we all saw it.”
UA offensive lineman Tyler Booker took a step further and recognized the walk-ons who checked into the game on offense on the Tide’s final possession of the 45-point victory.
“Just want to take a moment to shout out all of our walk-ons!” Booker shared on X. “They come in every day with a great attitude and give all they have to make us better. We can’t do what we do without them! Love yall boys and we appreciate you guys more than you know!”
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