These four position groups have impressed Kalen DeBoer the most this spring

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama has one spring practice remaining, its 2024 A-Day Game, but before the Crimson Tide goes through the free scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium, new head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked to reflect on the first 14 practices of the semester.

Following Thursday’s workout, DeBoer was asked which position groups have impressed him the most. Before answering the question, he first pondered the criteria for the question. 

“I think impressed would probably be kind of related to maybe where you felt like you were maybe a little bit younger,” DeBoer said. “And so impressed, there’s a couple of things, right? The sides of the ball or position groups that have the veterans, you expect them to go out there and get it done.”

He then rattled off four positions – two on defense and two on offense.

“I really like some things that are happening up front, defensive line-wise,” DeBoer said. “But I also think defensive back-wise, there’s some young guys that have grown. So I’m impressed with some individual play, considering how old and how young they are.”

Defensive line makes sense. Alabama only lost one contributor from last season’s team, Justin Eboigbe, but it has 10 scholarship players back from its 2023 roster and added four new guys, including Texas A&M transfer LT Overton. Throw in Keon Keeley practicing with the Bandits this spring, and the Tide is currently set to have 15 D-linemen this fall.

The secondary isn’t as deep, at least not at cornerback. Alabama has eight safeties on campus for spring drills but only five corners. Although DeBoer mentioned defensive back as a position the Crimson Tide could target in the transfer portal when the spring portal opens on Tuesday, April 16, he has been impressed with the young talent in that position room.

On the offensive side of the ball, DeBoer likes what he’s seen in the backfield.

“I think our running backs, we’ve got some strong running backs in there that are just really steady,” DeBoer said. “… Kind of picking two on each side, just the number of quarterbacks that we have that you would feel comfortable putting out in a football game. I mean, really all four. They are extremely solid. Doing a great job of their accuracy, their reads, competitiveness. 

“I mean, just picking things up each and every day. That group has done a really good job – I don’t want to say top to bottom – just across the board.”

Alabama has four scholarship quarterbacks on its roster, and while Jalen Milroe is back after starting 13 games last year, there are other promising players pushing him this spring.

Despite losing its top two running backs after the 2023 campaign, the Tide still has a loaded stable of backs with Jam Miller, Justice Haynes and Richard Young back. One of the two true freshmen, Daniel Hill, is also enrolled, giving Alabama four quality options on Saturday.

“I’m very excited for all of them because everybody is getting better,” said offensive guard Tyler Booker of the running backs this week. “I’m seeing so much growth from everybody, especially Richard. Richard used to see a hole and hit it, even if it wasn’t the right one. So now, he’s been a little bit more patient. He’s really reading everything, and I’m very excited to see him perform. 

“Justice, obviously, and then Jam is Jam. Whenever he’s got in the game, he’s been a force. So I’m excited to see him get more reps this year.”

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