33 Days Until A-Day: Alabama Football Spring Practice Preview

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — We’re still far away from Sept. 2. That’s when the Alabama Crimson Tide will open its 2023-24 season at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Middle Tennessee State.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on. The Crimson Tide will begin spring practice on Monday — and will have 15 practice sessions leading up to the A-Day game on April 22 in Tuscaloosa.

Head coach Nick Saban and players will speak to reporters throughout the practice schedule.

It’s only March, but there will be plenty to look out for over the next month.

Who’s Going to Play Quarterback?

The biggest question of all.

If Jalen Milroe can improve as a passer leading up to September, I believe he will be under center in Alabama’s season-opener. On the other hand, Ty Simpson may be a better fit in new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ pro-style system.

I’m not sure that there’s any doubt Simpson is more than likely a better passer than Milroe. But Milroe’s athleticism is hard to keep off the field. And a bigger reason than all is that Saban always favors starting the guy that has been around and seen the field — which Milroe has.

Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan are both talented freshmen, but I don’t believe they are a factor in the race for the quarterback position at this moment.

How will the New Coordinators Gel?

Like it does often, the Crimson Tide has essentially a new coaching staff. With the arrival of Rees and Kevin Steele — and the departure of Bill O’Brien and Pete Golding — how will the new staff fit? Steele is a guy that has been around Saban and the program before.

Rees has a big job in his first season at Alabama. With the departure of Bryce Young and Crimson Tide fans eager for better production, the former Notre Dame quarterback will have a lot on his hands.

Veterans to be Excited About

As always, Alabama is losing a lot of talent to the NFL in this year’s draft. Perhaps the top three players on the team from a season ago — Young, Will Anderson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs — will be on a professional franchise next season.

But there are plenty of key returners.

For one, offensive tackle JC Latham is set to have a big year. Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams finally get their opportunity to lead the backfield. Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks are set for a big year at wide receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold are veterans at cornerback. And what better way to replace Brian Branch at the star position than Malachi Moore — who started there in 2020-21.

Edge rushers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell will be terrifying to opposing quarterbacks.

And it’s not always something you mention — but perhaps the Crimson Tide’s best kicker in program history is returning for one more season.

Will Reichard declared but changed his mind — returning to Tuscaloosa.

Freshmen to Watch For

With one of the top classes in history coming in, there will likely be a lot of newcomers that see the field.

Two important names to keep an eye on? Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and defensive back Caleb Downs.

Thanks Captain Obvious, right? They are the top two players from Alabama’s Class of 2023 — and for good reason.

There is a real possibility that both Proctor and Downs start Day One for the Crimson Tide at right tackle and strong safety.

A-Day

Everything leads up to the annual spring game, A-Day, on April 22. The yearly matchup between “Crimson” and “White” will be at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

Saban’s 2023-24 bunch will be an interesting one — but if we know anything about this program, it should be another successful season in Tuscaloosa.

See Also:

Alabama Freshman DB Tony Mitchell Arrested on Marijuana Possession Charges

2023 A-Day Game to Stream on ESPN+, Pro Day on SEC Network

Eleven Contracts Approved and Finalized for Alabama Football Coaching Staff