Alabama took to the fields for its 11th practice of fall camp today. The Crimson Tide was in full pads. Here are some observations from the open period:
Numbers game
Freshman inside linebacker Dylan Moses was wearing jersey No. 8 after wearing 7 all throughout August. That could mean he’s in line to play on defense, special teams or both this year. Cornerback Trevon Diggs, a contributor on both defense and special teams, wears 7, so one of them was going to have to change if they were both going to be on the field at the same time.
Inside linebackers
Speaking of Moses, he may have moved up a bit in the ILB rotation. Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton were the first two through in drills, followed by Keith Holcombe and Moses. Joshua McMillon and Mack Wilson were after that. We’ll keep an eye on that and see if it that’s the normal order or if what I saw today was just an aberration.
Running backs
Didn’t see sophomore Josh Jacobs at all during the open period. Ronnie Clark, who had started fall camp working with the tight ends, was again working with the running backs. The rest of the backs appeared to all be suited up and participating.
Nickel package
Alabama worked through a couple of different looks in its nickel package tonight. In the first one, Minkah Fitzpatrick was lined up at Star with Anthony Averett and Trevon Diggs at cornerback, while Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones played safety. Outside linebacker Ben Davis was also included in this package, covering a tight end.
In another look that appeared to be the second team, Levi Wallace and Tony Brown were playing cornerback (Nigel Knott was shadowing Wallace) with Deionte Thompson and Keaton Anderson at safety. Keith Holcombe and Dylan Moses were the linebackers with that group.
