Alabama kicked off fall camp with a morning practice, marking the first under new coach Kalen DeBoer. This change is getting attention as it is different from previous coach Nick Saban’s usual afternoon sessions.
Wednesday’s practice was held a month before DeBoer’s first game on August 31 against Western Kentucky, and it wrapped up before lunchtime. This timing is a shift from Saban’s afternoon practices, highlighting one of the many changes after Saban’s long tenure.
DeBoer, who came from Washington, is adjusting to Alabama’s hot summer weather. “Welcome to the South, for me in particular,” DeBoer said, commenting on the intense heat.
“It hit us here on Practice One. The guys grinded through it. They kept getting stronger as the day went on, which is what you want to see. They kept their spirits high through the very last rep.”
The Crimson Tide, the defending Southeastern Conference champions, resumed practice with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor back after a brief transfer to Iowa.
Expectations are high even without Saban, although the expansion to a 12-team playoff may ease some pressure on DeBoer’s first season.
Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, a top recruit who rejoined the team after initially de-committing when Saban retired, also had his first practice. Williams, who reclassified to start college early, is still 17 and won’t turn 18 until February.
“You want every play to be great and exciting, but what matters most is making sure he’s in the right position, focusing on the basics, and making the simple plays,” DeBoer said.
“The big plays will come because of his skills. If he runs good routes, catches the ball, and accelerates with good ball security, the big plays will follow.”
This is a common theme when a team works with new coaches, even for those who were part of the spring practices.
There are also transfers competing for starting spots, like safety Keon Sabb from Michigan and Washington transfers center Parker Brailsford and wide receiver Germie Bernard.
First and foremost: Adjusting to morning practices and the need to start eating and hydrating early.
“I think they don’t realize how much fuel they need, which can lead to cramping and other issues,” DeBoer said. “So they’ll learn from it. That’s part of this process.”
This approach is a bit different from Saban’s well-known Process.
