Alabama kicked off fall camp with a morning practice, signaling a shift from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.
This transition is expected to generate considerable interest in the coming days.
The Crimson Tide’s first practice on Wednesday marked exactly one month before DeBoer’s debut on August 31 against Western Kentucky. It was also a departure from Saban’s usual afternoon practices, wrapping up before lunch.
While it’s not the most significant change compared to the long tenure under a coach who secured six national championships for Alabama, it does indicate adjustments after 17 seasons under Saban.
DeBoer, transitioning from Washington, is still acclimating to the summer heat in Alabama.
“Welcome to the South, especially for me,” DeBoer remarked, acknowledging the intense heat. “It hit us during Practice One. The players persevered and grew stronger as the day progressed, which is encouraging. They maintained high spirits till the last repetition.”
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The defending champions of the Southeastern Conference resumed practice with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading the team, and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor returning after a brief stint at Iowa. Expectations remain high, even in Saban’s absence, with the upcoming 12-team playoff easing some pressure off DeBoer’s first season.
Freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams, a highly anticipated addition to the roster, participated in his first practice in Tuscaloosa. The five-star recruit, who had initially decommitted following Saban’s retirement, was brought back into the team under DeBoer’s guidance to address a position needing reinforcements.
Williams, a young talent who accelerated his enrollment, won’t turn 18 until next February.
“We aim for every play to be solid and fundamental, setting the stage for explosive plays. By focusing on executing the basics and showcasing his abilities, the big plays will naturally unfold. Consistent fundamental plays, coupled with continuous efforts, will lead to the remarkable plays we know he is capable of making,” DeBoer explained.
This narrative extends across the team as they adapt to a new coaching staff, encompassing both new additions and players from spring practices.
Noteworthy newcomers and transfers, such as safety Keon Sabb (Michigan) and imports from Washington – center Parker Brailsford and wide receiver Germie Bernard – are vying for starting roles.
First and foremost, adjusting to morning practices and emphasizing early food intake and hydration become essential.
“Players sometimes underestimate the energy they need to fuel themselves, leading to issues like cramping. They will learn from this experience as part of the learning curve,” DeBoer highlighted.
This approach differs slightly from Saban’s renowned “Process.”
Florida State chosen as ACC favorite
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Florida State, the reigning ACC champion, is predicted to win the expanded Atlantic Coast Conference football competition.
At the recent “ACC Kickoff” media days, attendees gave Florida State 81 out of 170 first-place votes, positioning them as frontrunners. Clemson followed closely with 55 votes. These two teams emerged as the top contenders, distancing themselves from third-place Miami by 51 points.
Despite winning their first 13 games last season and capturing the ACC title by defeating Louisville, Florida State missed the College Football Playoff due to a late-season injury to quarterback Jordan Travis.
The ACC expanded its football membership to 17 teams this year, including California and Stanford from the Pac-12, as well as SMU from the American Athletic Conference. Among these additions, SMU secured the highest position in seventh, while California ranked 10th and Stanford concluded at the bottom.
Miami received 17 first-place votes, with North Carolina State following in fourth with eight first-place votes.
Louisville, Virginia Tech, SMU, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and California rounded out the top ten rankings.
Duke, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Wake Forest, Virginia, and Stanford comprised the remaining positions, respectively.