After the first week of spring practice, where is Alabama football at? Takeaways from Crimson Tide 7

As the Alabama Crimson Tide enters the 2025 season, expectations are as high as ever. Head coach Nick Saban, with his relentless pursuit of perfection, has maintained Alabama’s position as one of the most dominant programs in college football. With spring practice now underway, the first week of drills has provided invaluable insights into the team’s progression, its strengths, and areas where improvement is needed. With a blend of returning veterans, talented newcomers, and a few key positional battles, Alabama football has a lot to work on before the season kicks off in earnest.

The first week of spring practice always brings excitement, anticipation, and, of course, questions. Who will step up in the quarterback battle? Which players will emerge as breakout stars? How will the team adapt after a few key departures from last season? What progress is being made in the development of young talent? These are the essential questions Alabama’s coaching staff is asking themselves as they navigate through the offseason.

The first week, marked by intense practice sessions, individual drills, and early scrimmages, has already provided answers to some of these questions. From the standout performances of underclassmen to the strong leadership of returning starters, it is clear that Alabama’s football program remains in excellent hands.

In this article, we’ll break down the takeaways from Alabama football’s first week of spring practice. We’ll look at key position battles, new developments, and what these early impressions mean for the team’s potential heading into the 2025 season. With an eye on Crimson Tide 7—a group of seven important players and positional groups that will define this team—we’ll evaluate where Alabama stands and what adjustments need to be made before the start of the season.

1. Quarterback Battle: No Clear Winner Yet, But Ty Simpson Shines

Without a doubt, the most anticipated storyline of spring practice for Alabama has been the quarterback competition. With Bryce Young now playing in the NFL, the Crimson Tide have a void to fill under center, and it is unclear which of the contenders will seize control of the offense. The first week of spring practice revealed much about the quarterbacks on the roster, but the competition remains wide open.

• Ty Simpson: Among the candidates, Ty Simpson has emerged as the early favorite to take the starting job. The sophomore signal-caller, who saw limited action in 2023, has impressed coaches with his arm strength, accuracy, and leadership. In the first week of spring drills, Simpson showcased his ability to make all the throws, including deep passes and quick slants. His decision-making and command of the offense have made him a clear front-runner. However, he is still refining his consistency and understanding of Alabama’s complex offensive system.
• Jalen Milroe: Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with immense athleticism, has also been part of the conversation. While Milroe’s mobility and ability to make plays with his legs have been on full display, his passing accuracy and overall decision-making need improvement. In the first week of spring practice, Milroe had some impressive moments, particularly in scramble situations, but he has yet to show the same level of polish as Simpson in a traditional pocket-passing scenario.
• Eli Holstein: Freshman Eli Holstein has entered the competition with a lot of hype, and his early performances have validated the excitement surrounding him. While Holstein is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game, his natural ability and strong fundamentals have shown through. He has displayed a calm demeanor and quick release that have caught the attention of coaches. Though he may not win the starting job this season, Holstein could be a major contributor moving forward.

Takeaway: After the first week, it’s clear that Ty Simpson is leading the charge in the quarterback competition, but Jalen Milroe’s athleticism and Eli Holstein’s potential should not be underestimated. This battle will continue throughout spring, and likely into the fall, but Simpson’s consistent play has given him an edge for now.

2. The Offensive Line: Still a Work in Progress, But Promise Exists

Alabama’s offensive line has long been the foundation of its offensive success. However, after some key departures and the injury struggles of last season, there are questions about the group’s depth and chemistry heading into 2025. The first week of spring practice has provided some answers to these questions, although there is still work to be done.

• J.C. Latham and Tyler Booker: The pair of J.C. Latham and Tyler Booker, two of the team’s standout returners, have been performing well in spring drills. Latham, who is a projected first-round NFL draft pick, has been dominating at tackle, and Booker’s versatility on the interior has made him one of the most valuable players on the line. The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and their leadership will be vital in anchoring the offensive line.
• Positional Battles: While Latham and Booker appear locked in as starters, other positions on the offensive line remain in flux. The guard and center spots are still up for grabs, and the competition between returning players and new additions will be a key storyline throughout the spring. Freshman Kadyn Proctor, who is already drawing attention for his physicality, has been making strides in practice. His play could force coaches to reconsider the starting lineup and potentially get him some meaningful snaps in the fall.
• Development of Depth: Depth has been a concern for Alabama’s offensive line, and that continues to be a priority in spring practice. Players like James Brockermeyer and Damieon George are fighting for spots, but the overall depth has yet to be fully solidified. The next few weeks of practice will be crucial for these players to prove their worth and earn meaningful playing time.

Takeaway: The offensive line is a work in progress, and while the starters are solid, Alabama’s ability to develop depth will be crucial. The competition for guard and center positions is heating up, and younger players like Kadyn Proctor could make a significant impact.

3. Wide Receiver Room: Young Talent Stepping Up

Alabama’s wide receiver room is one of the most intriguing positions in spring practice. With several key players from the 2024 roster moving on to the NFL, the Crimson Tide is looking for new stars to emerge. Early impressions suggest that Alabama may have a very deep and talented group of receivers for 2025.

• Kobe Prentice: Kobe Prentice has been one of the standout performers in the early portion of spring practice. As a freshman, Prentice made an impact in the latter half of the 2024 season, and now, he’s poised for a breakout year. His speed, route running, and ability to make plays after the catch have impressed coaches and teammates alike. He has emerged as a leader in the receiver room and could very well become the team’s top option in 2025.
• Treshon Holden: Treshon Holden, a more experienced member of the group, has been solid in spring drills. While his route running and hands have been consistent, he still needs to take his game to the next level. If he can develop into a more dynamic threat, he could become a key piece of the offense.
• Isaiah Bond: Isaiah Bond has also shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in deep ball situations. His speed and ability to stretch the field make him a weapon that Alabama’s offense could utilize more often in 2025.
• Freshman Impact: Freshman Jalen Hale, one of the nation’s top recruits, has already caught the attention of the coaching staff. Hale’s size, athleticism, and ball skills make him an intriguing option in the passing game. His development throughout spring practice will be essential for the team’s long-term success.

Takeaway: The wide receiver group is stacked with potential, and the competition is fierce. With young talents like Kobe Prentice and Jalen Hale making waves, Alabama has the pieces to continue its legacy of elite receiving play.

4. Defensive Line: Deep and Dominant

Defensive line play has been a hallmark of Alabama football for years, and the first week of spring practice has shown that the trend will continue in 2025. With a mixture of veterans and younger players, the defensive line looks to be a major strength heading into the new season.

• Jaheim Oatis: The massive defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis has continued to dominate spring practice. His size and strength have made him a force in the middle of the defense. Oatis is a nightmare for offensive linemen to block, and he will be a key part of Alabama’s defensive scheme moving forward.
• Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell: Though technically outside linebackers, Turner and Braswell are integral to the pass rush and the defensive line’s overall success. Turner’s explosiveness and Braswell’s speed off the edge make them a devastating pair, and both players will be critical in getting to the quarterback this season.
• Interior Depth: Alabama’s interior defensive line depth is impressive, with players like Tim Keenan and Jamil Burroughs emerging as key contributors. These players add quality depth and will be instrumental in maintaining fresh legs throughout the season.

Takeaway: The defensive line is one of the most formidable units on the team, and the depth and talent at every position will make it difficult for opposing offenses to find success against Alabama’s front seven.

5. Secondary: Ready to Lock Down Opponents

The secondary is another position that has been a strength for Alabama, and the first week of spring practice has shown that this year will be no different. With the return of several key players, including star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Crimson Tide’s defensive backfield is poised to continue its dominance.

• Kool-Aid McKinstry: McKinstry has continued to impress, with his ability to shut down opposing receivers and make plays on the ball. He will be a cornerstone of Alabama’s secondary, and his leadership will be key in the defense’s success.
• Jahlil Hurley: Hurley, a rising sophomore, has continued to develop into one of Alabama’s top corners. His ability to lock down receivers in both man and zone coverage will be crucial for Alabama’s defensive scheme.
• Safety Play: The safety position remains strong, with players like Malachi Moore and Jordan Battle providing leadership and versatility. The safety duo’s experience will be vital in anchoring the secondary and supporting the defensive front.

Takeaway: Alabama’s secondary looks strong and capable of shutting down elite passing attacks. With McKinstry leading the charge and talented players like Hurley and Moore filling in, the Crimson Tide’s defensive backfield should remain one of the best in the country.