In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Crimson Tide football team held its second spring scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Friday, April 05, 2025. With the starting quarterback position still up for grabs and several key players recovering from the 2024 season, head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the media about the team’s progress.
DeBoer noted that the scrimmage, shifted to the afternoon due to classes and recruiting, mirrored the previous one with around 115 plays split among the first, second, and third-string units. The team focused more on red-zone work this time. Injuries at tight end, including Josh Cuevas and Marshall Pritchett, who are out for spring but expected back by fall, have thinned the position. This forced creative substitutions and positional adjustments.
The quarterbacks—Keelon Russell, Ty Simpson, and Austin Mack—shared reps unevenly, with the older Simpson and Mack taking more with the first team, though Russell impressed despite primarily working with the second unit. DeBoer praised their ability to make big throws under pressure and build chemistry with the offensive line and receivers, noting all three throw catchable balls.
On specific players, DeBoer addressed Isaiah Horton’s blocking, suggesting it’s more about mindset than physical limitation, and highlighted his physicality. Running back Richard Young showed physicality, though DeBoer wants more explosive plays from the entire backfield, especially in SEC games where perfect blocking is rare. Receiver Ryan Williams sat out the scrimmage due to minor injuries but remains versatile across positions, with the staff aiming to maximize his playmaking ability.
In the secondary, young players are stepping up as Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb recover. Sabb’s progress is encouraging, and the defensive backs, bolstered by 18 early enrollees, are playing confidently under coaches Mo Linguist and Jason Jones. At linebacker, freshmen like Abduall Sanders, Luke Metz, and Duke Johnson are shining in the absence of Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, who remain engaged leaders despite injuries.
DeBoer emphasized depth-building, especially with a demanding SEC season ahead. The team is adapting to injuries, refining strategies, and fostering competition, with veterans and newcomers alike showing promise as spring ball continues.
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