The BamaInsider.com staff will provide you with everything you need to know leading up to the VRBO Citrus Bowl between Alabama and Michigan.
Get 25% off your subscription and $75 to Nike.com when you sign up today!!!
Promo Code: Nike
Don't Miss
Friday Insider Report: LaBryan Ray participates in drills
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked outside Friday for its fifth practice in preparation for its Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads as they worked under sunny, 56-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— LaBryan Ray was participating in drills with the rest of the defensive linemen for the first time since injuring his foot against South Carolina. The junior was wearing a black, no-contact jersey but took part in sled drills.
— Raekwon Davis and Phidarian Mathis led the unit followed by Byron Young and Christian Barmore. Justin Eboigbe and Stephen Wynn Jr. were in the third group while Ray and Braylen Ingraham were in the fourth group.
— Freshman early enrollee Jahquez Robinson was again practicing with the defensive backs. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound cornerback was wearing a shirt and shorts while still going through the NCAA’s acclimatization period. However, he worked with the second-team defense during drills as Brandon Turnage and Scooby Carter were not present during the viewing period.
Thursday Insider Report: LaBryan Ray sighting, plus a new freshman arrives
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved outdoors Thursday as it took part in its fourth practice in preparation for its Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in shorts and shells and worked under sunny, 52-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Injured defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (foot) was present during practice but had a black, no-contact jersey and was not participating in any drills. Last month, head coach Nick Saban said Ray “has come a long way in his rehab” since injuring his foot against South Carolina in Week 3.
— Wednesday’s practice also featured the debut of freshman cornerback Jahquez Robinson. The four-star cornerback was wearing a No. 7 jersey but was not wearing shoulder pads. Robinson, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, is rated as the No. 13 cornerback and No. 181 player overall in the 2020 class.
Wednesday Insider Report: DeVonta Smith returns to action
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked indoors Wednesday as it held its third practice in preparation for its Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— After working with the running backs the past two days, Trey Sanders (foot) was not present during the viewing period. Monday, head coach Nick Saban said Sanders was cleared for on-field work but was not expected to play in the Citrus Bowl. The five-star freshman had been participating in drills while in a black jersey previously this week.
— Freshman defensive back Scooby Carter has not been at practice the past couple of days. The former four-star recruit entered the transfer portal last month but is expected to remain with the team.
— After not participating in drills the past two days, receiver DeVonta Smith was back in action Wednesday. The junior didn’t appear to be at full speed but did take part in individual drills and caught passes from the quarterbacks.
Tuesday Insider Report: Close up look at Trey Sanders
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama moved indoors Tuesday as it held its second practice in preparation for its Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan on Jan. 1. Players were dressed in full pads for the workout. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— With Alabama moving indoors, we got a better look at Trey Sanders as he continued to work with the running backs. The five-star freshman was moving well but was wearing a black jersey and had on shoes instead of cleats. Monday, head coach Nick Saban said Sanders was cleared for on-field work but isn’t expected to play in the Citrus Bowl.
— Najee Harris led the running backs followed by Brian Robinson Jr., Trey Sanders, Chadarius Townsend, Keilan Robinson with Jerome Ford bringing up the rear.
— Injured defensive tackle D.J. Dale (knee) was absent again. Saban said the freshman is doubtful for the Citrus Bowl.
“D.J. Dale has not responded very well to treatment and medications to try and get him in position where he might be able to play in this game,” Saban said.
Tua Tagovailoa named Co-Polynesian College Football Player of the Year
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was selected as the co-recipient of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award along with University of Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.
The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Alabama lands five on Sporting News All-America team
Alabama recorded its first All-American first-teamer of 2019 as receiver Jaylen Waddle was named to Sporting News All-American team at the return specialist position Tuesday. Alabama landed four other players Sporting News' second team, including cornerback Trevon Diggs, safety Xavier McKinney, wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr.
FIRST TEAM
Jaylen Waddle, Returner
• The 2019 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year
• Leads the nation in punt return average at 24.9 yards per return with 19 returns for 474 yards and a score
• Has also returned four kickoffs for 152 yards and a touchdown
• Added 553 yards and six touchdowns on 32 catches as a wide receiver
SECOND TEAM
Trevon Diggs, Cornerback
• Totaled 37 tackles from his starting corner spot, including half a tackle for loss (-1 yard)
• Picked off three passes with a combined 79 yards in returns while adding eight pass breakups
• Recorded two defensive touchdowns this season, scoring on an 84-yard pick-six and a 100-plus yard fumble return
Xavier McKinney, Safety
• Ranks 12th in the SEC in tackles with 85, a total that leads all Alabama defenders
• Added 4.5 tackles for loss (-32 yards) and two sacks (-13 yards)
• Has forced four fumbles and added three interceptions to go with five breakups
• Returned one of his interceptions for an 81-yard touchdown
DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver
• Leads the nation in yards after the catch with 731 for an average of 61.0 yards per game
• Ranks second in the SEC and is tied for fifth nationally in touchdown receptions (13)
• Leads Alabama in receiving yards with 1,200, a total that is second in the league and seventh nationally
• Has recorded a pair of 200-plus yard receiving games as a junior, the first Tide wideout to accomplish the feat since Amari Cooper in 2014
Jedrick Wills Jr., Offensive Tackle
• Has anchored an Alabama offensive line that has surrendered only 12 sacks in 381 pass attempts
• Graded out at over 91 percent, allowing only one sack and 3.5 quarterback hurries
• Missed a total of seven assignments across his 714 snaps for a 99.9 percent success rate
This report was obtained from a recent Alabama Athletics release.
Monday Insider Report, Trey Sanders back at practice
Alabama returned to the practice field Monday for its first workout in preparation for the Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Jan. 1. Players worked in shorts and shells under cloudy, 73-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis and cornerback Trevon Diggs were both absent from the viewing and appear to be sitting out the bowl game. Lewis suffered significant injuries in 2017 and 2018, while Diggs suffered a season-ending foot injury last year. Both players are thought to be potential first-round picks in next year’s NFL draft.
— The other big news from the viewing period was five-star freshman Trey Sanders, who participated in individual drills with the rest of the running backs. Sanders, who hasn’t played this season after breaking his foot in fall camp, wore a black jersey Monday. After going through some drills, he went off to the side where he was worked on by a trainer.
Get 25% off your subscription and $75 to Nike.com when you sign up today!!!
Promo Code: Nike
WestGate Luxury Condos - To be any closer, you'd need a ticket
Andrew Bone, of BamaInsider.com, is a real estate broker in the state of Alabama.
Contact Andrew Bone for all of your real estate needs; buyers, sellers, investors, developers. Property management; BoneHomeTours.com Call 205-531-5577 or click here
