Six Alabama players to watch in second scrimmage of preseason

Alabama heads to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 17, for its second preseason scrimmage. Here, we outline six Crimson Tide players of interest for scrimmage No. 2.

Jihaad Campbell , LB

Why he’s here:

Campbell is going to be in the starting lineup alongside Deontae Lawson when Alabama kicks off the 2024 season in 15 days. That is if he’s healthy. The last two times we were able to watch practice, the third-year linebacker – while dressed out and not wearing a black jersey – did not do much on the field. If he can’t go again this weekend, it gives Justin Jefferson another chance to earn precious first-team reps. If he does scrimmage, it’s good news for Alabama, and maybe Campbell will play a series or two with a voice inside his helmet .

Coach’s take:

“Jihaad is such a versatile skill set,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack . “… I think he’s really done a great job of understanding the details that it takes in the run-fits in the interior, the communication piece to get everybody lined up as well. I think Jihaad’s another guy who can be a green-dot type guy for us. ”

Wilkin Formby , OL

Why he’s here:

There is “a continuous battle” at right tackle with Formby and Elijah Pritchett competing for the starting job. Alabama’s coaches are waiting for someone to prove they’re clearly better than the other, and that hasn’t happened after two weeks of fall camp. But Formby has consistently been the first right tackle in the eight practices reporters have watched. Granted, we didn’t see all of those practices, but the redshirt freshman did start last week’s scrimmage. If he does the same this week and plays well, he could be the Game 1 starter.

Coach’s take:

“I think that Wilk does a great job of understanding the scheme and what we need to get accomplished,” said Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic . “He makes good calls, and he has the tools to be a very good player.

“… We’re just looking for a little more push from Wilkin and we need a little more consistency from Pritchett, and we’d have two really good players.”

DaShawn Jones , CB

Why he’s here:

Cornerback remains one of the most interesting positions on Alabama’s roster. One, because there is still competition, at least at one of the two spots – Domani Jackson appears to have a solid grip on the other. And two, because a lot of the players battling for a first-team role don’t have much experience. Jones, however, does, and that may help him, especially early in the 2024 season. The Wake Forest transfer and freshman Zabien Brown are likely the top options, but a strong showing in the next scrimmage could give the veteran an edge.

Coach’s take:

“We feel like we made contact,” said Alabama cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist . “We got contact at the base when we were going up to bat trying to find a transfer guy that can come in and make plays for us. And we’re pleased with what he’s doing for us.”

Jalen Milroe , QB

Why he’s here:

I know, I know. Some of you might have seen Milroe’s name here and thought, “Huh?” I don’t blame you. He’s going to be Alabama’s starting quarterback this season, there’s little doubt about that. That’s not why he’s here. Milroe has had a really good preseason, and that includes last week’s scrimmage, where he accounted for multiple touchdowns. If the redshirt junior can produce another standout performance, continuing to look confident in this new offense, it will be a warning to the rest of college football – Milroe is in for a big year.

Coach’s take:

“He’s really done a nice job of raising his game, asking more out of himself,” DeBoer said. “I’m pushing him. Coach Sheridan is, too, every day. Just like those details and beyond, and he’s holding himself to a high standard. It’s not just all talk.”

Caleb Odom , WR

Why he’s here:

Last week, Odom made arguably the play of the day, hauling in a catch along the sideline with just one hand . The true freshman has had some highlight moments this offseason as he works with the wide receivers. The original plan, under the old regime, was for Odom to play tight end at Alabama, but the new coaching staff liked him at receiver. He is probably outside of the top six at his position at the moment, but if Odom continues to make plays like he did a week ago, the newcomer could prove worthy of a rotation spot as a rookie this fall.

Coach’s take:

“Every day, Caleb does something to impress you, and every day, there’s still things for him to improve on, and I know coach Shep is pointing those out,” said Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan . “In every moment that Caleb’s out there, he’s getting coached extremely hard. A lot to be excited about and a lot to work on. We’re super happy with where Caleb’s at, and we know there’s still even more for him to grow and get better at, and he’s working on that every day.”

LT Overton , DL

Why he’s here:

Speaking of highlights, Overton was a standout in the first scrimmage. The Texas A&M transfer was disruptive from his Bandit position on Alabama’s defensive front. That’s good news for the Tide as it looks to replace three veteran pass rushers from its 2023 squad. Overton is up to 284 pounds and playing a more natural position than how he was utilized in College Station. While Jah-Marien Latham looks poised to be the starting Bandit, Overton has had a strong camp, and another impressive scrimmage would solidify his role at UA.

Coach’s take:

“LT’s got a great skill set and you can tell he’s honed in his pass rush ability,” Wommack said. “He’s got really good complementary answers to his fastball. He’s a great speed-to-power rusher, he’s done it probably a million times over his life, right? and he can feel whether the offensive lineman is on his top hip or his bottom hip, and know how to counter back inside or outside.

“So he’s a really great on-body rusher, is what I would say, so when he gets in to the man, he knows how to counter back very quickly.”

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