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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Alabama

04/05/21 - Bryce Young, Fr/2024, Alabama, 5-11, 194 (DS#3 QB) + More +

Alabama football held its first scrimmage of the spring Friday, leaving coach Nick Saban pleased with the intensity of the afternoon session inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. "There was a lot of good hitting, and there was a lot of good things to teach from," he said. The scrimmage was closed to fans as well as reporters because of ongoing COVID-19 protocols, but it was the first live opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate young players that could play significant roles in a turned-over offense this season. "For a first scrimmage we're pretty pleased with it," Saban said.

Alabama is more than halfway through its 15-practice spring period, which will include another closed scrimmage next Saturday before its spring game open to fans April 17. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young continues to earn positive reviews from Saban, who earlier this week said is a "lot more confident" than in his freshman season. Young, once a five-star recruit from California, is the frontrunner to replace Mac Jones as Alabama's starter this season. "I thought Bryce did a pretty good job of managing the game [in the scrimmage]," Saban said Friday. "[He] was accurate with the ball and did a nice job, made a few explosive plays, but I thought really did a good job of managing the whole situation on offense when he was in there." - Birmingham News

(DS#3 QB) Fr/2024

QB Bryce Young, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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04/03/21 - Will Anderson Jr., Fr/2024, Alabama, 6-3, 235 (DS#1 OLB) + More +

They called him the terminator and he didn't even know why. Will Anderson, the breakout star of the 2020 Alabama signing class, was a starter from Day 1 by looking like the prototype outside linebacker. A high-motor factor in opposing backfields, Anderson got the nickname as his legend grew among Crimson Tide fans. The Hampton, Georgia product just needed to do a little research before the full context was clear. "I'm kind of ashamed because I've never even watched the movie 'The Terminator,'" said Anderson, born nearly two decades after the original release of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic. "But I like the name, it's a good name. I guess when I looked it up and people were telling me what the meaning of it, I said, 'OK, it can stay.' But it's great. I like it." Anderson sounded like an old pro doing his first round of Zoom chats with local professionals after graduating from the program's restriction on freshmen interviews. He reflected on his debut season that included seven sacks (second-most on the team behind Christian Barmore's eight) and 10 tackles for loss. - Birmingham News

(DS#1 OLB) Fr/2024

OLB Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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04/03/21 - *Mac Jones, rJr/2021, Alabama, 6-3, 217 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Alabama football hosted its second Pro Day for NFL Draft prospects in two weeks Tuesday afternoon. It was televised on the SEC and NFL Networks. Several NFL executives and head coaches were in attendance to check out the plethora of NFL talent that coach Nick Saban produces each year. Saban has had 33 players drafted in the first round and 38 total. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were two of those there to see potential top-five pick, Mac Jones in his second throwing session in as many weeks. John Lynch, Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels and Kyle Shanahan at Alabama's Pro Day. The 49ers recently traded their first-round pick, 12th overall, plus a 2022 third-round compensatory pick and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 for the Miami Dolphins No. 3 overall selection. Several mock drafts and NFL analysts have speculated the 49ers will pick the SEC single-season passing yards leader with that third pick. - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#4 QB) rJr/2021

QB *Mac Jones, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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03/29/21 - *Dylan Moses, rJr/2021, Alabama, 6-2, 235 (DS#7 ILB) + More +

Dylan Moses' return from a major knee injury in 2019 apparently involved another one in 2020. Speaking to reporters Monday as part of Alabama's second NFL pro day, Moses said he had surgery Feb. 9 to repair a torn meniscus. "It happened, I believe, in the third game of the season," Moses said, which would have been the high-scoring game at Ole Miss. "That's when I really started feeling it. It was said it was a bone bruise but it kept bothering me throughout the year and I just never really spoke up about it. I'm the type of person that, if I'm in pain or something, I never want to leave the field so I just didn't say anything about it."

Moses started all 13 games of his senior season and led the team in tackles with 80. Nick Saban spoke later Monday and referred any questions about Moses' knee to team doctor Lyle Cain. "I don't know if he had a torn meniscus," Saban said. "You can talk to the doctor about that. I know he had issues with his knee. We drained his knee a few times. Dr. Cain made all the decisions about how we should manage him through the season. Dylan was very aware of it and I do think it affected his performance a little bit." - Birmingham News

(DS#7 ILB) rJr/2021

ILB *Dylan Moses, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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03/25/21 - *Mac Jones, rJr/2021, Alabama, 6-3, 217 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones took part in his first of two pro days Tuesday, throwing about 50 scripted passes in front of a large group of NFL scouts in Tuscaloosa. Jones' top wide receivers from last season, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, were in attendance but did not participate in drills. Rising junior receiver John Metchie is recovering from injury, leaving Slade Bolden and Xavier Williams as Jones' targets Tuesday along with former Alabama tight ends Miller Forristall and Carl Tucker, and fullback/linebacker Joshua McMillon. "It was a little different than a typical pro day script just because of the people we had out there," Jones told SEC Network. "We had to use two underclassmen and obviously Miller, Carl and Josh did a great job. But I feel like I could've thrown it better. It is what it is. I have one more pro day, got to come out and show what I got. "I really don't think it was as good as I probably wanted it to be. I'll probably be pissed about it for 20 minutes, but I'll be good after that." - Birmingham News

(DS#4 QB) rJr/2021

QB *Mac Jones, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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03/24/21 - Brian Robinson Jr., rSr/2022, Alabama, 6-1, 228 (DS#20 RB) + More +

Najee Harris' run at Alabama may be over, but that's not the case for the other senior from last year's Crimson Tide running back room. Brian Robinson, the No. 2 running back for the Tide each of the last two seasons, decided to return to Alabama for a second senior season instead of leaving for the NFL. The Tuscaloosa native explained that decision Monday, a choice that leaves the Tide with a veteran and experienced figure to help lead the way for an otherwise youthful running back unit. "My decision to come back, I saw many opportunities for me to become a better player on and off the field, improve my draft grade and so on," Robinson said. "I just felt like there are many opportunities for me to win this year. I'm all in for it." It could ultimately benefit both Robinson and the Crimson Tide. Had Robinson opted for the NFL, Alabama would've entered this season without anyone who registered more than 30 carries last year. - Birmingham News

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2022

RB Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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03/24/21 - DeVonta Smith, Sr/2021, Alabama, 6-0, 170 (DS#2 WR) + More +

The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner did not participate in Alabama football's pro day Tuesday and has already announced he will not participate in a pro day March 30, either. In an interview on NFL Network, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith said he still might hold a separate workout before the NFL draft begins April 29 but "hasn't given it much thought." Smith joined Alabama teammates Jaylen Waddle and Najee Harris on the list of players not participating in Tuesday's pro day. Smith won nearly every accolade possible after catching 117 passes for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#2 WR) Sr/2021

WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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03/21/21 - John Metchie III, So/2023, Alabama, 6-0, 195 (DS#7 WR) + More +

It's been a little more than two months since Alabama's last football game and a few injuries remain unhealed. Opening spring practice Friday, Nick Saban rattled off a list of players who were hurt and would likely miss the 15 practices of March and April. He also had an update on running back Trey Sanders who's battling back from injuries suffered in a November car wreck. The injured list included starters like defensive back Malachi Moore, receiver John Metchie, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis, guard Emil Ekiyor and second-year offensive lineman Pierce Quick will be out, Saban said. "They're not really expected to participate a whole lot in spring practice," was Saban's exact wording, "from previous injuries that needed to be fixed." - Birmingham News

(DS#7 WR) So/2023

WR John Metchie III, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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03/20/21 - Jahleel Billingsley, So/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 230 (DS#4 TE) + More +

The No. 11-ranked tight end in the 2019 class saw a huge jump in his production in the final seven games last season. He had caught one ball six weeks into the season before reeling in 17 more for 274 yards and three touchdowns to finish. Billingsley also received kicks and punts in the final weeks of the season and was used in the slot and out wide. O'Brien must figure out a way to get the shifty tight end in space. - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#4 TE) So/2023

TE Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama
News Source: Montgomery Advertiser
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03/12/21 - Landon Dickerson, rSr/2021, Alabama, 6-6, 333 (DS#2 C) + More +

The last time we saw Landon Dickerson on the football field, he was three weeks removed from season-ending knee surgery and finagled his way into Alabama's national championship win over Ohio State. On Thursday, the former Alabama center told GMFB on the NFL Network all things point to a full recovery prior to the start of what will be his rookie NFL season. "I'm doing phenomenal when it comes to recovery," he said. "I'm right on track with where I need to be. We feel comfortable. The medical staff, the training staff, we feel very comfortable that I should be ready this coming season." Dickerson was carted off the field during the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 19. - Birmingham News

(DS#2 C) rSr/2021

C Landon Dickerson, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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02/13/21 - Bryce Young, Fr/2024, Alabama, 5-11, 194 (DS#3 QB) + More +

Alabama's spring game will take place April 17, the school announced Friday. It will be the first spring game held since 2019. Last year's event, and all of spring practice, was canceled because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last March. This year's game is expected to have a reduced capacity similar to games during the 2020 season. The spring game will be the culmination of spring football practices that are expected to begin next month. - Birmingham News

(DS#3 QB) Fr/2024

QB Bryce Young, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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01/30/21 - *Mac Jones, rJr/2021, Alabama, 6-3, 217 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and Auburn's K.J. Britt were chosen as among the top players at their position during the week of practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl. Practice players of the week were chosen in voting by players at opposing position groups. Jones was named the top quarterback on the American team, while Britt was selected the top linebacker. Florida's Kadarius Toney, a Blount High School graduate, was chosen the top wide receiver on the American team. North Dakota State offensive lineman Dillon Radunz was named the overall Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week. - Birmingham News

(DS#4 QB) rJr/2021

QB *Mac Jones, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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01/29/21 - Najee Harris, Sr/2021, Alabama, 6-1, 232 (DS#1 RB) + More +

Alabama running back Najee Harris won't play in Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl, executive director Jim Nagy told AL.com on Thursday. Harris, a first-team All-American in 2020, has been dealing with an ankle injury since early in the Crimson Tide's national championship game victory over Ohio State on Jan. 11. He practiced with the Senior Bowl's National team both Tuesday and Wednesday in Mobile, but missed practice Thursday while undergoing treatment on his ankle and is "too banged up" to play on Saturday, Nagy said. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Harris received widespread praise from Nagy and other observers for showing up in Mobile at all and participating in as much of the week's activities as he did. - Birmingham News

(DS#1 RB) Sr/2021

RB Najee Harris, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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01/28/21 - DeVonta Smith, Sr/2021, Alabama, 6-0, 170 (DS#2 WR) + More +

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores is not concerned about Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith's size. The idea that the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner isn't big enough to flourish in the NFL doesn't register with Flores, who is guiding the National team for the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile. "Look, this guy's a very, very good player," Flores said during a press conference on Tuesday. "… If you're a good player, I mean, you can nitpick all you want about a guy's size. Good players are good players are good players. I think we all can see that this guy's a very good player. He made a lot of plays in college. He made a lot of plays in big games, the biggest games of the year. You can nitpick all day. He's a very good player. "And it's been good getting to know him, too. He's a good kid, too."

So how big is Smith? The Alabama roster lists the wide receiver as 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. On Tuesday, Smith passed on the opportunity to step on the scales at the Senior Bowl weigh-in and show exactly how slim "The Slim Reaper" is. After suffering a finger injury during Alabama's 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the CFP national championship game on Jan. 11, Smith is not practicing this week and won't play in Saturday's game. But he is on Flores' National roster and meeting with NFL personnel for interviews. "DeVonta Smith was here only to do interviews with NFL teams," said Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl's executive director. "He always planned to do his measurements at Alabama's pro day." - Birmingham News

(DS#2 WR) Sr/2021

WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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01/21/21 - *Mac Jones, rJr/2021, Alabama, 6-3, 217 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Alabama redshirt junior Mac Jones, who announced last Thursday that he would be forgoing his remaining eligibility for the NFL draft, was the recipient Tuesday of the 2020 Manning Award as college football's top quarterback. Jones is the first Crimson Tide quarterback to win the Manning Award, which is now in its 16th year and is unique in that it takes postseason performances into account. The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder from Jacksonville, Florida, capped his Alabama career by throwing for 464 yards and five touchdowns during the 52-24 drubbing of Ohio State in the national championship game Jan. 11. - Chattanooga Times Free Press

(DS#4 QB) rJr/2021

QB *Mac Jones, Alabama
News Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
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