re: Bama Football Tidings

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I read an an article that described what Henry did was not breathtaking but soul taking. I agree as he just made teams quit late in the game.

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Yep. Having to tackle him 30 times and realizing that he wasn't even tired broke more than a few defenses.

Nice.

With a name like Harry Gilmer you'd better be a good player and a good guy too.

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Freshman quarterback Bryce Young was not at Monday’s practice. We’re not entirely sure on the exact reason, and we might not find out, but Alabama expects him back/doesn’t seem too worried. Nevertheless, we’ll keep an eye on it as UA returns to the field tomorrow.

-- Another player that missed some of yesterday’s practice was offensive guard Deonte Brown, who left the field midway through the practice session. Again, we’re not sure yet on the extent of the situation, but we will continue to monitor Brown’s status throughout the week.

-- In Brown’s absence -- and with Chris Owens also sidelined -- the offensive line looked like this from left to right for the rest of the practice: Alex Leatherwood, Pierce Quick, Landon Dickerson, Emil Ekiyor and Evan Neal. This is where Alabama’s interior line depth pays off.

-- Sticking with the offensive line, he’s not working with the first team just yet, but true freshman Javion Cohen is a young name to know moving forward. He’s worked at offensive tackle.

-- Tight end Jahleel Billingsley had another strong day. He has practiced with the second team and has even split-out wide at times. Slade Bolden continues to make plays at receiver.

-- Alabama doesn’t practice today. It will have two regular practices Wednesday and Friday prior to Saturday’s first scrimmage of the preseason. We’ll hear from Saban after the scrimmage.

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This was BOL practice report yesterday. With no press present at practice could be why there is conflicting reports. I get my info mainly from BOL and here so idk man

Thanks guys for the clarifications.
Makes sense now.

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This article says Chris Owens is the starting Center, thought Owens was MIA and Ekiyor was the starting Center in the practices?

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Couple of BOL posts on the OL. The response poster is well-connected and reliable:

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Q: Doesn’t seem like we’re settled at Center yet. We have tried Owens, Ekiyor and now back to Landon. I was hoping someone would step up at center so Landon could stay at right guard, but it may be that he’ll have to play center.

A: This happens every year. One, it is necessary to have depth at the center position due to that player making most of the calls and adjustments, and the need for consistancy with the snaps. Two, their philosophy is to find the best five players to play, and adjust postions as needed. Three, they like to have a seven or possibly eight man rotation so that they can rotate or sub without loss of effectiveness. Addtionally, I have some info that a couple of the younger players, primarily Quick, are making enough of a push that they are making contingency plans because they would rather young guys not have to crosstrain more than the minimum. Be patient my friend, all is on schedule.

Dalcourt is going to be a stud. Making great progress. My understanding is the area he needs the most improvement in is being more consistent in his footwork, which is critical for centers who are snapping to detached QBs, and in being more vocal and assertive in making adjustment calls. He picks things up quickly and understands the calls, but is not always efficient at communicating them, which is very normal for young centers, as is the footwork issue. The first and second step in pass pro after snap, especially depth and angle, is not a natural thing. He is very promising, and the future may come quickly.

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Our OL has great talent and depth but the sooner we can settle on the top 5 so they can develop some synergy and consistency, the better. Historically, our OLs have under-performed early in the season and gotten better throughout the year and you have to wonder if the slow starts are in part due to so much tinkering in fall camp

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I totally agree with you in that regard.
Ive watched all of last seasons games multiple times and specifically the Duke,LSU game and south Carolina game.
Owens struggle right out the gate in the Duke game with leverage as he struggle to hold the point of attack.
Emil Ekiyor was just way to slow out of his stance.

I would really hope Dalcourt,Quick,would solidify a guard spot leaving Dickerson at center.
I loved Cohen's film coming out of high school and it really was going to be a just matter of his weight/shape.
If he's gotten his weight and strengthening together.I would not be shock to see him get plenty time in the line up rotation.
I will say this assessment of both Owens and Emil Ekiyor was based on before our new strength and condition hires.
So maybe both have gained whats needed.
But its good to hear both Cohen, quick are looking good as we need a back up Tackle to step up.
If one of the starting OG's went down both 70 and 73 have handle the OG spots.
But we have good depth and should be able to have a back up ready at both OG's spots.

CFB games will be played in Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana in the next 9 days. Would love to see those pulled off without a hitch