Happy Thursday, everyone. It was Alabama’s turn at SEC Media Days yesterday, and running the football was at the center of the conversation.
The first he mentioned? The ground game.
“I think we really look at it, we want to be able to run the football better,” DeBoer said. “I think that will help the overall team, overall when it comes to protecting your quarterback. Makes play calling easier. So that’s something we’ve addressed and stressed within our team.”
It’s necessary after Alabama put together a ground attack that was nothing short of a disappointment in 2025. The Crimson Tide finished 123rd out of 134 FBS teams in rushing yards per game, averaging about 101.
That should be music to every Alabama fan’s ears. Nick Saban believes that better OL coaching will go a long way.
“I think offensive line is one of the positions in football,” Saban said, “that if you do a really good job of teaching and coaching fundamentals at that position, footwork, hand placement, playing together, communicating well, understanding the defense and how you’re attacking it and how you’re going to block it, you can make huge improvements.”
DeBoer fired offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic in January and hired Adrian Klemm to clean up a unit that struggled even with two NFL draft picks, including first-rounder Kadyn Proctor.
“I think you can overcome some physical deficiencies at that position,” Saban continued, “if you have a really good coach, really good scheme and able to run the ball. So, I think they’re making strides in that direction. I think that’s going to be really, really important for them. Because what people don’t understand is if you can’t run the ball, you can’t stay ahead of the sticks.”
Hopefully Klemm is that guy.
DeBoer also spoke on newcomers, expecations at Alabama, some position battles, et al.
— Reporter asks about the potential for CD Morgan or EJ Crowell to have a breakout freshman season like Ryan Coleman-Williams in 2024. DeBoer says he doesn’t think Alabama will need as many impact freshmen this year, but says those two could have a “significant” impact this year, and praises the work ethic of both.
— DeBoer is asked about making Alabama the face of the SEC again. Notes that the Tide improved last season but fell short of expectations. Says that every area of the program must continue to improve.
— DeBoer says he wants to see poise from whoever the starting quarterback will be. Says it’s hard to create, but Alabama must put players in moments of adversity in practice.
— Question is how DeBoer feels he has handled replacing Nick Saban at Alabama. DeBoer says he knew the tradition at Alabama, and loves the challenge of taking over for one of college football’s greatest coaches.
Alabama’s biggest position battle may be on special teams
Alabama has its share of position battles to be decided in 2026. But none may be more impactful than the one at kicker. DeBoer was extremely complimentary of Conor Talty, who struggled in 2025. DeBoer lauded Talty’s ability to mentally recover, but said the kicker is working on making sure he’s consistent and steady. Lorcan Quinn, the Marshall transfer, has distance and accuracy on his side, but not experience on an SEC stage. DeBoer made it clear that both have the ability and both can do the job, but did not name the starter.
Roster turnover is something that has to be managed in this modern era, and Kevin McNulty of WIAT Birmingham has a rundown on it.
On offense, Alabama lost two of its top three receivers, but not Ryan Coleman-Williams. He enters his junior season prepared to catch passes from his third different quarterback in three years.
“It’s a growth opportunity,” Coleman-Williams said. “If I had opportunity to play in a National Football League, sometimes that might be the case as well. So, really just trying to maximize the time that I can spend with my quarterback.”
Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will compete for the QB job next month. Zabien Brown shared his perspective on the battle Wednesday.
“Mack, he’s not going to make a wrong decision,” Brown said. “And Keelon’s lightning in a bottle, so really can’t go wrong. And I love being around those guys.”
Joe Gaither took a stab at the depth chart.
The Alabama offensive line is the position group under the biggest microscope this fall. DeBoer praised Michael Carroll, William Sanders and Jackson Lloyd at SEC Media Days, making it sound like the starting positions were all but set. Carroll bumps down to guard, shoring up the interior along with Sanders, but the new faces are the biggest question marks. Will Lloyd step into the left tackle role and play well enough to protect a new quarterback? Will transfer Jayvin James improve from his time at Mississippi State at right tackle? How will Cal-Poly transfer Racin Delgatty handle himself at center against SEC competition?
If the first five aren’t playing well, look for Ole Miss transfer Ethan Fields to be the first offensive lineman off the bench.
Zabien Brown continues to talk about Jireh Edwards.
Zabien Brown didn’t belabor the point. That’s not his style.
He answered the question straight up and to the point and didn’t leave room for interpretation.
Reporter at SEC media days on Wednesday in Tampa: Did any young guys catch your attention?
“I was talking about Jireh Edwards earlier,” Brown said. “He’s a freak of nature. He’s been doing a great job so far.”
Edwards is a 6-foot-2, 221-pound true freshman defensive back who was a five-star recruit in the 2026 recruiting class. He picked Alabama over some of the best programs in college football such as Georgia, Ohio State and more.
Last, Jim Jarvis came through for the Braves again last night, going 2-for-4 including this go-ahead double in the 8th.
All Jarvis has done in the last ten games is hit .364 with a 1.036 OPS. He’s highly unlikely to sustain that level of production, but he’s proving he belongs in the big leagues. Good for him.
That’s about it for now. Have a great day.
Roll Tide.
