After a strong Spring, the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to wrap up Spring ball on Saturday with the 2021 A-Day game. Aside from some injury concerns, the Tide had a stellar Spring. One of the biggest goals this Spring was to establish some significant position battles. They also found players on both sides of the ball they can rely on to take over as leaders. This will be the first time spectators will see the Crimson Tide in the preparations for the 2021 College Football season. Last year’s A-Day game was canceled due to the impact of COVID-19. Fan attendance at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be at 50% on Saturday. Alabama comes into this game fresh off the #1 ranking by ESPN’s FPI poll.
2021 Alabama Crimson Tide A-Day Preview
Bryce Young Looks to Expand His Limits
The biggest question mark for Alabama’s offense was how sophomore Bryce Young would adjust to the spotlight of being the number one quarterback. Not only is Young transitioning well as a starter but he is creating a significant impact on his teammates. Young has been solid in adapting to his role and has progressed faster than the coaching staff anticipated this Spring. This A-Day game will be the first time fans will see Young as the starting quarterback for Alabama. He will face serious pressure when Saturday comes but this will also be a huge developmental process for him. This Saturday will also be another chance for either redshirt sophomore Paul Tyson or true freshman Jalen Milroe to separate themselves as the backup quarterback. While Tyson started the Spring strong while Milroe had a great performance in the Tide’s second practice scrimmage last Saturday.
Alabama’s Running Game Looks to Take Form on A-Day
Despite the huge focus on the quarterback position, the running game remains a vital focus for 2021. Senior running back Brian Robinson Jr. returns for his fifth season to become the first-string running back for Alabama. However, in his long career, Robinson has never rushed for 500 yards in a season. So far this Spring, Robinson has shown his devotion and hunger to get the Tide’s running game to an efficient level as Najee Harris did in the past few seasons. With a loaded backfield, Alabama will look towards their young backs to see which one will separate themselves from the rest of the competition. The biggest goal for Alabama on Saturday in the run game is to build efficiency in the offensive line. Senior center Chris Owens looks solid as a full-time starter. They will have to juggle injuries along the interior offensive line. Finally, they need to define the main competition at the right tackle position.
Which Receiver Will Step Up?
Alabama has become a top program for building elite receivers for the NFL. With DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle having gone to the NFL, John Metchie is the next top receiver for the Tide. Unfortunately, this Spring, Metchie has been limited by injuries. The offense has adapted to the injury big by looking for other receivers to step up as their next main contributor. There has been solid production from sophomore Javon Baker, who is looking to be the number two option for Young. Redshirt junior Xavier Williams has been spread around the field on the outside, and at the slot. Even at the tight end position, redshirt junior Cameron Latu has been highly productive in the early scrimmage. This Saturday will be a big opportunity for one of these receivers to stand out as the fan favorite for the 2021 season.
Which Alabama Defenders Will Have Pressure On A-Day?
With so much attention on the offensive side of the ball, the defense is left to quietly address their structures. The biggest key is finding out which role players from last year will step up as starters in 2021. Listed as the second main cornerback for the Tide is redshirt junior Jalyn Armour-Davis, who saw defensive minutes in two games this past season. He will hopefully have his biggest day this Saturday in the A-Day game. Junior Marcus Banks will also look to make a big impression for the starting cornerback spot. There will be more pressure for the starting Mike linebacker battle on Saturday between senior Jaylen Moody and junior Shane Lee. The biggest pressure will be defensive coordinator Pete Golding on Saturday. Alabama fans want more efficiency and intensity from the overall defense this season.
