Aug 102 min read

Kalen DeBoer Pleased With Progress After Alabama Scrimmage

The Alabama Crimson Tide held their first full scrimmage of fall camp on Aug. 10. Head coach Kalen DeBoer met with the media after the scrimmage to discuss how the Tide performed and what he had seen in camp.

Opening Statement

DeBoer started the press conference by saying this was the most extensive scrimmage they would have for the camp. The first- and second-team offenses got the bulk of the work, with 81 plays, while the third team had 21 plays to show what they had been working on in the early stages of the preseason camp.

"We had good give-and-take, some explosive plays and some tackles for loss," DeBoer said. "Obviously, from my standpoint, you want the defense to do better on the explosive plays and not give those up, and you are proud of the offense and vice versa there with tackles for loss."

On Using the New Technology

New for this upcoming football season, there will be coach-to-player communication during the game via a speaker in one player per side of the ball's helmet.

"Really trying to take advantage of being in here; you got the coach-to-player communication we use it every day during practice," DeBoer said. "It shuts off after 15 seconds. We got to simulate it with the officials and what that looks like down to the second."

On How the Quarterbacks Looked

DeBoer said he has been pleased with what he saw from Jalen Milroe and the other quarterbacks during the scrimmage.

"I thought the plays that are there, and you need to make that throw, they are doing it at a higher level," DeBoer said. "Not just today, but throughout camp, they are getting better at it, and a lot of that is the trust in your guys around you that they are going to be where you anticipate them being, especially in those moments when you get a little pressure.

"I still think there is a time or two we can throw the ball away, and I'm not just talking about Jalen," he said. "I'm talking about all of them across the board to keep us out of situations that turn into third and longs."

On the Biggest Area of Concern

DeBoer said his biggest area of concern at this time of year is the health of his team.

"This will be the biggest scrimmage, this will be the most plays we run," he said. "Next week, we will have a scrimmage, and there won't be quite as many, but it will be solid. Just being healthy."

Scrimmage Recap

The Crimson Tide are preparing for a season like they have not experienced in 17 years, a season without Nick Saban stalking the sidelines. The Tide is not going anywhere. DeBoer is a winner and he brings a winning mentality with him.

DeBoer was happy with the outcome of the scrimmage, but just as most coaches, saw room for improvement. DeBoer was able to keep veteran leaders who stayed on the team after Sabans' departure, like Milroe on offense and Malachi Moore on defense. The fact that DeBoer was able to keep a sliding core group of veterans to add with some new faces will have the Tide poised to compete at the highest level, as the fan base has grown to expect.