Tide Freshmen Shine in Evening Practice Session

The Thursday evening practice session was without question the most exciting practice of the day.

So many talented players who the coaches and recruiters worked so hard to sign…could finally take the field.

Even though several freshmen enrolled early and participated in spring practice, the opening of fall camp brings the entire group of freshmen/newcomers together for the first time.

Safety Blake Sims was finally cleared by the NCAA to participate this season following questions concerning his academic standing. Sims took the field Thursday night for the Crimson Tide wearing jersey
No. 18.

The addition of Sims is certainly a plus for ‘Bama because the Tide secondary is in need of depth.

Mark Barron and Robert Lester took reps at the safety position during the morning session and Sims, Jarrick Williams, Nick Perry and former wide receiver Kendall Kelly took reps during the evening practice.

Kendall Kelly had been working at the receiver and safety positions during the spring wearing jersey No. 81. Thursday night Kelly was not only at the safety position the entire session…but wore No. 26.

The jersey number change (to fit the new position) is a certain sign that Kelly has officially been converted from receiver to safety.

Linebacker Alfy Hill, running back Corey Grant and right tackle Arie Kouandjio looked visually impressive Thursday evening.

Hill and Kouandjio certainly have “SEC size” and Corey Grant is very fleet of foot at the running back position.

Quarterback Phillip Sims, cornerback DeMarcus Milliner and defensive lineman Brandon Lewis looked very strong during the evening session.

All three players enrolled early and participated in spring drills so one would assume they “should” be a level above the rest simply based on more time in the system.