Fowler’s Final Takes From A-Day

The Kalen DeBoer era is here. To be honest, I had to pinch myself several times to
make sure I had not been in a daydream for the last 3-4 months. Especially when
Coach Saban walked into the press box during the game. I thought he might have been
lost. I also made my way down to the Walk of Champions to watch DeBoer walk into the
stadium for the 2nd time. He coached here when Fresno State played Alabama in 2017. DeBoer arrived a few minutes early because he came directly from Denny
Chimes, where the permanent captains placed their forever mark at the Capstone.
I was focused on University Blvd, just happened to glance behind me and I saw DeBoer
emerge from the glass doors. He walked out and witnessed the most passionate fans in
college football show up to support their new football coach. I could tell DeBoer was
blown away by the number of people who had gathered outside Bryant-Denny Stadium
to watch the incredible walk to the stadium. DeBoer later responded in the press
conference about the moment I had witnessed before the game. This is also the
appropriate time to show appreciation for the Crimson Tide fans, pat yourself on the
back. 72, 538 fans showed up to support this program for the 15th and final practice of
spring. That passion is what sold DeBoer on leaving the success he built at the
University of Washington to become the next football coach for the Alabama Crimson
Tide. You are a big part of what makes this program so special, keep up the great work.

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I try not to overreact or under react to any spring game because we are not watching a
finished product. With that being said, there are several takeaways I would like to share.
Let’s start with what will be the strengths of this team. Do you see the depth at
running back? Jam Miller was the A-Day MVP, rightfully so after a solid day leading all
rushers with 83 yards and 2 touchdowns. Justice Haynes was not too far behind and
you can see easily how this team could lean on the talented rushing attack if the
complete offense needs more time to develop.

DeBoer mentioned that he was pleased with only six penalties throughout the afternoon,
which was refreshing to see inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama did not have a single
turnover all afternoon which is a credit to this team’s focus. DeBoer also pointed out during the postgame press conference that throughout the spring scrimmages, the super-talented quarterback room had not thrown any interceptions. That is something to
celebrate from an offensive perspective, but you would like to see a more aggressive
approach from the defense. Speaking of the defense, I would have liked to see better
production from the defensive side of the ball. I think this will improve with time. This is
no time to overreact, I think Alabama’s defense is in very capable hands with Kane
Wommack as the new defensive coordinator and will be one of the stronger units in the
SEC in the fall.

Now, let’s address the real elephant in the room. The transfer portal opens up on
Monday and I look for the Crimson Tide to be super busy with some key additions. After
watching and hearing all spring about several needed positions, I think the Tide will supplement this roster with some key pieces that make this team even more
competitive. I also love what I am hearing in Tuscaloosa about this program and the
energy in the building. Alabama, under Kalen DeBoer, will maintain the same level of
consistency we have come to expect under Nick Saban for the last 17 years. Can you
imagine the sales pitch that Alabama and Kalen DeBoer will have for a group of
potential portal additions? I think the Crimson Tide will be just fine in 140 days when
Western Kentucky officially starts the 2024 season at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

I can’t wait to hear your opinions and talk about what we witnessed on Monday
afternoon starting at 2 pm on The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9.