5 storylines to watch out for at Alabama's first fall camp under Kalen DeBoer ft. Jalen Milroe's progress
With the 2024 college football season approaching, Alabama figures to be one of the most scrutinized teams in the nation. The retirement of coach Nick Saban, selection of Kalen DeBoer and the accompanying shifts in the program are massive.
What's worth watching this spring? Here are five stories to keep an eye on.
Five storylines to watch out for at Alabama's fall camp
#1 Jalen Milroe's progress
A season ago, Kalen DeBoer rode QB Michael Penix to the national title game. Milroe, a gutsy and impressive player a season ago for Alabama, passed for 2,834 yards and 23 scores and rushed for another 531 yards and 12 touchdowns.
How will he adapt to DeBoer's west coast mode of attack? The spring game suggested Milroe being a bit uneven and trying to work out chemistry with some new Alabama receivers. The showdown with Georgia on Sept. 28 looms, so Milroe needs to be ready by then, if not sooner.
#2 Who will pick up the ground game?
Last year's top backs Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams combined for 1,450 rushing yards and 13 scores.
Both are now gone, though, and it's fair to wonder who will step up in the Alabama backfield. DeBoer's Washington teams didn't neglect the run while piling up passing stats; his Alabama squad probably won't either.
Sophomore Justice Haynes and junior Jamarion Miller have both shown flashes of ability but are largely untested. There's no lack of even younger talent behind them, but it will be interesting to see whether Alabama settles on a featured back or gives a series of chances in the first few weeks to several runners.
#3 Who's the next top Bama receiver?
Similarly, Alabama lost its top three receivers from a year ago. Likely suspects in 2024 include junior Kobe Prentice, the top returner (18 catches, 314 yards, 2 TDs), Washington transfer Germie bernard and all-everything freshman Ryan Williams.
At Washington, DeBoer wasn't shy about spreading the ball around. Expect much of the same approach at Alabama.
#4 Will Kane Womack keep Alabama's defense at a high level?
Kalen DeBoer's offensive bonafides are clear. The bigger question is whether the Washington coach can keep Alabama elite on the defensive end.
A year ago, the Tide gave up just 19 points and 316 yards per game. But Alabama had some significant NFL departures, so Womack will have to put his stamp on his team.
#5 How will the road games go?
Alabama's home schedule, while it includes Georgia and Missouri, isn't all that daunting. It's the road where DeBoer's team will be made or broken. The Tide were 37-6 on the road in the last decade under Nick Saban.
DeBoer's first Alabama road schedule includes Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma. With the exception of the Georgia game, those other games (and perhaps a non-conference road game at Wisconsin) are the Tide's toughest tests. Will DeBoer have the Tide ready on the road?
What are you expecting in Alabama's fall camp? Weigh in below with your thoughts on Alabama's upcoming season: