PRACTICE REPORT: Team solidifies nickel defense

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CW / Hannah Saad

James Benedetto, Assistant Sports Editor

Alabama continued its fall camp with the third practice under the lights. Here are our observations of the viewing period during practice No. 11.

The Crimson Tide’s nickel defense began to solidify on Wednesday night. Redshirt sophomore Markail Benton slid into the “Will” linebacker position next to junior Dylan Moses. Benton went behind Moses during individual linebacker drills for the third practice since the Joshua McMillon injury. Freshman Shane Lee and Sophomore Ale Kaho went third and fourth respectively and were the inside linebackers in the second team.

In the first team secondary, senior Trevon Diggs and sophomore Josh Jobe lined up on the outside with sophomore Patrick Surtain positioned in the slot. Senior Jared Mayden and junior Xavier McKinney were at the two safety positions. Senior Shyheim Carter appeared in the second group at the slot position with freshman Markus Banks and Scooby Carter flanking on the outside. Two more underclassmen lined up in the safety positions as redshirt sophomore Daniel Wright and true freshman Jordan Battle took snaps toward the end of the media viewing period.

There was some personnel changes along the offensive line as redshirt junior Chris Owens and redshirt freshman Emil Ekiyor Jr. appeared at practice but did not partake in drills. With the two lineman sidelined, graduate transfer Landon Dickerson took first rep snaps at center while freshman Evan Neal took first rep snaps at left guard.

On the defensive line, junior LeBryan Ray regained his position behind senior Raekwon Davis during individual drills. This practice was Ray’s second time in full pads and the defensive lineman did not seem to miss a beat as he worked on gaining leverage against the sled.