Alabama sets kickoff time for A-Day; DeBoer would ‘love’ to keep current format
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Alabama football’s annual spring game, A-Day, will be held on April 13 with a 3 p.m. kickoff, the team announced Thursday.
The novelty of this year’s scrimmage is high following Nick Saban’s retirement. His first spring game famously drew more than 92,000 fans in 2007. New UA coach Kalen DeBoer will get to showcase his reloaded roster while the new voice of the Crimson Tide, Chris Stewart, will call it from the booth.
Speaking to Tide 100.9′s Ryan Fowler on Tuesday, DeBoer commented on whether he’ll retain the usual A-Day format: “I haven’t (decided) yet. A lot of it is based on the roster. I’d love to keep the format that it’s been; I know the fans love it. We need to make sure everything we do is strategic and building up toward us getting better and making the most of each practice. We’re anticipating another fantastic A-Day turnout, and our boys should have a terrific time. That won’t happen for some time because we still have a lot of work to do, but you can be sure it will happen quickly.
On April 22, 2023, UA’s final spring game was played, with an earlier kickoff in front of a scorching Tuscaloosa sun. The teams, Crimson and White, had separate rosters. In contrast to the losers’ can of beans, the winners received a steak supper. The fan autograph session known as “Running of the Gumps” was reduced to a paid event in conjunction with Yea, Alabama, Alabama’s NIL company.
Last year’s showcase provided little clarity on Alabama’s open quarterback competition. This year, Jalen Milroe will be the incumbent against Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan and Washington transfer Austin Mack.
“I believe that if you look at the various skill sets we have, and obviously everyone looks at Jalen [Milroe] and sees his mobility and football running ability, that’s an additional weapon,” the player said. Additionally, that improves everyone in his vicinity. There are more eyes in the backfield, so many options are available. When it comes to quarterbacks becoming used to his system, DeBoer stated, “You need a guy who’s poised, a guy who, when the big moments come, is confident and his teammates feel that.”
A-Day will also serve as a showcase for newly appointed defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. Sheridan will call plays this autumn, according to DeBoer, who spoke with ESPN’s Chris Low.
