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The Tuscaloosa News
Which 6 Alabama football players could most benefit from ReliaQuest Bowl practices?
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Which 6 Alabama football players could most benefit from ReliaQuest Bowl practices?
The ReliaQuest Bowl may not be the game Alabama football wanted to play in. But it still gives Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer exactly what he wants: a chance to play more football.
"More football helps everyone. It keeps you sharp, it keeps you moving forward, progressing," DeBoer said. "When you don't have this time ... it's a struggle to get better."
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Alabama has the time as it stars to prepare for a Dec. 31 date against Michigan , time that includes more meetings, more practices dedicated solely to younger players who could be thrust into major roles in 2025.
"These are added practices that we will take advantage of," DeBoer said.
Here are six Alabama football players who have the chance to take advantage of the Crimson Tide 's ReliaQuest Bowl practices.
QB Ty Simpson
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has not made his plans public for 2025. Nevertheless, bowl practices could loom large for Ty Simpson , the third-year sophomore vying for the starting quarterback spot in 2025.
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Simpson, a former five-star quarterback in the 2022 class, has been seemingly the quarterback-in-waiting, backing up Milroe for the past two seasons and generating 381 career passing yards on 50 pass attempts.
ReliaQuest Bowl prep could be the first chance for Simpson to show what he can do as the leader of the Crimson Tide offense with Austin Mack and Dylan Lonergan also vying for snaps, and 2025 five-star Keelon Russell waiting in the wings.
WR Rico Scott
Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Rico Scott (11) catches a touchdown pass with Mercer cornerback Victor Pless (21) in tight coverage at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Mercer 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Alabama's wide receiver room has become a bit more sparse after Kobe Prentice , Kendrick Law and Caleb Odom each entered the transfer portal.
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During bowl prep, former 2024 four-star Rico Scott has the chance to make his move up the Crimson Tide's wide receiver depth chart after recording four receptions for 51 yards in as a freshman, including a 31-yard touchdown reception from Mack against Mercer.
Alabama could still be in the hunt for a veteran receiver to pair with Ryan Williams and, potentially, Germie Bernard in 2025. But Scott has the chance to stake his claim as the No. 3 wide receiver as he prepares to play Michigan.
OL Wilkin Formby
Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Wilkin Formby (75) warms up before the game with Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Alabama's right tackle spot was a weak spot on the offensive line throughout 2024. Elijah Pritchett , per Pro Football Focus, allowed five sacks, 21 hurries and 28 pressures from the spot in the regular season.
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And while the hole on the 2025 offensive line is expected to be at left guard with the likely departure of Tyler Booker to the NFL, the position battle at right tackle could very well open right back up, one that Wilkin Formby could compete for.
Formby, a former four-star in 2023, played at least 37 snaps against both Mercer and Auburn , per PFF, and allowed one pressure and one hurry in those games. One more offseason of development and Formby could very well push Pritchett for starters reps.
DL Keon Keeley and Jordan Renaud
The Crimson Tide players and coaches continue working toward the season opener in practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alabama linebacker Keon Keeley (31) takes a cool down break.
Alabama's Bandit position on the defensive line could be wide open in 2025 with the departure of Jah-Marien Latham and, possibly, LT Overton , who is appearing on multiple 2025 NFL mock drafts.
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The Crimson Tide needs an edge rusher. And while Alabama could very well look for a veteran piece via the transfer portal, two players have a chance to make a statement during bowl practices.
Keon Keeley , a Tampa native and former five-star in 2023, has not found the field much in his two seasons at Alabama, playing 18 snaps across four games for the Crimson Tide in 2024, but has continued to develop in his move from outside linebacker to Bandit.
Jordan Renaud , a former four-star in 2023, has already shown potential at Bandit, recording 11 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 123 snaps in 2024.
LB Justin Okoronkwo
With both Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell appearing on 2025 NFL mock draft boards, Alabama could be in line for two new starters at linebacker next season.
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Justin Okoronkwo , who has made a tremendous impact on special teams, per special teams coordinator Jay Nunez , could be first in line for reps. Okoronkwo was the main backup to Justin Jefferson vs. Auburn after Lawson's season-ending injury.
In seven games, Okoronkwo had 13 tackles, including a career-high five tackles against Missouri .
Expect Okoronkwo to practice as an Alabama starting linebacker during bowl prep.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 6 Alabama football players who most benefit from ReliaQuest Bowl practices
