The second spring football practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025 unfolded under the glaring sun at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, and while it was only March, the intensity felt like the closing days of fall camp. First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has already made waves with his no-nonsense, results-over-reputation approach, but the underlying tension brewing in Tuscaloosa is undeniable.
The quarterback battle, a perennial topic of controversy, took center stage once again. Sophomore sensation Jalen Parker — a mobile, high-ceiling prospect with elite speed — struggled through a scripted 7-on-7 session, throwing two interceptions to converted safety Kendrick Wallace. Parker’s deep ball continues to wobble, fueling speculation that DeBoer’s staff may favor redshirt freshman Caleb Whitman, a pro-style passer with laser-like accuracy but limited mobility. Whitman’s command of the huddle has impressed, though sources close to the program claim veteran offensive linemen quietly question his leadership grit.
Running back Kaden “Juice” Mitchell, the highly-touted five-star from Texas, missed the practice entirely for what Alabama’s staff described as “precautionary load management.” However, whispers persist that Mitchell is unhappy with his early reps in DeBoer’s pass-heavy scheme, a stark shift from the power-run identity Alabama rode for much of the Saban era.
Perhaps the most controversial moment occurred during positional drills when offensive line coach Scott Huff erupted at junior left tackle Mason McRee. McRee, a projected first-rounder, reportedly skipped several winter conditioning sessions, leading to visible rust in his footwork. When McRee false-started twice in five snaps during team drills, Huff pulled him aside and unloaded with an expletive-filled tirade audible across the field. In a surprising move, McRee removed his helmet, slammed it to the ground, and briefly left the field before being coaxed back by strength coach David Ballou. The incident, while minor in isolation, underscores the growing pains of a program in transition from the rigid Saban process to DeBoer’s more adaptable philosophy.
Defensively, Alabama’s front seven showed flashes of brilliance — and chaos. Senior linebacker Malik Traynor’s strip-sack of Parker during the first live session drew roars from the defensive sideline, but it also exposed a glaring protection breakdown on the left side. Traynor, in post-practice interviews, openly questioned the offensive line’s preparedness, a rare public shot at teammates that left media members stunned.
Secondary play continues to be a mixed bag. While Wallace’s interceptions were a highlight, cornerback Zion Battle, a high-profile transfer from Oregon, was repeatedly burned on deep routes by wideout Jaylen Griggs. Griggs, now wearing the famed No. 4 jersey, is emerging as the Tide’s primary deep threat, but questions remain about his consistency in the short game.
The culture shift is happening — painfully, publicly, and at times divisively. Some veterans embrace DeBoer’s push toward a faster, more innovative offense. Others, still molded by Saban’s methodical mindset, struggle with the looser structure. One thing is clear after just two practices — Alabama football in 2025 will either shatter records or collapse under the weight of its own evolution.
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