Alabama just wrapped up its second spring scrimmage, and there were quite a few things to note. Kalen DeBoer made some significant changes to the format, essentially rendering the ‘game’ into a series of drills. It narrowed down the chances for some players to shine. Spring ball saw some key decisions being made in hopes of improving their offensive stats from last year’s. Now that they’ve wrapped up spring ball, how is their offense looking?

In 2024, the Crimson Tide offense had some flashes of brilliance, coupled with Jalen Milroe’s magic. Other times, it fell disappointingly, especially in the Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan games. That was far from the No. 1 ranking it had received prior to the season. As Kalen DeBoer looks to redeem himself in his second year at Alabama, there are some key areas where he needs to zero in his focus. The QB1 battle, which is still in full swing, might seem to be closing in on a victor.

Otherwise, things are looking really good for Kalen DeBoer, according to Josh Pate. He said in an April 14 episode of his show, “I think team mentality is really good. Really good.” He joked, “I’m not saying they went like full Junction Boys mode on them because you can’t do that anymore. Because you go to prison.” However, DeBoer did ensure the boys put in more effort than they did last season. Pate continued, “But about as close to that line as you can get, I think they went in winter and spring.” He also said that this year’s practice was “a far cry from what they had to pull the reins back on last year.” “[O]r else everyone would have entered the portal.” All in all, things look to be smooth sailing for DeBoer for now.

Pate made another hopeful claim, too. He said, “They’re going to be a factor, I believe, in the SEC championship picture.” Kalen DeBoer failed to carry on that legacy from Saban, who won the last conference title for Alabama. Naturally, DeBoer has a huge amount of pressure in his second season. As the QB battle is yet to pick its final victor, DeBoer can rely on one star talent from the WR room. However, his presence at the A-Day has raised a variety of conversations online.

Ryan Williams is shocking fans with his new look

Ryan Williams is a new man, based on what we saw at his A-Day appearance. He did not participate but caught all the attention of fans regardless. A particular reason for that was his significantly changed physique. Williams looked bulkier than before, having put on some muscle weight that had broadened his frame quite noticeably. His transformation was so noticeable that Williams had a long line of fans waiting to get his autograph.

“I’m getting a little bigger, if y’all can’t tell,” Williams joked last month. But that weight was never just for show because he wanted to be of use with his new physique. “My guys blocked for me, so just trying to return that favor down the field blocking.”  This is coming off a man who made 48 receptions for 865 yards and also scored 8 touchdowns. Not only that, but Williams also got those numbers after missing the entire offseason practice. Now, as he’s looking to improve his game, even by way of his new look, fans gave a mixed reception.

A particular fan thought Williams was being shallow. “He may be a GOOD player but his c–ky attitude will keep him from being a GREAT player.” Williams did not perform in the A-day game in hopes of resting his body and also to prevent an injury. If that had happened, DeBoer and Alabama fans would’ve been faced with a new worry. “College football about to become the NBA. Dudes getting paid then gonna sit out till it’s time for their next check,” wrote another user. The NIL truly has turned around the world of college football. But if Ryan had to leave, he would have gotten out by now. Plus, there’s no way DeBoer will let Williams ‘sit out,’ especially after the numbers he racked up last season.

We have already seen what Williams can do. A-Day, in itself, with this year’s version, has lost the importance and hype it once had. Now, Kalen DeBoer is just focused on assessing what his boys are capable of doing so far. Also, when Ryan Williams does put that new body to use, there’ll be more praise to ride out this wave of pessimism against him.