The 2023 Alabama football season came to an end in the College Football Playoff semifinals as Alabama lost to Michigan in overtime. In other words, a number of veterans, like Justin Eboigbe, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Dallas Turner, participated in their final games with the Crimson Tide.
As with every other college football season, the arrival of winter signals the transition of the team’s younger players into leadership roles. In 2024, they’ll want to demonstrate their progress and gain more playing time when spring practice arrives.
AL.com spoke with a few of the team’s younger players during the Crimson Tide’s media day in Pasadena before the Rose Bowl. These are their thoughts regarding the things they discovered during the 2023 season.
Simpson Ty
Somewhat surprisingly, Simpson allegedly decided to play his 2024 season in Alabama. Simpson fought Tyler Buchner and Jalen Milroe for the starting position during camp, but he was on the bench when the cake was taken out of the oven.
The redshirt rookie assumed the position of Milroe’s principal backup. He played in six games, but the one that garnered the most attention was when he dropped the ball just short of a big touchdown run against Chattanooga.
He made a vow not to repeat that learning experience. However, Simpson claimed that his growth was quite good for the entire year.
“A lot has been gained,” Simson declared. Particularly after participating in the games against USF, Chattanooga, and Kentucky, I feel like I’ve matured and gained a lot of experience. I believe that as a player, I’ve changed drastically, and that the coaches and the team both have faith in me to perform when necessary. I’m quite enthusiastic about the future.
Dylan Lonergan
In the Chattanooga game, the true freshman quarterback from Snellville, Georgia, saw action and completed two passes. Prior to the Michigan game, he was unsure about his future as a baseball player, despite coming to Alabama as a two-sport athlete with ambitions to play the game.
After strong preseason training, Lonergan found himself in a competitive situation for playing time, which he said was surprising. He claimed that increasing the game’s speed was the most challenging aspect of the transfer to college.
He claimed to have noticed noticeable progress all year long.
Lonergan stated, “I’ve been able to draw a lot from a lot of different people, especially coach (Tommy) Rees.” “Merely being aware of the transgression. It’s been amazing, especially learning how to read defenses better and simply becoming the greatest quarterback I can be.
Keon Keeley
Keeley was a five-star edge recruit when he signed with the Crimson Tide. The 2023 season was the last one in which he saw the field.
The experience could have been demoralizing for others. However, Keeley, who intends to stay in Alabama, didn’t think so.
“At the University of Alabama, I understand what I signed up for,” Keeley remarked. “I fell in love with it the moment I saw it, and I know they can help me reach my full potential.”
According to Keeley, coming up to speed with the playbook was the most challenging aspect of the season. This season, he had the chance to see Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner play edge rushers, which he thought was a really valuable experience.
He claimed that the two, as well as the coaches of the Crimson Tide, had a significant role in his growth.
Keeley remarked, “They’ve held me accountable every day.” They’ve never once allowed me to get lazy, and they constantly encourage me to strive to be the best outside linebacker I can be. Though it’s a blessing, they’ve all advised me to hone my abilities, concentrate on improving by 1%, tune out the outer world, and get ready for my moment.
Formby Wilkin
Formby, a native of Tuscaloosa, is most recognized for being the grandson of Taco Casa’s founder. Nevertheless, he participated in three games for the Crimson Tide this season and was rated as a four-star offensive line prospect in the class of 2023.
Formby claimed that spending time on the bench has improved his patience this season. He mentioned Tyler Booker and JC Latham as two senior players who have assisted him.
Formby has also gained an understanding of how challenging Alabama’s procedures are.
Formby stated, “I’ve realized that practice has really prepared me for the games that I’ve gotten to play in.” “Practice is so intense, and the players are so talented that I get to practice against them every day that they don’t even match up.”
The way his seasoned teammates responded to Alabama’s early-season setbacks taught him another valuable lesson.
Formby remarked, “They stayed together like a team.” Nobody even mentioned names. They resolved to endure it by banding together like a fraternity.
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