Nick Saban pleased with progress after Alabamas spring game – AL.com

Alabamas white team, led by the Tides first-team defense and second-team offense, won the schools spring football game Saturday.

The white team defeated the crimson team, which included the first-team offense and second-team defense, 25-7.

Here is what Nick Saban said after the game:

-- Saban: This was the last opportunity for players to impress and it was showtime to see who would elevate their game. I think we had quite a few guys that did that today, Saban said, noting he was pleased with the specialists executing. A lot of players made plays. It was really tough conditions, Saban said, adding they never practiced with a wet ball in the spring -- but they typically do it in the fall. I do think that was probably a bit of an issue for throwing the ball, catching the ball, he said.

-- All in all, I was pleased with the effort. I was pleased with the progress we made in the spring.

-- Saban said the front seven on defense was further ahead than the offensive line and that affected the game more than anything else.

-- Saban: I think we know what we need to do. The important thing for players is to improve over the summer before fall camp. We obviously have some things that can be distractions to that in this day and age of football, Saban said.

-- Asked about J.C. Lathams spring, Saban said he has made a lot of progress in the spring. Were not satisfied with where he is, but were pleased with the progress that hes making. Saban said the purpose of Saturdays game was to evaluate offensive line and there was less helping with blocking in terms of players chipping, etc.

-- Saban said Jamil Burroughs has made a lot of improvement on the defensive line. He also noted Tim Smith and Chris Braswell as making improvements, with Saban saying he views Braswell as a starter at outside linebacker alongside Dallas Turner and Will Anderson. Saban also noted the progress made by younger linemen Tim Keenan and Damon Payne.

-- Saban said Alabama consciously tried to make Jalen Milroe pass the ball more this spring and he has made progress in doing that. Saban said Ty Simpson, made some good plays for the first time out.

-- Does it stand out to you? Fast is fast, Saban said when asked how much Jahmyr Gibbs burst stood out when he become available in the transfer portal. Very good running back, very good receiver, good third-down back, Saban said. Very good addition. Saban added he likes where they are at with running backs, especially when they get Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams fully back from knee injuries. He also said freshman Jamarion Miller has shown some promise.

-- Saban said three cornerbacks are competing for starting jobs -- Eli Ricks, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson. He wanted to see them play a lot and they are all capable, Saban said. He said Ricks, the LSU transfer who played on the second team simply to get more playing time in the spring game, needs to continue to learn the system. Hes a very conscientious guy and works hard at it, Saban said of Ricks. Saban also said Jackson is playing with more technique and McKinstry had a pretty good spring as well.

-- You never want drops, Saban said. They also had that issue in the second scrimmage when the conditions weather-wise were better, and players need to catch the ball regardless of the conditions. Some of the young guys [at receiver] have made an impact this spring, Saban noted, naming freshmen Aaron Anderson and Kendrick Law. Saban said they need to get more consistent at wide receiver in order to take advantage of other strengths on the team.

-- Saban said Robbie Ouzts has been one of the most improved players of the spring, he is playing with more confidence and playing faster. They need depth at tight end, Saban said, adding that Cameron Latu had a decent spring, as well.

-- Saban said Will Anderson did well in Saturdays scrimmage and regardless of the circumstance he gives 100 percent. Saban said he was asked recently about Will Andersons weakness and Saban said it is pass coverage, but asked reporters rhetorically if they want Anderson rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. He cracked a smile after that one.

-- Saban ended his news conference by complimenting Tua Tagovailoa on his first class charity luau in Tuscaloosa earlier this week. He also brought up John Mitchell and Wilbur Jacksons pregame ceremony, complimenting them on their courage and how it made Alabama a better place. I cant tell you how much I appreciate those guys for being trailblazers in what they did and creating tremendous opportunity for a lot of other people, he said.

-- Saban ended by wishing all the Christian folks out there a happy Easter.

-- I guess I wont see you for a while, which will be one of the saddest parts of spring practice being over, Saban says to reporters.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.

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Nick Saban pleased with progress after Alabamas spring game - AL.com