Alabama football takes the field for first day of fall camp

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - There was no straw hat in sight out at practice like we saw from Nick Saban, but it’s a different vibe for the head coach Kalen DeBoer era as the Alabama Crimson Tide football team practiced early Wednesday morning at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields to kick off fall camp.

As media walked out to the fields for the first time, speakers blared “Pump It Up” by Endor, and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack coached up the defense wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. The Tide embraced the heat as day one of fall camp lasted two hours with players in padded helmets and shorts.

It provided the first opportunity to see highly talked about star freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams out of Saraland High School go through his reps on the field.

One difference from last season as well is that there is no quarterback competition entering camp as Jalen Milroe continues to be the main guy under center. He continued to work with the first team through spring ball and now into the fall.

The Crimson Tide have now become a morning practice team with DeBoer wanting to see younger guys like Williams get their reps and make these early mornings count.

“Guys grinded through it,” DeBoer said. “I thought actually they kept getting stronger as the day went on, which is what you want to see. And they kept their spirits high through the very last rep.”

Alabama prepares for its season home opener on Aug. 31 when Western Kentucky University comes to town.

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