Who’s Rising? 🔥 Five Alabama Position Battles Turning Heads as Fall Camp Begins

As Alabama opens its 2025 fall camp this week, the Crimson Tide enters its second season under head coach Kalen DeBoer with a dynamic mix of established stars, talented newcomers, and high-stakes battles across the roster  . With just over a month until kickoff against Florida State on August 30, here are five position battles that could define the Tide’s season.


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1. Quarterback: Ty Simpson vs. Keelon Russell vs. Austin Mack

Ty Simpson is the favorite entering camp, having earned confidence from coaches throughout spring  .

Freshman Keelon Russell brings five-star upside and the raw talent to push Simpson deep into camp, potentially shifting the depth chart if his development continues  .

Austin Mack, the transfer from Washington, appears to be behind both but still has a path if spring flashes turn into consistency  .



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2. Offensive Line: Battle for Right Tackle and Beyond

Wilkin Formby, after a rocky early 2024, is now penciled in as likely starter at right tackle—but faces competition from Jackson Lloyd and newcomer Michael Carroll  .

The interior line also sees heavy competition, with backups like Jackson Lloyd, Mal Waldrep, and Jackson Lloyd jockeying for snaps alongside Proctor, Brailsford, and Roberts  .



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3. Linebacker: Experience vs. Emerging Talent

Anchoring the LB room is Deontae Lawson, the fifth-year senior returning as a steadying veteran voice and defensive force  .

Young contributors like Justin Jefferson, Nikhai Hill‑Green (transfer), and incoming freshmen aim to push for snaps and impact role players  .



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4. Defensive Line: Tim Keenan III and the Rotation Shake-Up

Tim Keenan III returns as a proven starter inside with NFL potential as a team leader on the front line  .

The defensive line unit ranks atop the SEC in projections despite modest 2024 sack totals, and younger DL players and transfers vie to step into bigger roles behind leaders like Keenan and Overton  .



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5. Special Teams: Kicker, Punter & Snapper Competition

Punter sees a face-off between freshman Alex Asparuhov—a top‑rated high school punter—and experienced transfer Blake Doud from Colorado School of Mines  .

Long snapper positions will also be contested quietly, with fall camp critical for earning that often unsung but essential role  .



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🧭 Why These Battles Matter

Coach DeBoer emphasized continuity and physical toughness as central pillars of Alabama’s 2025 identity, noting that experience and young push are central to his strategy  . Each of these position group battles not only impacts early-season depth decisions but could also determine long-term contributors and future NFL-caliber players.


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🔍 Mid‑Camp Watch Points

Will Simpson’s edge hold under pressure, or can Russell force the staff to reconsider the QB picture?

Can Formby secure stability at right tackle, helping protect the blind side and anchor the OL?

Will the DL and LB units maintain dominance by integrating new pieces without sacrificing cohesion?

Do special teams battles yield upgraded consistency under pressure situations?



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As camp progresses into August, Alabama beat writers and official coverage like Roll Bama Roll will provide inside looks, drills, standout performances, and evolving depth-chart updates  .