Nick Saban on Bryce Young's performance from Alabama scrimmage

Alabama had their first scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday, and head coach Nick Saban spoke afterwards about Bryce Young‘s performance during it. Young is coming off a phenomenal season that saw him win the Heisman Trophy, although the Crimson Tide’s season ended with a loss in the National Championship Game against Georgia. Now, expectations for Young as higher than they’ve ever been as he follows his 2021 season while pursuing a national title.

Nick Saban on Bryce Young’s scrimmage

“I think Bryce had a good day today,” said Saban. “We had a couple drops but, you know, the first offense for the most part moved the ball really well. Didn’t do great on third down period, but I think that was more the pressure, the offensive line — gotta continue to improve there.”

Saban continued his comments by speaking on the successes of their other quarterbacks who saw playing time in the scrimmage. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson took plays at quarterback after Young, as Saban appeared to be impressed with their development as well.

“But I thought Jalen Milroe has made really consistent strides,” added Saban. “And he did some good things today. He actually moved the team. We always give the second guy an opportunity with the first team and he moved the team down the field pretty effectively. So I think he’s got a better understanding of what we’re doing. He’s getting a little more consistent in his ability to execute.

“Of course Ty [Simpson] is this young guy, freshman — he’s got a lot of promise, a lot of upside. Smart guy, works hard at it. Everything’s pretty fast for him right now but we’re not at all disappointed with the progress that he’s making.”

Saban and Alabama re-load for 2022

Plenty of key pieces are coming back for Alabama, notably quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young on offense. But on defense, the Crimson Tide bring back plenty of fire power. Will Anderson, Henry To’oTo’o and Jaylen Moody are among the big names to return on that side of the ball.

But there are new faces on the roster, as well. Saban brought in the No. 2 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings, while also adding three transfers. All three of them were in the top 15 of the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, led by Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs — On3’s No. 3 transfer in the portal. Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton came in as On3’s No. 5 transfer, while LSU transfer Eli Ricks checked in at No. 12.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.