Nick Saban updates status on a pair of Alabama players ahead of Miami
Alabama football coach Nick Saban provided an update on the status two Crimson Tide players during his radio show Thursday. Defensive lineman LaBryan Ray and safety DeMarcco Hellams practiced this week but are game-time decisions.
Hellams is listed as the co-starter at safety along with Brian Branch. Ray is expected to take on more of a rotational role this season. The Crimson Tide are set to face No. 14 Miami at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in Atlanta.
No. 1 Alabama is coming off of an undefeated season and national championship victory against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide were the No. 1 offense in the country, but lost their starting quarterback, running back and top two receivers.
Miami is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2018, when they entered the year at No. 8. The Hurricanes are coming off of an 8-3 season and Cheez-It Bowl appearance.
The game is one of five between top-25 teams in Week 1. Despite this and the neutral location, Alabama is still a 19.5-point favorite.
Saban at Monday press conference
Nick Saban also gave an update on the status of both Alabama players during his Monday press conference.
As far as DeMarcco Hellams, it’s unlikely that he suits up based off comments Saban made earlier this week. He suffered an ankle injury this spring and just recently returned on Monday. The Alabama head coach wouldn’t commit one way or the other.
“DeMarcco will start running today,” Saban said “He’s still probably questionable for this game, so I can’t answer whether he’ll be available for the game or not.”
Despite being a starting defensive end in the past, Ray’s constant issues with various injuries has relegated him to a rotational role. That doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t have any sort of impact on Saturday. It just means, unlike Randolph, we don’t know what Ray’s role will be.
“I think both will be ready to play in the game,” Saban told reporters regarding Ray and offensive lineman Kendall Randolph. “We’re very encouraged by how they were doing, how they’ve been doing, the progress that they’re making. Kendall’s been out with a little twisted ankle, and LaBryan’s coming off a muscle pull. But both guys will be available for the game, and both guys are doing very well.”
Hopefully we’ll get a clearer picture on the Alabama players status before Saturday.