Some nuggets from Alabama's first preseason scrimmage

Alabama held the first of its two preseason scrimmages Saturday. While the scrimmage was closed to the public and media, here are some tidbits that sources shared with On3:

— One of the positive developments of the day was that former five-star running back Trey Sanders, who has been working back from injuries suffered in a car accident last year, had a few standout moments. One was a touchdown catch from new starting quarterback Bryce Young. Sanders also broke a run of about 30 yards at one point.

— The Alabama coaching staff is optimistic about the defense and this scrimmage won’t change that. As was the case during the Crimson Tide’s two closed scrimmages in the spring, the first-team defense “looked great” Saturday. As during the spring scrimmages, outside linebackers Will Anderson and Chris Allen consistently caused issues for Alabama offensive linemen.

— Young and tight end Cameron Latu continue to build a nice connection. After combining for touchdown passes in each of the Tide’s spring scrimmages as well as the team’s spring game, they combined for another TD on Saturday.

— Backup quarterback Paul Tyson had a touchdown pass of about 60 yards to second-year wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell and finished without any interceptions.

— Young was intercepted at one point by freshman cornerback Terrion Arnold. Redshirt freshman cornerback Jacquez Robinson also had an interception. His came off of freshman quarterback Jalen Milroe.

— Highly ranked freshman wide receiver JoJo Earle, who enrolled this summer, flashed some and connected with Young for a touchdown early in the scrimmage.