Everything Nick Sheridan said after Alabama's seventh spring practice

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan spoke to local reporters after Tuesday’s seventh football practice of the spring. Below is everything Sheridan said.

On what he’s seen from Alabama’s three freshmen offensive linemen…

“They’re getting better every day. You talk about being a young player, especially at the line of scrimmage, there’s a lot to learn, mentally, physically. Great kids. Hard-working. Coach [Chris Kapilovic] is pouring into them so they’ better and better each and every day.”

On what he’s seen from James Brockermeyer, Parker Brailsford at center…

“Competition. That’s how we’re handling it. We’re promoting competition. We challenged the group, all positions, to seek competition this week. And I think those two guys, Parker and Brock, have really done a nice job. They’re two good players. They’re battling. But our center position has played well to this point and we need to. We’ve got to be strong in the middle.

“Those guys have done a nice job. For Brock to learn a new system, I’m really proud of him and how hard he’s worked. And obviously Parker has experience playing in the scheme with some of the communication. But there’s some changes, too. Both those guys are great. Hard-working, competitive. We’re really happy with those two kids.”

On freshman wide receiver Caleb Odom…

“Talented player. No doubt about it. Coach [JaMarcus Shephard] is pouring into him, and he’s getting better each and every day. When you have a young skill player, the stamina, the endurance, the volume of running in practice, the effort. And the thing that I would say about Caleb is that he’s a sponge. He soaks it all in.

“We’re pleased with where he’s at. He’s got work to do, there’s no doubt. He’s a young player. But we’re glad he’s on our team.”

On how the installation is going with Alabama’s quarterbacks…

“I think you’re always monitoring the level of execution. There’s really two groups that you’re always paying very close attention to, is the offensive line and the quarterbacks. Making sure that they’re understanding the scheme, the communication systems, techniques, fundamentals. When those two positions know exactly what they’re doing, I think the other positions can play fast and confident as well.

You need 11 guys to execute at a high level on each and every snap. There’s no one position that you can … not on offense. You can’t have 10 guys doing the right thing and one not. We’ve poured a lot on them. We’re asking them to absorb a lot of information, but we know over time that will pay off for us.”

On what he’s seen from those battling for the No. 2 QB job…

“They’re competing. I think that’s a really talented group, and great kids. I’m excited about the group. I think there’s some young players that are very talented, and they’re getting better as well. Even Austin [Mack], who is familiar with the system, he’s 17 years old. This is his first spring practice. All those guys — Austin, Dylan [Lonergan], Ty [Simpson], Jalen [Milroe] — each guy is improving.

“I thought we took some strides today. We’ve had some ups and downs, certainly as you would expect, installing a new scheme and a new offense. But those kids are great. I feel lucky to be their coach.”

On hurdles installing a new offensive system…

“We don’t really look at it as hurdles. We just kind of try to attack it and get better. We don’t really evaluate it as if we’re behind or ahead. We’re just where we are, and we’re trying to be better tomorrow than we are today.

“We have a way that we install the offense. I think you adapt that with your group each and every year with who you have, the skill set of the players. We don’t look it as hurdles. We just look at it at identifying areas where we need to improve and try to attack those each and every day and then build on the things we did well. That’s what we’ve always tried to do as a staff.”

On the ongoing competition at offensive tackle…

“They’re right in the thick of it. Those kids are young, talented, hungry, well coached. I think Kap is doing a phenomenal job. He’s an excellent – he’s an expert offensive line coach, and we’re lucky he’s our offensive line coach and he’s pouring into those kids have responded. I see improvement each and every day. Physicality, toughness, effort. I think we all recognize the importance of the offensive line in this league. We’re not where we need to be but those kids are improving. Kap is doing a great job, and those kids are working their tails off each and every day.”

On if the helmet communication goes through Kalen DeBoer, too…

“We’re right in the middle of working through that communication, but everyone should hear what is being communicated to the quarterback. The only extension is that now the quarterback receives it. The communication on the headset, everyone will be able to hear it.”

On Austin Mack’s growth from Year 1 to Year 2…

“Well, he’s still in year one. He showed up in the summer. This is his first spring practice. I see him getting better by the minute. Great kid, great family. Like the rest of the kids. I feel lucky to coach the guys in my room. They embrace coaching, they want to do well. I’m excited about the group.”

On if offensive veterans help when installing a new system…

“I think anytime you have experience it’s valuable. All the players that have competed in these environments. I think you grow from those experiences. And certainly, there’s some carryover in scheme. There’s some familiarity. There are zone plays and gap plays and man plays and perimeter plays, and when you’re a veteran player you’ve been exposed to some of those concepts.

“I think the communication, the way you talk, the familiarity with people around you, the guys that are next to you. Each and every year is a new team and you’re building that camaraderie, that chemistry amongst the group. If you have experience in this league and have played snaps in these environments, I think that’s valuable for any player at any position.”

On offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts…

“What a great kid. Talk about a worker. Strong, extremely strong. I think he’s building on the foundation he has, with the experiences he has had, but a great kid. A joy to coach and tough and hard-working and strong. Did I mention strong? J-Rob is strong and an awesome kid. We’re glad he’s on our side.”

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