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Nick Saban reveals that three key Alabama players are out for spring

47377776_10156854436900775_2208546246019252224_nby: Clint Lamb03/12/22ClintRLamb
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Ron Jenkings/Getty Images

The Alabama football team just finished up its first of 15 practice sessions this spring. Soon after the practice concluded, coach Nick Saban spoke to the media for the first time in a while. He shared several tidbits of information, but one of the biggest takeaways from the press conference is that three key players would be out for the spring.

Those players include wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, center Darrian Dalcourt and outside linebacker Keanu Koht.

“We got a couple of guys that are going to be out for the spring,” Saban told reporters. “Ja’Corey Brooks is out for the spring. Darrian Dalcourt will be out for the spring. Keanu Koht, all those guys are out for the spring. Whether they had injuries coming out of the season or whatever.

“All the other players are doing some portion of practice and are making some progress towards being able to practice at some point in time in the spring. And those assessments will be made, you know, as they make progress throughout the spring.”

Not having those players available will be a blow to the Crimson Tide.

Brooks is expected to be a key part of Alabama’s rotation at wide receiver after bringing in 15 receptions for 192 yards and 2 scores as a freshman in 2021. One of those touchdown grabs was a game-tying, 28-yard strike from Bryce Young that sent the game against Auburn into overtime. He also scored against Cincinnati in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Dalcourt is the other significant loss.

Last year, he started 11 games before ankle injuries hindered his play to the point that he was forced to sit out. In his absence, second-year offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin took over as the starter and performed well. The two were expected to compete for the job this spring, but that is now off the table. Although, it’s still possible for Dalcourt to earn his spot back in fall camp.

Koht didn’t see any snaps in Year 1 after coming in as part of the 2021 recruiting class. He is, however, a former five-star recruit with some upside. After playing at 220 pounds last season, Koht is now listed at 231 pounds, a positive sign for his physical development.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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