An announced crowd of 74,326 came out to watch the SEC’s most dominant program play its annual A-Day spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Many attended in anticipation of their first look at heralded QB Tua Tagovailoa. Others couldn’t wait to get a look at returning signal-caller Jalen Hurts to see what improvements he’s made to his game.
With new OC Brian Daboll unveiling his offense to Alabama fans, there wasn’t a lack of exciting plays and deep passes. The two quarterbacks combined for 614 yards passing and five touchdowns.
True freshman WR Jerry Jeudy earned the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award. He scored twice on five pass receptions totaling 134 yards.
Jerry Jeudy selected by the media as this year's Dixie Howell Memorial Award winner (#ADay2017 MVP). #RollTide
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 22, 2017
Here’s a look at a breakout performer this spring from the rest of the SEC West.
Arkansas: T.J. Smith
The sophomore defensive lineman performed well in Arkansas’ new 3-4 scheme. Smith was credited with three sacks in the spring game as the Razorbacks look to apply even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season.
Of course, the biggest news coming out of Saturday’s game was the “stinger” to RB Rawleigh Williams III. The Razorbacks’ leading rusher (1,360 yards) last season suffered a major neck injury as a freshman in 2015.
Arkansas team in prayer as Rawleigh Williams III carted off field.
UPDATE: RW3 diagnosed with a stinger, taken to hospital as a precaution. pic.twitter.com/vqtsgqojSn
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 29, 2017
Auburn: Jarrett Stidham
Not sure how much of a surprise this is, but Stidham was outstanding this spring. As many expected, he solidified himself as a candidate not only to win the quarterback job at Auburn, but to be among the top QBs in the SEC.
If OC Chad Lindsey turns him loose, as Lindsey promised in stating he’d open up the offense, Stidham could be very special. He threw for 267 yards, completing 16 of 20 attempts in Auburn’s A-Day game in front of an announced crowd of 46,331 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. He drove his team to five first-half touchdowns.
Jarrett Stidham had a NICE spring game at Auburn!
(He makes Auburn a national championship contender, yeah I said it) pic.twitter.com/j4jIhTf9NM
— Five Star Degenerates (@FiveStarDegens) April 14, 2017
LSU: Grant Delpit
The freshman safety stepped up when given his opportunity. John Battle did not play in the spring game and Delpit punctuated a solid spring with a big effort, leaving somewhat of a question mark as to whether he could in fact win himself a starting spot by the fall opener.
The comparisons are already flooding in. People are comparing Delpit to Jamal Adams, who was chosen sixth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
New: In college 4 months, safety Grant Delpit is making his mark at #LSU.
"He's a little bit like Jamal Adams."https://t.co/SZ1qkLHjIC
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) April 23, 2017
Mississippi State: Cameron Dantzler
The Bulldogs’ defensive back came back with a vengeance after redshirting last year as a freshman with an ankle injury. His quick feet and reaction time are what makes him a prime candidate to win a starting spot in the Bulldogs’ secondary under new DC Todd Grantham.
Dantzler showed speed and agility in returning an interception 81 yards for a pick-six in the spring game. He added a second interception and finished with three tackles, including one for a loss.
WATCH: Cameron Dantzler got 2 picks in today's game, wanted to show what he could do. He and @JamalPeters21 explain a close relationship. pic.twitter.com/dLu5q8d1P4
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) April 8, 2017
Ole Miss: DK Metcalf
Actually it could just as easily have been A.J. Brown. Both wide receivers performed well at a much-needed position. Both have good hands and are big, physical receivers in the mold of outstanding Rebels WRs of the past few years.
That’s good news for Ole Miss because QB Shea Patterson can’t reach his full potential without quality receivers. And besides that, with all the off-the-field distractions, the Rebels could use some good news.
Watching Ole Miss spring game.. DK Metcalf making a guy miss after the catch & pulling away for the TD pic.twitter.com/vLBSqcxzdj
— Ty Wurth (@lostyhighway) April 15, 2017
Texas A&M: Justin Madubuike
The defensive tackle is simply imposing physically. But what makes him scary good with endless potential is the fact that this 300-pound behemoth is also quick and has some speed.
That’s good news for Aggies fans after bookend DEs Myles Garrett, the first overall pick in last week’s NFL Draft, and Daeshon Hall, a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, completed their stellar careers in College Station.
Highlights of Texas A&M signee Justin Madubuike #12thMan #NSD16https://t.co/RJYwfNpd5O
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) February 3, 2016
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
