#65 OG Chance Warmack
-Lining up at left guard.
-Huge initial punch, jars the defensive tackle.
-Bends effortlessly, appears athletic in his movements, looks good pulling.
-Nice feet in pass protection, makes it look easy mirroring defensive tackle.
-Using the defender’s momentum against him, sealing him easily.
-Misses initially on the second level, works back and makes the block.
-Turns the defensive tackle easily, drives him backwards.
-Beaten by arm over to the outside, gives up a sack.
-Misses his assignment, tackle side-stepped the block.
-Finishes combo block, takes the tackle to the ground.
Overview: A good game from Warmack, but he did have a couple minor mistakes, which is atypical for him. As he continues to grow more comfortable with Barrett Jones on his right, I think Warmack will be even more of a dominant presence for Alabama line.
#75 OL Barrett Jones
-Lining up at center, making the line calls.
-Good hand placement, drives defensive tackle off the ball.
-Accurate shotgun snapper, perfect velocity – solid with QB under center as well..
-Fires out of his stance, stays in control.
-Picks up linebacker blitz with ease.
-Quick to the second level, solid block on linebacker.
-Gets a chip on the tackle, moves on and seals the linebacker.
-Very comfortable in space, positions himself well on screen.
-Got a little high out of his stance, pushed into the backfield.
-Chips the tackle and blows the linebacker back, looks comfortable at center.
Overview: I was expecting to see Jones eventually make the transition from left tackle to center, but I didn’t expect him to look so comfortable this early. He was spot on in his line calls, got out of his stance quickly, snapped the ball flawlessly and was technically sound. He’ll be a top fifty pick.
#89 TE Michael Williams
-Inline tight end, big body.
-Called for a false start.
-Slips the defensive end with a nifty move and catches the easy goal line touchdown.
-Decent pass protection, gains initial control.
-Has been solid in run blocking, good hand placement and pad level.
-Gets a couple of good down field blocks.
-Nice corner route, gets some separation but can’t haul in diving catch.
Overview: Williams had a solid night blocking and was able to present a threat in the passing game when needed. His size will be coveted by NFL teams this spring.
#54 DT Jesse Williams
-Lining up at nose tackle and as a 1-tech defensive tackle.
-Double teamed, doesn’t give an inch.
-Loses his balance, pushed back by center.
-Controls the guard with one arm, tackles the running back with the other for no gain.
-Gets off the ball quickly, shoves the guard out of the way and gets a piece of the running back.
-Sheds single block easily, but misses arm tackle.
Overview: Williams didn’t see a large amount of snaps, but Michigan took notice when he was in there. He saw a lot of double teams and was rarely singled without some sort of help. He might not make a huge mark in the box score, but he makes things easier for the Alabama linebackers.
#28 CB Dee Milliner*
-Playing cornerback, mostly on the boundary.
-In press man, gives free release, breaks on ball and makes the deflection.
-Misses tackle in space, dove for the ankles and missed.
-Doesn’t back down, going after Taylor Lewan after the play.
-Gets his hand in and disrupts the catch, great timing.
-Comes on corner blitz, breaks down and gets RB to the ground.
-Physical jam on receiver takes him to the ground, makes the easy interception.
-Looked comfortable with the ball in his hands, nearly took it in for a TD.
-Gets a hand on another ball, locates the ball very quickly.
-Doesn’t fall for double move, nice recovery speed allows him to disrupt catch.
-Flies up in run support, makes shoestring open field tackle on Robinson.
-Lost contain on sweep, leads to big play.
Overview: Milliner might have had the best night of any Alabama player, which is really saying something. He totaled four pass deflections and also snagged an interception. He has great recovery speed, fluid hips and breaks so quickly on the ball. Milliner made a great first impression.
#77 OT Taylor Lewan
-Lining up at left tackle.
-Extends his arms and easily drives through the defensive end.
-Finishing blocks with authority, has some nasty in him.
-Called for a facemask penalty, poor hand placement, missing his chest.
-Good pad level, anchors well against the bull rush.
-Called for holding penalty.
-Keeps a nice wide base, handles the push/pull move with ease.
-Gets to the second level quickly, seals off the linebacker.
-Nice hand placement and anchor against bull-rush, stops the DE cold.
-Called for a false start.
-Technically sound, uses good angle to seal the edge and create some room.
-If he gets locked on, DL are having a very tough time disengaging.
-Natural bender, plays with a good pad level.
-Picks up linebacker blitz easily, nice footwork.
-Bangs up his right leg – hobbles off the field – replacement immediately beaten for a sack.
Overview: Lewan is an elite left tackle prospect. He is a natural bender and looks like he has improved his strength from last year. The penalties in this game will need to be cleaned up, but there was a lot to like from Lewan on a night where not much went right for the Wolverines.
