TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan spoke to local reporters after Friday’s 11th football practice of the spring. Below is everything Sheridan said.
Sheridan on Friday’s practice….
“Practice was great. You just keep working and get better. But it was a good day, productive day.”
Sheridan on the development of the quarterbacks…
“I think from top to bottom, I think all four guys have really done a nice job. And, you know, since the last time I talked to you guys, we’ve made steps in the right direction. So I think that’s what you’re looking for. We’ve exposed them to a lot. You know, our defense is very multiple. So you couple those things together. But I’ve been pleased with the progress and still a lot of work to be done — just simple execution that when you’re learning a system, you become more and more comfortable with each and every day. But I’ve been pleased with the group.
Sheridan on wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson…
“Yeah, extremely fast and a great attitude. Hardworking-kid that loves football and shows up ready to go each and every day. So, yeah, we’re pleased with where E-Man is. And like the rest of the guys, you know, we are a work in progress. But we’re pleased with the effort. You know, they’re working each and every day to create the habits that we’re looking to see in practice, and they embrace that and they take coaching. And so the things that we ask them to do better, they do better. And so that’s what you’re really looking for. And certainly E-Man has been great.
Sheridan on the importance of evaluations ahead of the transfer portal…
“I don’t think that the evaluation of your players has anything to do with that window. I appreciate the question, I understand why you’re asking that. I think we’re always trying to find ways to help the players. And so as you evaluate where they’re at, you try to meet them there and try to help them get better. And so that’s an ongoing process with all of our players each and every day. There’s constant evaluation, constant feedback. That’s really important to Coach. That’s really important to us that the players know where they stand, and they know how they can improve. You know, I think, as a player, I think that’s what you’re hoping to get out of a coach is that they’ll tell you where you’re at and how you can improve and get better. And so that evaluation is ongoing, regardless of what’s down the road.
Sheridan on if he noticed the run game catch the defense off guard some in the first scrimmage…
“I don’t know if I saw it quite that way. I think spring ball has been extremely competitive. You know, I think there has been moments where probably both sides of the ball walk off the practice field knowing there’s work to be done. And so I can’t — I will say this, we have a phenomenal staff on both sides. And so that challenge each and every day makes us better as coaches, certainly challenges the players. But top to bottom, both sides of the ball, this is an expert staff that, you know, is helping our team get better because of what you got to go against, both technically and schematically. So, you know, Kane’s doing a phenomenal job and the rest of the defensive staff is as well. It’s very competitive.
Sheridan on who can replace Jalen Hale’s skill set within the offense…
“You know, we just really focus on him and how we can be there to support him. So, you know, we want to do everything to surround him with love and support because he’s a great kid. And so that’s really what our focus has been on.
Sheridan on the opportunities Hale’s injury creates for other players with more reps in the spring…
“I mean, obviously, you know, there’s reps to be had. But I wouldn’t say that that’s been the message to the guys. It’s been more to love and support Jalen.”
Sheridan on the status of center Parker Brailsford…
“I certainly appreciate the question. I’ll let Coach (DeBoer) kind of handle just player availability and where things stand. And I’m pretty sure he’s talking to you guys here in the next day or so. So I’ll let Coach handle that.”
Sheridan on Alabama’s tight end room…
“I think it’s been very competitive. There’s experience there, and so I think those guys are learning the system, trying to carve out their role. I wouldn’t say that each guy is the same. There’s some versatility in the room. I think each player is a little bit different. I’ve been pleased with the physicality in the C- and D-gap. It’s a big room. These are 250-plus, 260-pound guys. That’s not totally normal, honestly.
“There’s some uniqueness in size, there’s some uniqueness in body control, ball skills. And so each guy is a little bit different. You guys are out there, you see them. They’re different body types, but what we’re trying to do, along with all the other players, is expose them to the system, expose them to the scheme and then as we get through spring practice, try to identify what each guy does the best and put them in those positions.”
Sheridan on Alabama’s running backs…
“Yeah, good. Yeah. Yeah, really good. You know, I think it’s a very competitive room. But I also think there’s some unselfishness there. And recognition that in this league, as physical as it is, that you need more than one person to be able to carry the ball competitively and tough. And I think everybody knows, even here that historically there’s been multiple guys that have contributed and helped. And we’re anticipating the same because there’s guys that deserve to touch the ball and have shown that throughout the course of spring.”
Sheridan on his coaching style with quarterbacks…
“You know, I try to be what they need. You know, I think that’s for all of us as coaches, I think each individual player, you’re genuine to who you are. You don’t think about how you’re going to respond, to react, but you try to be there to help them. And hopefully, above all else, you’re teaching them how to play the game the way that you want them to play. We place a priority on teaching, you know, and so hopefully they would say that they feel like they’re getting better and being taught and improving. And certainly I see that in their play.”
Sheridan on his philosophy utilizing tempo and how far along things are in terms of being able to meet that expectation…
“Yeah, I think we’re a ways away as far as mastering the pace in which we want to play with. But we try to vary the pace. You know, people ask that often: Do you want to go fast? Do you want to go slow? We want to win the game, you know, and so I think the offense’s job is to help the team win the game because we can manage that. You know, that’s one difference between offense and defense is certainly the management of the clock and the pace in which you go and what’s going on in the game — ahead, behind — and what happened the previous series with the defense. I think there’s a lot of factors that go into that, and we want to do whatever we can to win the game. And so we’ve always varied the tempo. We have the ability to go as fast as possible, we have the ability to slow down. And so we try to use the strategy that helps us win.”
Sheridan on Alabama’s basketball team and Nate Oats’ overall mentality…
“Yeah, it’s actually crazy because Coach Oats was at Romulus High School, which is like 20 minutes from where I went to high school. Actually, he wouldn’t know this. I haven’t had a chance to say hi to him or meet him yet, but I went and watched him coach at Romulus High School. They played Ipsey High. There was a good left handed kid and Romulus was loaded — Coach probably knows that they had a great team. It was kind of like a big deal. They were playing Ipsey High and they had a left-handed point guard that was a really good player. So it was like a big deal for even local high school kids to go watch. I was the third baseman. So I don’t know why I went to the basketball game, but I took a look at it.
“But I think it’s been impressive. You know, I think we’re behind them. I mean, it’s been fun to watch. You know, we use Grant Nelson. We used him in our unit meeting the other day and talking about how — we talked about a 1-0 mentality and for him to come through like he did against UNC, I think, was amazing. I think we all would agree with that. So we’re pulling hard for him. And, you know, it’s been fun to watch. And what a great job Coach has done and the staff. And most importantly, the players. I mean, Sears was lights-out, boys. I mean, it was unbelievable, right? I mean, it’s crazy, right? So we’re right behind them and wish them the best of luck.”
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