After Parker Brailsford, a Washington transfer, skipped Saturday’s scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium and remained out of practice this week, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer made his first remarks in public regarding the position.
DeBoer stated on Saturday, “Parker is just going through non-football related things.” “He will be present with us. He’s been doing a wonderful job working out with our strength staff. He has never committed any wrongdoing. It isn’t at all like that. It’s going well, and before too long, he’ll be prepared to come here. Simply living day by day.
“He will be present here with us. This is not a transfer problem. It isn’t at all like that. I just want to confirm that I understand. He hasn’t done anything improper or inappropriate of that sort.”
Updates on starting right guard Jaeden Roberts, who sustained a lower-leg injury during Saturday’s scrimmage, were also given by DeBoer.
Jaeden will be alright, according to DeBoer. “He may feel a little dizzy here, but he will recover.” We’ll do a few more assessments. According to early reports, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.”
During his redshirt freshman year, Brailsford was an FWAA freshman All-American and was selected to the second team of the Pac 12 as well. Ten days after DeBoer was hired from Washington, he moved to Alabama. However, after following DeBoer from Washington, the Tide lost offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff to the Seattle Seahawks. Chris Kapilovic, the new offensive line coach at Alabama, formerly coached at Michigan State and comes from Baylor.
Brailsford was the starting center for the spring, but James Brockermeyer has taken the lead in his place. Despite playing in 15 games throughout his first three seasons, Brockermeyer did not receive a single start.
“He’s performed incredibly well,” DeBoer remarked on Saturday. “He’s got plenty of chances to capture lots of pictures, so keep going. There has been clear communication. Jaeden, as you mentioned, was out for a few plays today, but he’s done a pretty excellent job. Those five guys have been up there. That’s what you should do when those possibilities arise. Over the last six or seven days, as well as the previous week, he has taken a lot of pictures here. It’s excellent. Fantastic chance for him.”
Prior to its A-Day game on Saturday, Alabama will host its final two spring practices on Tuesday and Thursday, with a portion of Tuesday’s session accessible to reporters. Under a court lawsuit contesting its transfer regulations, the NCAA is permitting several transfers to play immediately elsewhere without waivers when the transfer portal reopens for undergraduates on April 16.