Happy Thursday, everyone. Memorial Day weekend is approaching, which means softball Super Regionals. Patrick Murphy likes the vibe of his team as they travel into Knoxville.
It’s completely different, 100 percent,” Murphy said. “Free and easy, that’s the way the last few days of practice have been. I think everybody’s just feeling good. We have no pressure on us. We’re (No. 14), they’re (No. 3), and they’re at home. So I like being the underdog.”
Was the offensive explosion in the regional a breakthrough moment or just an aberration? Tennessee finished in the top four of the SEC in batting average, RBI, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, among other categories. Alabama won the regional playing against teams that prioritized small ball — bunting, stealing bases, etc. — to get runners in scoring position.
Tough to be too optimistic about that one, but we’ll be watching.
Germie Bernard is listed among the key breakout candidates this fall.
He’s not completely under-the-radar, considering he caught 34 balls for Washington a season ago. But he was in a receiving group with Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan. All three went in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.
Now, Bernard has a chance to be the alpha in Tuscaloosa. There are other talented players in the receiving room, but there’s an opening for someone to lead the way as the top receiver. Bernard has a chance to become that player and break out.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, speaking at Yea Alabama’s Tide on Tour event in Birmingham on Tuesday, called Bernard a special person.
“He’s been a guy that’s been waiting for this opportunity,” DeBoer said Tuesday. “Played a significant role on our team last year at Washington. He’s ready for this moment. Had a great spring. Loves everything about the process, all the work it takes to put into it to get to where you want to be. He’s got big goals.”
He certainly looked the part at the spring game.
Guess who ESPN has tabbed as the top player who switched teams through the portal?
The former five-star and top-10 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class lived up to the hype in his first season at Alabama, starting 14 games as a true freshman at left tackle. While his play was inconsistent, his rare blend of size, athleticism and flexibility made up for the inexperience and he finished strong. He is equally impressive in pass protection as he is opening holes with his strength at the point of attack.
Proctor was ESPN’s highest-rated prospect ever out of Iowa, and he initially committed to his hometown Hawkeyes in high school before switching to Alabama. He entered the portal following Nick Saban’s retirement and promised to return to Iowa in January, but that didn’t last long. Alabama supporters are well aware of what he carries with him. He began as a true freshman and, despite early problems, evolved into a standout freshman at left tackle. He returns to his starting position on what could be another dominant line for Alabama.
What he brings to Alabama: Tide fans already know. He started as a true freshman and, while he had early struggles, he developed into star freshman at left tackle. He comes right back to his starting job on what should be another strong line for Alabama.
Proctor will be a linchpin for Alabama this season.
Guess what? You get yet another network to watch college football on!
