Bowers to get first career start

The big news from Wednesday’s practice: Freshman sensation Da’Quan Bowers will make his much-anticipated first start Saturday against N.C. State.

“I’m looking forward to making a statement,” Bowers said. “This has been the talk for a long time, about me starting. Now it’s going to happen. Now I’m going to show what I can do.”

But the real surprise is that the incumbent at Bowers’ position might still remain in the lineup, too.
Junior Kevin Alexander, who has started the first two games at strong-side end, has moved to the bandit pass-rushing spot and appears likely to start Saturday as well.

That spot is reserved for junior Ricky Sapp, but most signs point to Sapp having a limited role, at best, if he even plays.

Sapp, who suffered a bruised knee early in the Alabama opener and sat out the win against The Citadel, was limited to working with the scout team Wednesday.

Team doctors will make the call Thursday on whether he will be available, Sapp said, and he expressed confidence he would play. However, there is some doubt as to whether coaches want to run that risk.

Alexander’s move had one ripple effect – redshirt freshman Andre Branch thus shifted from bandit to strong-side and will back up Bowers.

Branch split time last week with sophomore Kourtnei Brown at bandit.

One other injury note: Starting redshirt freshman middle linebacker Brandon Maye sat out Wednesday’s workout with the flu.

Back to Bowers.

D-line coach Chris Rumph said the promotion was inevitable based on Bowers’ performance.
“I’ve got to put food on the table,” Rumph said. “He’s been bringing a little meat with the potatoes.”