📡 2017 Alabama Spring Camp Position Previews

[By Alex Byington Sports]

SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW

TUSCALOOSA — Special teams can become a forgotten position group, especially when fans want to talk about a team’s starting quarterback and who will get the most carries at running back.

Both have been offseason storylines amongst Alabama fans following a less-than-impressive offensive showing in the College Football Playoff national championship game loss to Clemson.

But while the presence of former five-star quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa continue to allow Tide fans to debate who will be the better fit at quarterback, perhaps the more important debate should be about who will be next season’s starting kicker or punt returner.


And let’s not forget about long snapper, where four-year starter Cole Mazza has exhausted his eligibility and will try his hand in the NFL.

So, with a week to go before Alabama kicks off its 15-practice spring slate, here’s a look at the Tide’s special teams unit:

Departures: LS Cole Mazza, K Adam Griffith, WR/KR ArDarius Stewart, WR/KR Gehrig Dieter, QB/HOLD Cooper Bateman

Returners: P J.K. Scott (6-6, 204, Sr.), LB/P Mack Wilson (6-2, 231, Soph.), P Brannon Satterfield (6-2, 214, Jr.), K Andy Pappanastos (5-11, 193, R-Sr.), LS Scott Meyer (6-2, 226, R-Fr.), LS Ryan Parris (6-0, 225, Jr.), KR/PR Xavian Marks (5-8, 174, Jr.), WR/PR Trevon Diggs (6-2, 195, Soph.)

Newcomers: LS Thomas Fletcher (6-2, 220, Fr.), RB/WR/PR Chadarius Townsend (6-0, 192, Fr.)

Surprises: WR Robert Foster (6-2, 196, R-Sr.), RB B.J. Emmons (6-0, 219, R-Fr.)

Projected pre-spring depth chart:

Kicker — Andy Pappanastos

Punter — J.K. Scott, Mack Wilson/Brannon Satterfield

Snapper — Thomas Fletcher, Scott Meyer

Kick returner — Trevon Diggs, Xavian Marks, Chadarius Townsend


Punt returner — Trevon Diggs, Chadarius Townsend

Outlook:

For the first time in a long time, Alabama’s special teams unit will undergo a significant overhaul over the next several months after graduating/losing five of the six regular starters from last season. Gone are multi-year starting kicker and snapper Adam Griffith and Cole Mazza, as well as two key returners in NFL-bound receiver ArDarius Stewart. The only major returner is punter J.K. Scott.

Finding replacements for Griffith and Mazza will be key, and it’ll be vital for Montgomery native Andy Pappanastos to show he’s up to the task of providing a more-than-serviceable replacement for Griffith, who was much-maligned but did produce the second-most points in program history.

And perhaps the most wide-open spot is at holder, where last year’s starter — Cooper Bateman — opted to transfer this offseason after losing the starting quarterback battle to freshman Jalen Hurts last season.

Of course, while there appear to be front-runners for several of the open spots, don’t be surprised if Alabama coaches work in several new names this spring, especially at kick and punt returner after struggling to find a regular option there last season. Among those potential names could be senior receiver Robert Foster and running back B.J. Emmons, as each attempts to establish a role after falling behind the pack at their respective positions last season.

Up next: Secondary


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[By Alex Byington Sports]

SECONDARY PREVIEW

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s secondary was both a strength and weakness last season.

It was the latter when it mattered most, and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson picked it apart on back-to-back fourth-quarter scoring drives to win the national championship in January.

Despite the departures of two multi-year starters — cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Eddie Jackson, who missed the last half of the season with a broken leg — the Tide secondary returns four of last season's five starters.


Key among them is rising junior Minkah Fitzpatrick, whose versatility and intelligence were key as he filled in as the secondary’s leader at strong safety following Jackson’s injury.

While Fitzpatrick’s versatility allows him to move back to corner or star, he might be home at safety, where he racked up half of his team-leading six interceptions last season.

Here’s a look at what the Tide secondary could look like this spring:

Departures: CB Marlon Humphrey, S Eddie Jackson

Returners: CB Anthony Averett (6-0, 185, R-Sr.), CB/Star Tony Brown (6-0, 198, Sr.), CB Shyheim Carter (6-0, 195, Soph.), CB/SS Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1, 201, Jr.), FS Ronnie Harrison (6-3, 214, Jr.), SS Shawn Jennings (6-1, 223, R-Fr.), SS Hootie Jones (6-2, 215, Sr.), CB Nigel Knott (5-11, 183, R-Fr.), FS Deionte Thompson (6-2, 193, R-Soph.), CB/Star Jared Mayden (6-0, 197, Soph.), CB Aaron Robinson (6-1, 185, Soph.), CB Levi Wallace (6-0, 181, Sr.)

Newcomers: FS Daniel Wright (6-1, 185, Fr.), CB/S Xavier McKinney (6-1, 192, Fr.), CB Kyriq McDonald (5-11, 194, Fr.)

Surprise: CB Nigel Knott, SS Shawn Jennings

Projected depth chart

CB1: Anthony Averett, Nigel Knott

CB2: Tony Brown, Aaron Robinson/Levi Wallace

SS: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Hootie Jones/Xavier McKinney


FS: Ronnie Harrison, Deionte Thompson/Daniel Wright

Star: Shyheim Carter, Jared Mayden/Kyriq McDonald

Outlook

Fitzpatrick’s presence as the leader of Alabama’s secondary can’t be overstated. And whether he remains at safety, where he can properly survey the field and make play calls and adjustments, or he returns to cornerback, which might be a more natural fit for him, there’s little doubt the type of impact he can have on the entire unit.

Other key returners are rising senior corner Anthony Averett, junior safety Ronnie Harris and senior corner/safety Tony Brown.

Among the newcomers and new faces are second-year cornerbacks Shyheim Carter, Nigel Knott and Aaron Robinson, each of whom should see elevated roles.

A trio of early enrollees — safeties Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney and corner Kyriq McDonald — could make a splash this spring and earn playing opportunities.

Up next: Linebackers


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[Tidestalker]

IMO Hootie Jones is the "X Factor"... Is he going to be a stud or just a solid player? We have no idea if Deionte Thompson is that dude but he's got got ball skills as a former WR.

Will be interesting to see what role/s Minkah has. Kind of hoping he moves back to CB, and plays Star as well. But he would be great at safety too. We'll see

 

[colbyjacks]

When I look at the amount of talent that is/could be leaving after next year, I'm hoping we can get a lot of these younger guys some playing time this year.

 

[By Alex Byington Sports]

LINEBACKERS

TUSCALOOSA — While it might be difficult to look past Alabama’s defensive front, possibly the most talented part of the Crimson Tide’s front seven last season was at linebacker.

The heart and soul of the defense rested with veterans Reuben Foster and Ryan Anderson.

While the secondary will be one of the team’s most experienced units, the linebackers will likely see the greatest overhaul from a year go, especially with regard to replacing three of four starters.


Gone are Anderson, Foster and pass-rushing specialist Tim Williams — a NFL-bound trio who combined for 197 tackles, 48 tackles for loss and 23 of the team's 54 sacks last season.

The only returning experience comes from part-time starters Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton — who each split time as the Mike linebacker last season, with Evans stepping in when Hamilton suffered a season-ending injury in the SEC championship game.

Here’s a look at what Alabama’s linebacker corps could look like when spring practice starts up March 21:

Departures: OLB Ryan Anderson, MLB Reuben Foster, OLB Tim Williams

Returners: OLB Mekhi Brown (6-5, 241, R-Soph.), MLB Ben Davis (6-4, 235, R-Fr.), MLB Rashaan Evans (6-3, 234, Sr.), OLB Terrell Hall (6-5, 251, Soph.), MLB Shaun Dion Hamilton (6-0, 233, Sr.), MLB Keith Holcombe (6-4, 230, R-Jr.), OLB Anfernee Jennings (6-3, 265, R-Soph.), OLB Joshua McMillon (6-3, 241, R-Soph.), OLB Christian Miller (6-4, 240, R-Jr.), OLB Jamey Mosley (6-5, 244, R-Jr.), MLB Mack Wilson (6-2, 231, Soph.)

Newcomers: OLB Dylan Moses (6-3, 234, Fr.)

Surprise: OLB Mekhi Brown, OLB Dylan Moses

Projected depth chart

Jack: Terrell Hall, Mekhi Brown/Dylan Moses

Mike: Shaun Dion Hamilton, Keith Holcombe

Will: Rashaan Evans, Mack Wilson/Ben Davis


Sam: Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley/Dylan Moses

Outlook

Much like Anderson and Foster, rising seniors Evans and Hamilton enter this spring as the veteran leaders. Each will be counted on to live up to the standard set by their former teammates, which means becoming more all-around defenders.

They’ll need help from several underclassmen, including a handful of second-year players: middle linebacker Mack Wilson and redshirt freshman middle linebacker Ben Davis. Both will likely be in competition to provide depth behind Evans and Hamilton.

At outside linebacker, where longtime reserves Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley and Mekhi Brown will vie with sophomore four-star prospect Terrell Hall, a converted defensive end, and five-star early enrollee Dylan Moses. Moses arrived in January as one of the nation’s top-rated linebackers.


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[Rainer Sabin |]

TIGHT ENDS

Barely two months have passed since Alabama lost to Clemson in the national title game. But spring practice is right around the corner. It starts March 21. AL.com takes a look at where the Crimson Tide stands in each position group as the offseason begins in earnest. The fourth in a nine-part series examines the team's tight ends.

Departed: O.J. Howard (45 catches for 595 yards, 3 TDs), Brandon Greene (one catch, five yards, 0 TDs) Truett Harris (N/A)

New arrivals: Major Tennison

Due to arrive in the fall: Kedrick James

Projected depth chart:

Sophomore Miller Forristall (5 catches for 73 yards, 0 TDs), junior Hale Hentges (3 catches for 10 yards, 0 TDs), redshirt freshman Irv Smith Jr. (N/A), freshman Major Tennison, sophomore Cam Stewart (N/A)

Outlook:

In theory, the loss of tight end O.J. Howard should sting Alabama. Howard is projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL, and after his performance at the scouting combine earlier this month there is little doubt he has the stuff to succeed at the highest level.

But Howard was just merely a cog in Alabama's machine during his career in Tuscaloosa that will be remembered for his standout performances in each of the two CFP national title games against Clemson. Last season, he averaged three catches per game and blocked on 58 percent of his 811 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Gone are two of the Tide's top three receivers from last year as well as wide receivers coach Billy Napier

Fans can now only wonder what Howard could have done if he had been featured more in the Tide's offense or if he had the opportunity to play under new coordinator Brian Daboll.

Daboll most recently coached tight ends for the New England Patriots -- a team that turned Rob Gronkowski into a star and once shredded teams on the reg with 12 personnel when Aaron Hernandez was still a free man.

The arrival of Daboll could spell more opportunities for Miller Forristall and Hale Hentges.

To the surprise of many, Forristall emerged as a contributor as a freshman. He made a pivotal catch in the only touchdown drive in Alabama's victory at LSU last November. Forristall closely resembles an "F" tight end because he resembles a receiver. Hale Hentges is a "Y," filling the more traditional role of an in-line blocker.

Jalen Hurts became the first freshman to start at quarterback for Alabama in 32 years. And he's the only Crimson Tide player at his position with any experience. But could newcomer Tua Tagovailoa challenge him in the spring. AL.com breaks down the current situation at quarterback heading into spring practice.


Together, both of them should see the field plenty, and the formation Alabama uses will dictate how each is deployed.

The question is whether freshmen Major Tennison and Kedrick James can replicate what Forristall did and make an impact in their first year on campus. Both James and Tennison stand 6-5 and are one inch shorter than Howard is. They are the newest additions to a position group loaded with talent.

But it may take them a while to occupy the same rarefied territory where Howard now stands.


Continue reading...

 

[TUSKtimes]

My starting Secondary:

Corners - Averett and Mayden, Carter, or Robinson. (sorry I'm not very clairvoyant)
Safeties - Fitzpatrick and Harrison (Hootie in package)
Star - Tony Brown, Carter

Starting LB:

Hamilton, Evans, Jennings, Wilson (base)

 

[By Alex Byington Sports]

DEFENSIVE LINE:

TUSCALOOSA — As seniors this past season, Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson anchored the Crimson Tide’s defensive line to the tune of 13½ sacks, 21½ tackles for losses and 177 total tackles.

Allen raked in the awards, including being chosen the nation’s defensive player of the year.

With Allen and Tomilson each expected to be taken in the first two days of next month’s NFL draft, Alabama will be on the lookout for its next great defensive lineman when spring practice starts next week.

The Tide won’t be without some experience with two-year starting lineman Da’Ron Payne, a former five-star player, coming back for his junior season. Known as one of the strongest players on the team, Payne will be counted on to become more of a leader.

Here’s a look at what the Tide’s defensive front could look like this spring:

Departures: DE Jonathan Allen, DE Dalvin Tomlinson, DE Dakota Ball

Returners: DE/DT Raekwon Davis (6-7, 303, Soph.), DE Johnny Dwight (6-3, 301, R-Jr.), DT Joshua Frazier (6-4, 315, Sr.), DE Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 282, Sr.), DE Jamar King (6-4, 290, Sr.), DT Da’Ron Payne (6-2, 308, Jr.), DL O.J. Smith (6-2, 305, R-Jr.), DE Quinnen Williams (6-4, 285, R-Fr.)

Newcomers: DE Isaiah Buggs (6-5, 292, Jr.)

Surprise: DE Jamar King

Projected depth chart

DE1: Da’Shawn Hand, Jamar King/Quinnen Williams

NG: Da’Ron Payne, Joshua Frazier/O.J. Smith

DE2: Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis/Johnny Dwight

Outlook

The only certainty appears to be at nose guard, where Payne appears to be a lock.

Like Payne, rising senior Da’Shawn Hand is another former five-star player, but he has waited his turn after spending the last few seasons as a reserve behind Allen and Tomlinson. Given his experience, expect Hand to slide in to one of the two starting end spots.

Later this summer, Alabama will add a couple of freshmen expected to contribute early, including five-star end LaBryan Ray. Of the 16 early enrollees, only one is a defensive lineman: junior college transfer Isaiah Buggs of Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Buggs arrived in January as the nation’s top JUCO end and likely will get every opportunity to start.

Don’t overlook a pair of former four-star prospects in towering 6-7 sophomore Raekwon Davis and 6-4 redshirt freshman Quinnen Williams. Both will vie for reps along the defensive line, especially after Williams earned praise as one of the top scout-team defenders last season.

A potential surprise at defensive end could be junior college transfer Jamar King, who arrived as a relative unknown last summer. King showed significant improvement by the end of the season.


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[Michael Casagrande |]

Breaking down the situation at Alabama offensive line before the 2017 spring practice.

We're taking a look at each position group as Alabama prepares to open spring practice next week. The fifth of a nine-part series looks at the offensive line.

Projected depth chart

LT: Jonah Williams

LG: Ross Pierschbacher

C: Bradley Bozeman

RG: Lester Cotton/Dallas Warmack

RT: Alex Leatherwood/Lester Cotton

Departed

Left tackle Cam Robinson left early for the NFL, leaving a hole at the most important spot on the offensive line.

Korren Kirven, a late-season addition at starting right guard, graduated.

Due to arrive in the spring/fall

Elliot Baker

Alex Leatherwood

Kendall Randolph

Jedrick Wills

Outlook

If there's ever a group that sees tinkering in the spring, it's the offensive line. Just look at last season, Pierschbacher moved from guard to center for March and April, started the A-Day game and was with the first team until early in August.

Tackles become guards and guards into tackles every spring in Tuscaloosa. That's partially to experiment with the best combinations. Sometimes it sticks. They're also trying to get players to the versatile point where they could be added to the lineup at an unnatural position in case of injury.

Either way, the left side of the line looks to be solid.

Sophomore Jonah Williams figures to make the move from right tackle to the left side with Cam Robinson auditioning for the pros. Pierschbacher is the most experienced member of the line at this point as the left guard. That spot is safe.

Bradley Bozeman also solidified himself at center after starting the full 2016 season.

So, the right side ... That's where the fun begins and why spring practice is huge. There's a pool of players who could conceivably end up at either position.

Lester Cotton started five games at right guard. Twice, however, his job was taken by someone else. First it was Alphonse Taylor who returned from injury. Then Korren Kirven got the job beginning with Mississippi State through the end of the season. Cotton came to Alabama as a tackle, where he moved after being bumped at right guard as Williams' backup.

Then there's Alex Leatherwood, the true freshman who practiced a few times already during the national championship buildup in January. The No. 1 offensive tackle in the recruiting class has the pedigree to be the next true freshman to start as a bookend lineman.

Also, don't forget about redshirt freshman Scott Lashley who earned high marks in his first season. JUCO transfers have been hit or miss in recent years on the line as Elliot Baker joins the group from City College of San Francisco. He earned high marks among JUCO transfers and he'll be in spring practice, so stay tuned.

Guards Dallas Warmack and Brandon Kennedy have also put in time as backups. Experience isn't insignificant there.

Bottom line: It will be an important spring for the reshuffled right side of the line. And don't be surprised by any combination you see out there on A-Day.

Continue reading...

 

[Max]

It wasn’t a classical Alabama offensive line in 2016. The results were good enough, but the ability to run the ball in between the tackles, like has been seen from Crimson Tide’s offenses since 2008, wasn’t the same. The offense relied more on perimeter runs, and part of that was due to freshman Jalen Hurts’ ability to effectively run zone keepers on the outside. But partly the change was due to the interior of the offensive line, particularly at the guard spots, where the line didn’t get as much movement or show as much power as seen in previous seasons. The right guard position saw four different starters. That revolving door in a search for the best fit lasted essentially all season. Three starters return this season and a lot of unproven talent exists for offensive line coach Brent Key to work with. The right guard position will be one of the more intriguing position battles of the offseason.



Intrigue level: 5

*Intrigue level is rated on a scale of 1-5 based on competition, number of starting spots available at a respective position and growth needed for a position



The tackles

Jonah Williams received rave reviews from his coaches, teammates and those around the country who appreciate offensive line play. The true freshman played like anything but as he exhibited footwork and technical savvy that takes most players years in a college program to acquire. He started all 15 games at right tackle but there are many who assume he will switch to left tackle this season. Regardless of where he starts, he’ll take one of the tackle spots. There is no shortage of talent in the competitors who will compete for the other tackle position, including Lester Cotton (who can play guard or tackle), Alex Leatherwood, Scott Lashley, Matt Womack and Elliot Baker. Cotton earned some playing time at guard last season but he may be ore natural at tackle. Lashley has earned positive remarks behind the scenes and Leatherwood is a talented true freshman who can play tackle or guard, depending on how things shake out during the competition. Baker is a junior college transfer and Womack was a back-up a season ago.



The interior

Ross Pierschbacher started the season at right guard after experimenting at center during last spring, but he ultimately moved back to left guard, where he played the entire 2015 season. How much he’s moved around this season remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him stay at left guard. As for right guard, it’s a full-on competition. Leatherwood, the true freshman, might get a look inside if someone else nails down the other tackle spot. Like with the tackles, there is no shortage of bodies that are capable of competing for a guard position, including Chris Owens, Dallas Warmack, Josh Casher, Cotton, Brandon Kennedy and Deonte Brown. UA coach Nick Saban labeled starting center Bradley Bozeman as the team’s unsung hero and he did a solid job there all season. It will be an upset if Bozeman doesn’t hang on to his starting job this season. His backup is J.C. Hassenauer.



The outlook

The competition for the starting five should be fierce. There are three returning starters from a season ago, but outside of Williams, there should be steady daily competition. Alabama needs to improve the interior of its offensive line to get more power and movement to help in the running game. There are plenty of powerful guys to choose from, but as any former offensive lineman will tell you, it’s about finding the five guys that fit the best together, not necessarily the five best offensive linemen. Normally replacing a player of Cam Robinson’s ilk is always worrisome, but Williams was so sound his freshman season that those fears have been allayed to a certain extent. He will be the tone setter this year on the line. A couple of young players to watch who will loom large during the competition for starting roles are Lashley, Leatherwood and Owens.

 

[Tidestalker]

Intriguing battles for the 2 OL spots.

-Leatherwood is a freak. If he gets it mentally, I'm sure Saban would love to have another 3 year starter at OT (see Jonah Williams & Cam Robinson).
-I've read some mixed reviews on Lashley. He is that dude physically... If he gets it mentally he should be getting legit snaps next season.
-SLEEEEPER is Womack. That guy is a large human being and athletic. Would not shock me one bit if he's our starting RT in week 1.
-Elliot Baker. Longshot IMO. Saban never red shirts JUCO dudes but it may be helpful for him... Seems raw (and apparently really slow via 40 time)

-Cotton has to be the favorite to win back his guard spot. First year was rocky but he did play well at times. He has that power and athleticism to dominate. Mental improvement will be huge
-Heard Deonte Brown has made huge strides. He's a large individual. If he's in shape he could be a beast
-Brandon Kennedy seems like a solid option.
-Casher was in the 2 deep mix last year, just seems too small to dominate the LOS. Maybe he's good enough to overcome
-Warmack is strong and aggressive, but again not as big as previous interior starters.

 

[By Alex Byington Sports]

The Daily is previewing Alabama’s spring practice, which begins Tuesday, with a look at each of the Crimson Tide’s major position groups. We started with special teams and will end with quarterbacks. Today, we look at the offensive line.

TUSCALOOSA — Much like its defense, everything starts up front along Alabama’s offensive line, where the Crimson Tide once again face a bit of a shakeup.

Three-year starting left tackle Cam Robinson opted to try his talents at the next level, paving the way for rising sophomore tackle Jonah Williams to potentially slide over from the right side he anchored as a freshman last season.

Also gone is versatile guard-tackle Korren Kirven, who started the final six games last season at the always-changing right guard spot.

In all, at least three of the Tide’s five starting spots will be occupied by new faces this upcoming season.

Alabama won’t be without capable bodies to replace those it lost after signing the nation’s No. 1 tackle prospect in Alex Leatherwood and the No. 1 junior college tackle in Elliot Baker.

And given the turnover, expect there to be plenty of experimentation this spring as Tide coaches work through different rotations in their attempt to find the best five offensive linemen to start next season.

Here’s a look at what that could look like when spring practice begins March 21:

Departures: OT Cam Robinson, OT/OG Korren Kirven

Returners: OC Bradley Bozeman (6-5, 314, R-Sr.), OG Deonte Brown (6-4, 350, R-Fr.), OG Josh Casher (6-1, 291, R-Jr.), OT/OG Lester Cotton (6-4, 324, Jr.), OC J.C. Hassenauer (6-2, 295, Sr.), OG Brandon Kennedy (6-3, 298, R-Soph.), OT Scott Lashley (6-7, 310, R-Fr.), OG Chris Owens (6-3, 309, R-Fr.), OG Richie Petitbon (6-4, 303, R-Soph.), OG Ross Pierschbacher (6-4, 304, R-Jr.), OG Dallas Warmack (6-2, 308, Jr.), OT Jonah Williams (6-5, 301, Soph.), OT Matt Womack (6-7, 326, R-Soph.)

Newcomers: OT Alex Leatherwood (6-6, 327, Fr.), OT Elliot Baker (6-7, 300, Jr.),

Surprise: OG Deonte Brown

Projected pre-Spring depth chart

LT — Jonah Williams, Scott Lashley/Matt Womack

LG — Ross Pierschbacher, Dallas Warmack/Josh Casher

C — Bradley Bozeman, J.C. Hassenauer

RG — Ellliot Baker/Lester Cotton/Brandon Kennedy

RT — Lester Cotton/Alex Leatherwood/Scott Lashley

Outlook:

As mentioned earlier, All-SEC freshman Jonah Williams is expected to slide over from right tackle to left, which will create a competition for his right tackle spot.

But outside of Williams, two-year starting left guard Ross Pierschbacher and returning starting center Bradley Bozeman, a rising senior, nothing is really certain along the line.

Junior lineman Lester Cotton, who started five games last season at right guard, spent the last half of the year backing up Williams and could slide into the starting spot, as could Leatherwood or Baker, who could also be an option at right guard.

Also, don’t be surprised if former four-star tackle Scott Lashley gets an opportunity at one of the tackle spots after redshirting last season.

Redshirt freshman Deonte Brown is one of the strongest players on the team, but is also by far the biggest at 350 pounds. And similar to former lineman Alphonse Taylor last season, coaches will likely want to see Brown drop some weight before placing him in any position to start.

Given his size and strength, the Decatur native will likely be in the running to provide needed depth at one of the guard spots.

With so much potential for experimentation and movement along the offensive line, it’s not likely any of the open spots will be won outright this spring.

But if someone like Cotton or one of the new additions can prove themselves up to the task early in camp, it would certainly go a long way to securing one of the starting spots in fall camp.


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...

 

[TUSKtimes]

Amazing depth for us. So which of these guys could make the transition to the DL and give us some help over there?

 

[TerryP]

-I've read some mixed reviews on Lashley.

I believe I mentioned this in another thread in the last few days ... if not...

Cristobal said he believes Lashley is the best tackle he's had the opportunity to coach--more so at this point than Cam. Development, and offensive tackles, is far from a given.

-Elliot Baker. Longshot IMO. Saban never red shirts JUCO dudes but it may be helpful for him... Seems raw (and apparently really slow via 40 time)

It's my understanding when he arrived in Tuscaloosa he *thought* he was in shape.

 

[Matt Zenitz |]

Alabama has to replace Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson


Projected depth chart:

Defensive end -- senior Da'Shawn Hand, junior Isaiah Buggs

Nose guard -- junior Da'Ron Payne, senior Josh Frazier

Defensive end -- sophomore Raekwon Davis, redshirt freshman Quinnen Williams

Departed: Jonathan Allen (69 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks), Dalvin Tomlinson (62 tackles, three sacks), Dakota Ball (12 tackles)

Due to arrive in the fall: LaBryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis

Outlook

In 2015, it was A'Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed and Jonathan Allen.

Last year, it was Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Now, it will be Da'Ron Payne and Da'Shawn Hand leading Alabama's defensive line.

Even after losing Allen and Tomlinson, the Crimson Tide should still have one of the best and most imposing defensive lines in the country because of Payne, Hand and young players such as sophomore Raekwon Davis.

Breaking down the situation at Alabama offensive line before the 2017 spring practice.

Payne was a contributor as a freshman in 2015, started last season and is now seemingly ready to establish himself as one of the top defensive lineman in the nation.

During Alabama's spring testing, the 6-foot-2, 310-pound Payne bench-pressed 545 pounds, squatted 635 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.03 seconds, a very good time for a player his size.

Hand is a former top recruit who has contributed as a rotational player the last three years. With Allen and Tomlinson gone, he will be depended on to take a step forward as a senior and become a productive starter.

Hand, Davis, four-star junior college transfer Isaiah Buggs and redshirt freshman Quinnen Williams are among the players that will be in the mix for the defensive end jobs vacated by Allen and Tomlinson.

Gone are two of the Tide's top three receivers from last year as well as wide receivers coach Billy Napier

Like Payne and Hand, Davis, Buggs and Williams all posted good numbers during Alabama's spring testing.

All three ran the 40-yard dash in 5.12 seconds or better. In addition, Davis was tied for second on the team with a 335-pound power clean while Buggs bench-pressed 455 pounds and squatted 585 pounds. Williams had a 545-pound squat.

Other players like senior Josh Frazier should be factors in Alabama's defensive line rotation as well.

Frazier was the backup nose guard behind Payne last year and posted eight tackles and a sack.

Continue reading...

 

[Tidestalker]

It's my understanding when he arrived in Tuscaloosa he *thought* he was in shape.

LOL. I'm sure he's not the first one. That conditioning program turns boys into men.

So Terry, are you buying stock in Lashley? Coming out of H.S. I thought for sure he could step in for Cam this season. He is a prototypical OT. The mental aspect is so big though... I really have no idea where he stands. But when I saw Alex Leatherwood in the UA practices... Can't say anything but "Holy Sh*t". Impressive. So maybe he's good enough to beat em' all out. What do you think?

 

[TerryP]

So Terry, are you buying stock in Lashley? Coming out of H.S. I thought for sure he could step in for Cam this season. He is a prototypical OT. The mental aspect is so big though... I really have no idea where he stands. But when I saw Alex Leatherwood in the UA practices... Can't say anything but "Holy Sh*t". Impressive. So maybe he's good enough to beat em' all out. What do you think?

I consider Cristobal and his comments to Rodney a few weeks ago about what he thought about Lashley. I see MC as one that no longer had a "dog in the hunt" (outside of him being the secondary when SL was being recruited.) I do, still, trust Bo Davis' ability to evaluate ... so yes, I'm pretty optimistic about Scott. Add to that I like the point he's been going against that defensive line Bama fielded last season as a scout teamer. It's my opinion that extra year he has in the program gives him the nod over Leatherwood at this point.

I'm skeptical about the team starting a new RG and RT in the same season but that breaks down a few ways. If they let Cotton play the way he can--a road grader in the running game--I'll feel a little better about a new starter at the RT spot. If someone else is plugged in to that RG spot I'd rather see Williams remain as the right tackle.

**Let's not forget how odd of a year it was along the offensive line last season. Injuries came into play we know. What I'd like to see them avoid is a situation where they are still looking for the best five at the end of September and early October.

Just take a moment and read over this list. We've seen and heard a lot of really glowing reports with a number of these guys. There's a hell of a lot of potential here.

Returners: OC Bradley Bozeman (6-5, 314, R-Sr.), OG Deonte Brown (6-4, 350, R-Fr.), OG Josh Casher (6-1, 291, R-Jr.), OT/OG Lester Cotton (6-4, 324, Jr.), OC J.C. Hassenauer (6-2, 295, Sr.), OG Brandon Kennedy (6-3, 298, R-Soph.), OT Scott Lashley (6-7, 310, R-Fr.), OG Chris Owens (6-3, 309, R-Fr.), OG Richie Petitbon (6-4, 303, R-Soph.), OG Ross Pierschbacher (6-4, 304, R-Jr.), OG Dallas Warmack (6-2, 308, Jr.), OT Jonah Williams (6-5, 301, Soph.), OT Matt Womack (6-7, 326, R-Soph.)

There's only three on this list that I wonder if they'll ever get a start.

 

[Rainer Sabin |]

Alabama bid adieu to Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. But the Tide has the talent in place to replace three of the Crimson Tide's top playmakers from 2016.

Barely two months have passed since Alabama lost to Clemson in the national title game. But spring practice is right around the corner. It starts Tuesday. AL.com will take a look at where the Crimson Tide stands in each position group as the offseason begins in earnest. The seventh in a nine-part series examines the team's linebackers.

Departed: Reuben Foster (115 tackles, 5 sacks), Ryan Anderson (61 tackles, 9 sacks), Tim Williams (31 tackles, 9 sacks)

New arrivals: Dylan Moses

Due to arrive in the fall: Markail Benton, VanDarius Cowan, Chris Allen

Projected depth chart:

ILB: Senior Shaun Dion Hamilton (64 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs), senior Rashaan Evans (53 tackles, 4 sacks), redshirt junior Keith Holcombe (24 tackles), sophomore Mack Wilson (8 tackles), freshman Dylan Moses, redshirt freshman Ben Davis, redshirt sophomore Joshua McMillon (n/A), redshirt sophomore Keaton Anderson (4 tackles)

OLB: Redshirt sophomore Anfernee Jennings (19 tackles), redshirt junior Christian Miller (16 tackles, 2 sacks), sophomore Terrell Hall (11 tackles, 1 sack), redshirt junior Jamey Mosley (N/A), redshirt sophomore Mekhi Brown (N/A), redshirt freshman Shawn Jennings (N/A)

Outlook:

When considering the impact Reuben Foster, Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams made last season, the thought of replacing them becomes almost unfathomable. They were the key playmakers in a linebacker corps tied to the nation's No. 1 defense.

Foster, from his perch in the middle, tracked ball carriers from sideline to sideline and delivered punishing hits. Anderson and Williams squeezed quarterbacks, coming off the edge before dropping them in the pocket while helping the Crimson Tide accumulate 54 sacks -- the top total in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

They won't soon be forgotten for their contributions. That's especially true for Foster, the Butkus Award winner who was the only front-seven defender on the field for more than 800 snaps.

But Alabama already has talented players in place capable of filling their shoes. Shaun Dion Hamilton will be back after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the SEC championship game. All he did before getting injured was make 64 tackles and intercept two passes. Rashaan Evans is also returning. The former five-star recruit is a versatile athlete, capable of playing on the outside and inside. Last season, in a backup role for most of the season, he collected only eight fewer stops than Anderson.

Hamilton and Evans will lead a group loaded with talent. Christian Miller, Terrell Hall and Anfernee Jennings have all flashed potential and they figure to grow into the kind of ferocious pass rushers Alabama is known for producing.

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, in his first season on the job, showed a penchant for blitzing. So, don't expect the Tide to pull back the reins now that Williams and Anderson are no longer on the roster. In fact, Pruitt may be eager to deploy Dylan Moses -- the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker in the 2017 class who is already on campus. Moses, who could be slotted inside, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds since joining the team.

He could be the next big star -- following in the footsteps of Foster, Anderson and Williams.

Continue reading...

 

[TUSKtimes]

It got pretty wild for our OL last year before we settled on a starting lineup. I was totally convinced that Pierschbacher was our starting center replacing Kelly. He took a lot of reps there and then out of the blue comes Bozeman. They move Pierschbacher to RG and the shuffling along the line continued. They finally moved Ross back to LG. Think about how chaotic it could have continued to be without our superstar freshman at RT? Sometimes finding chemistry along the OL has a lot of trial and error.

 

[TerryP]

h/t

Sometimes finding chemistry along the OL has a lot of trial and error.