BAMANEWSBOT
Staff
With a 2014 recruiting class that's considered one of the best in recent memory, Alabama's preseason practice is full of young talent.
And in the era of early production and youthful talent, the questions about immediate contribution are natural. The last two Heisman Trophy winners were, after all, redshirt freshmen.
But all rookies are not created equal. The position they play can often dictate how early they appear regardless of depth. Alabama coach Nick Sabanand defensive coordinator Kirby Smart both identified positions that lend themselves to fast production.
"I always say that the two positions I feel like a guy can play at more quickly than others is probably running back and receiver," Saban said. "I mean, I think if you're an instinctive player and you have the skill set there's not a whole lot to learn. And those are the two positions that, yeah, technique's important, running the plays right is important, but no coach teaches you how to make a guy miss."
Explosive speed is either there or not.
"No coach really teaches you to run past the corner because you're faster than they are," Saban said. "So, technically, I think there's probably less that those positions have to learn, so I think they're more apt to being able to play earlier, especially if they're skilled and talented guys."
The 2014 incoming class doesn't include a running back but has a few receivers in a deep class. Freshmen have led the Tide in receiver in 2008 (Julio Jones) and 2012 (Amari Cooper). The rookie receivers includes Cam Sims, who enrolled in the spring and has impressive size at 6-foot-4. Derek Kief, also tall (6-foot-5) arrived this summer and has made some quality receptions in practice. Both have a veteran depth chart full of talent that could make it difficult to see meaningful action this fall.
Also on the offensive side of the ball, Saban hasn't played a true freshman quarterback in his time at Alabama. Offensive linemen rarely see the starting lineup, but Cam Robinson is with the first team at left tackle.
On defense, freshmen have seen time at all three layers in recent years. Smart was asked about the ability for cornerbacks to make an early move.
"I wouldn't say that's the toughest position for the players in our system, because a lot of what you get is dictated by the formation of the offense," Smart said. "You can give them that information, we don't ask them to understand a lot of the checks and system they have to get through communication. They have to understanding the word that the safety is calling. But as far as playing early you can always corners who play early in their career."
A year ago, Eddie Jackson started multiple games at cornerback and Maurice Smith got the nod in another. All eyes will be on Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey this fall as the top two cornerbacks in the nation adjust to college football. Brown's 15 practices in the spring put him ahead of Humphrey at this point and looked confident on the field in August.
" They key is getting the right guy out there and making sure he has the confidence to be out there, and mentally and physically ready to play in our league," Smart said. "That's the toughest part."
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And in the era of early production and youthful talent, the questions about immediate contribution are natural. The last two Heisman Trophy winners were, after all, redshirt freshmen.
But all rookies are not created equal. The position they play can often dictate how early they appear regardless of depth. Alabama coach Nick Sabanand defensive coordinator Kirby Smart both identified positions that lend themselves to fast production.
"I always say that the two positions I feel like a guy can play at more quickly than others is probably running back and receiver," Saban said. "I mean, I think if you're an instinctive player and you have the skill set there's not a whole lot to learn. And those are the two positions that, yeah, technique's important, running the plays right is important, but no coach teaches you how to make a guy miss."
Explosive speed is either there or not.
"No coach really teaches you to run past the corner because you're faster than they are," Saban said. "So, technically, I think there's probably less that those positions have to learn, so I think they're more apt to being able to play earlier, especially if they're skilled and talented guys."
The 2014 incoming class doesn't include a running back but has a few receivers in a deep class. Freshmen have led the Tide in receiver in 2008 (Julio Jones) and 2012 (Amari Cooper). The rookie receivers includes Cam Sims, who enrolled in the spring and has impressive size at 6-foot-4. Derek Kief, also tall (6-foot-5) arrived this summer and has made some quality receptions in practice. Both have a veteran depth chart full of talent that could make it difficult to see meaningful action this fall.
Also on the offensive side of the ball, Saban hasn't played a true freshman quarterback in his time at Alabama. Offensive linemen rarely see the starting lineup, but Cam Robinson is with the first team at left tackle.
On defense, freshmen have seen time at all three layers in recent years. Smart was asked about the ability for cornerbacks to make an early move.
"I wouldn't say that's the toughest position for the players in our system, because a lot of what you get is dictated by the formation of the offense," Smart said. "You can give them that information, we don't ask them to understand a lot of the checks and system they have to get through communication. They have to understanding the word that the safety is calling. But as far as playing early you can always corners who play early in their career."
A year ago, Eddie Jackson started multiple games at cornerback and Maurice Smith got the nod in another. All eyes will be on Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey this fall as the top two cornerbacks in the nation adjust to college football. Brown's 15 practices in the spring put him ahead of Humphrey at this point and looked confident on the field in August.
" They key is getting the right guy out there and making sure he has the confidence to be out there, and mentally and physically ready to play in our league," Smart said. "That's the toughest part."
Continue reading...
