🏈 Alabama Crimson Tide spring wrap

[RTRGrad2006]

Pretty good wrap-up here, including some key questions and answers.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
2012 record: 13-1
2012 conference record: 7-1 (first, Western Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 5; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB AJ McCarron, LT Cyrus Kouandjio, RG Anthony Steen, WR Amari Cooper, RBT.J. Yeldon, LB C.J. Mosley, LB Adrian Hubbard, S Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, CBDeion Belue, DE Ed Stinson

Key losses
C Barrett Jones, LG Chance Warmack, RT D.J. Fluker, RB Eddie Lacy, CB Dee Milliner, S Robert Lester, LB Nico Johnson, NG Jesse Williams

2012 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Eddie Lacy (1,322 yards)
Passing: AJ McCarron* (2,933 yards)
Receiving: Amari Cooper* (1,000 yards)
Tackles: C.J. Mosley* (107)
Sacks: Adrian Hubbard* (7)
Interceptions: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix* (5)

Spring answers

1. Weapons abound: It's an embarrassment of riches, really. The Alabama offense has steadily gained strength in recent years, but this coming season promises more explosiveness with a senior under center and a number of playmakers at wide receiver. Starters Amari Cooper and Kevin Norwood return, along with a triumvirate of rehabilitated weapons in Chris Black, Kenny Bell and DeAndrew White. Throw in a talented freshman in tight end O.J. Howard, and the possibilities in the passing game are limitless.

2. Rebuilt offensive line: It started the offseason as the biggest question mark, but spring camp quelled any fear of the offensive line experiencing a significant drop-off after losing three of five starters from last season. Ryan Kelly has become the centerpiece snapping the football, stepping in for former Rimington Award winner Barrett Jones at center. And with two cornerstone linemen in left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and right guard Anthony Steen, coach Nick Saban has to feel good about where things stand up front on offense.

3. Leadership from the top: For two years he hasn't had to take the bull by the horns. There have been other, often older, leaders to step up and take charge. But this season is different for quarterback AJ McCarron. He's not only coming into his own as a passer, he's developing into the voice of the football team -- and not just on offense.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/63795/alabama-spring-wrap-4

 

[planomateo]

A few areas I'm anxious to see develop over the season - OL, DL, and secondary.

I'm really curious to see who will be playing in the secondary this season.

 

[RTRGrad2006]

A few areas I'm anxious to see develop over the season - OL, DL, and secondary.

I'm really curious to see who will be playing in the secondary this season.

Yea, I'm curious about the secondary as well. Not just DB, but the safety position as well.

 

[JoshB]

Yea, I'm curious about the secondary as well. Not just DB, but the safety position as well.

DB = secondary... Safety = DB... Cornerback = DB... DB = Defensive Back

 

[psychojoe]

I feel quite good about safety, with Collins, Perry and Sunseri having a lot of game experience, and a talent like Landon Collins waiting in the wings. At corner, Belue had a good spring. You have to wonder about the other side: Cyrus Jones, John Fulton, Smith. yes there is talent, but who is going to paly to CNS's demanding level.

 

[TerryP]

DB = secondary... Safety = DB... Cornerback = DB... DB = Defensive Back

Asshat.

You're not immune. And, neither am I.

Hell, I talk about a back seven in pass coverage and a front seven in run stoppage with 11 players.

 

[TerryP]

I feel quite good about safety, with Collins, Perry and Sunseri having a lot of game experience, and a talent like Landon Collins waiting in the wings. At corner, Belue had a good spring. You have to wonder about the other side: Cyrus Jones, John Fulton, Smith. yes there is talent, but who is going to paly to CNS's demanding level.

My guess is we see Smith, Belue, Sunseri, and Ha-Ha in base.

In nickel, we see Sunseri headed to the sidelines and Perry steps in for the STAR with Fulton if we go with three CB's. Although, at times, we found ourselves using three safety's in nickel which led to some of our issues.

Dime is where I'm the most curious. Perry, Ha-Ha, Fulton, Belue, Smith, and then ____?

I'm more confident in our secondary this year. They've all had a season of action and coaching to grow up. But, I'm more curious than I was last year as well.

 

[planomateo]

I wanna see Landon move around the backfield like he knows the playbook - if he can move at full speed, look out.

 

[psychojoe]

It would not surprise me to see the other C Jones (Christion) in there in game on the line situations. I base this on CNS's statement after the spring that Christion would continue to get some work on defense.