📡 Alabama football: New leadership group starting to form during early stages of spring ball - Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Atlanta Journal Constitution​

Alabama football: New leadership group starting to form during early stages of spring ball
Atlanta Journal Constitution

New leaders emerge
Most of Alabama’s leadership left the program for the NFL draft or graduated at the end of last season. Linebackers Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton, wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and safeties Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick showed many of the young players what it means to play at Alabama. They knew the program almost better than anyone. This spring, Alabama is searching for a new leadership group. The players who decide to take on that responsibility will be key for Alabama’s success in 2018. During the first week of spring football, those leaders are already making themselves known. Running back Damien Harris and guard Ross Pierschbacher are two of the players expected to have strong leadership roles next season.

Following in his brother’s footsteps?
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s little brother, Taulia, made a big splash when he tore up opposing defenses for Thompson High School during his junior year. A Class of 2019 recruit, Taulia is a 4-star talent who ranks as the No. 6 pro-style quarterback in his class. The Tagovailoa family already has a relationship with Alabama, and Taulia could play on the same team as his brother. That makes Alabama a heavy favorite, but Taulia is still considering other schools. At Nike’s The Opening regional camp in Atlanta, Taulia admitted that it would be hard to turn down Alabama.

Showing his whole game
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis was sidelined for most of the season last year with an elbow injury that he sustained in the season opener against Florida State. He didn’t return until the Iron Bowl, then played in both playoff games as well. During the national championship, he showed his potential, sacking Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm to put Georgia in a tough spot for a field goal. This season, Lewis believes he has a lot to prove. He thinks he can show how great he can be now that he is healthy.

Alabama football: New leadership group starting to form during early stages of spring ball