Porter takes a look at the 2009 season with specific observations on our Running backs and Full backs.
RollTideBama.com Blog
Fall Position Preview: Alabama’s Running Backs and Fullbacks
Alabama is a team that has been deprived of quality depth at numerous positions on both sides of the ball over the course of the last few seasons. The arrival of Nick Saban kick started a talent influx like the Crimson Tide had not seen in years, so the depth deficiencies are slowly but surely starting to dry up. One position that is looking very good from a depth standpoint going into this season is that of running back. The Tide has several guys that are more than capable of handling the job, some are veterans, and others are talented newcomers. Most all of them will be fighting each other for valuable playing time. Saban has always elected to use a rotation of backs in his career, when the talent allowed him to do so. With the quality of depth this year, it is certainly possible that three or four guys will find themselves in that steady rotation, with all of them getting a similar number of carries.
The returning workhorse from last fall, and the favorite to lead the backs out of the stable this season, is sophomore Terry Grant (5-10, 188). Grant has great speed and elusiveness, while also being a sure handed receiver out of the backfield. He isn’t big enough to be as productive between the tackles, but he’s a tough kid who likes the ball in his hands. Last season the speedy back rushed for 891 yards on 180 carries (4.9 average), and scored 8 touchdowns, both of which were records for freshmen running backs at Alabama. He displayed his receiving ability by hauling in 26 passes for 176 yards and 1 touchdown. Look for Grant to compliment the bigger more powerful backs this year, but still get numerous carries himself when all is said and done. He had surgery to repair a sports hernia during the winter, an injury that plagued him nearly all of last season, but he proved that he had recovered fully this past spring.
A player that has a good opportunity to earn a significant amount of carries this season is junior Glen Coffee (6-2, 197). Coffee has had some injury issues in the past, but he’s a guy who has the tools to be very productive when healthy. He provides a good mix of size and speed, and can make plays between the tackles or outside in space. As a sophomore last fall, he ran for 545 yards on 129 carries (4.2 average), and hauled in 18 passes for 142 yards. He is a guy that the coaches trust, and while he may not have the same athletic ability as some of his counterparts, he makes up for it by playing consistently and carrying out his assignments. If Coffee stays healthy, he has a good opportunity to emerge as the leader of the Tide’s backfield both on and off the field.
Another back that has battled injuries throughout his college career is junior Roy Upchurch (6-0, 192), though he did see action in 12 games last season. Upchurch is a player that when healthy, can add an instant spark to the offense. He runs with pretty good power for his size, and is most productive when going north and south between the tackles where he displays a good burst and quick feet. Playing in a back-up role as a sophomore, Upchurch totaled 237 yards on 50 carries (4.7 average) and 1 touchdown. Out of the backfield, he reeled in 7 passes for 51 yards. He has shown that he is more than capable of being a game breaker with the ball in his hands, but his consistency and desire were both somewhat lacking in the past. The good news is, after some injuries and off the field issues, word is that Upchurch is now onboard with a good attitude, and has worked hard in the offseason program. He will have another chance this August to cash in on his potential, and if he does, he will see a lot of action. If not however, he will be relegated to situational work and be playing off the bench late in games against tired defenses.
The Tide will have several newcomers to the running back position this fall, but the one that has the best shot of garnering considerable playing time is Mark Ingram (5-10, 210). Ingram signed with Alabama this past February, and while he has yet to put on the pads, he has the athletic ability to contribute right away. Ingram possesses a great mixture of power, size, and speed. He is physically mature for an incoming freshman, and brings unlimited potential with him to the Capstone. He torched defenses at a senior in high school, and also showed off his athleticism by excelling on the track, where he ran a 10.6 in the 100 meters and a 21.8 in the 200 meters. Expect Ingram to get some carries with the first team offense during fall camp. The young back will have his chance to be the feature back in the Tide’s offense. Regardless, Ingram will have a role, as he’s just too talented to keep on the bench for long.
This time last year, Alabama fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of then true freshman Demetrius Goode (5-10, 197) to the backfield. Goode came to Tuscaloosa with high expectations, and the Tide staff was counting on him to add some depth and crack the playing rotation. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending knee injury in one of the first practices of fall camp and never got a chance to showcase his ability. Goode spent the season rehabbing his knee (torn ACL) while he redshirted, and worked hard in an effort to participate in spring practices. While he didn’t appear to be 100% healthy, he was cleared to resume playing, and was finally able to get in some valuable work on the field. This fall, expect Goode to be fully healthy and getting some carries. It is unclear just how he will respond now that he’s completely healthy again, but he brings a physical presence to the backfield and fits the bill as an all-purpose back.
One player that Tide fans are looking forward to seeing on the field is redshirt freshman Jeramie Griffin (6-0, 225). Griffin was originally signed in 2007 to play fullback, but also got practice time at tailback last season. Griffin is a bruising runner and good blocker who will likely be utilized in goal line and short yardage situations as a lead blocker and occasional ball carrier. He is the top fullback on the roster, and will get his name called when the Tide utilizes the position on game days.
One running back that Tide fans will remember from last year is senior Jonathan Lowe (5-7, 184). Lowe saw action in 10 games last year, splitting time between running back and a kick returner. He earned most of his carries late in the season when injuries started to mount on some of the other backs. He filled the void by rushing for 99 yards on 24 attempts (4.1 average), and catching 5 passes for 19 yards. Lowe is more of a situational back where he can use his speed and quickness out in space. He is not an every down back who can get the tough yards between the tackles against SEC defenses. Look for Lowe to continue his role as a back-up, but he will not be relied upon heavily unless injuries make their way through the depth chart.
Besides Mark Ingram, Alabama has two other 2008 signees that will be adding depth to the stable of backs, Ivan Matchett (5-10, 210) and Jeramaine Preyear (5-11, 212), both out of Mobile, AL. More than likely, both of these players are headed for a redshirt season barring anything unforeseen. However, of the two, Matchett is probably more ready to step in and play if needed. He is a physical back who runs with good power and will pick up yards after contact. He was also a very good blocker in high school and should perform that task well in college too.
Jermaine Preyear can do a little bit of everything as a running back. He has the power to run between the tackles, the speed to get outside, and good hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Preyear will almost certainly serve an important role in the seasons ahead, but a year in the strength and conditioning program while redshirting would benefit him and pay dividends down the road.
There are three other names that could be called upon should they be needed to add depth during the season, junior Baron Huber (6-3, 242), sophomore Patrick Hanrahan (6-0, 232), and incoming true freshman Chris Jordan (6-2, 213). Huber had spent his entire college career at full back until this past spring when coaches moved him to defense shore up the inside linebacker position. It remains unclear at this point if Huber will stay on defense or move back to offense, but Saban has made no indications recently that point to him going back to fullback. If Huber does return to fullback, he will bring some experience back with him. As a junior last season, he was the starter at that position and saw action in all 13 games. He didn’t get a carry, but paved the way for others as a very solid blocker. Huber is an intelligent player and plays with high intensity. He is a favorite of the coaching staff and a leader both on and off the field.
Patrick Hanrahan has spent his time in Tuscaloosa as a reserve fullback. Hanrahan is a roster filler at this point and spends most of his time on scout teams. Chris Jordan, a 2008 signee, is a newcomer to the Crimson Tide. He was recruited as an athlete out of Brentwood Academy (TN) who could play running back or linebacker. After signing, Jordan indicated that he would start out on offense, but since reporting to Alabama for the summer term, he has been working exclusively at linebacker in 7-on-7 drills. Regardless of which position he plays, he is likely looking at a redshirt season this year.
RollTideBama.com Blog
Fall Position Preview: Alabama’s Running Backs and Fullbacks
Alabama is a team that has been deprived of quality depth at numerous positions on both sides of the ball over the course of the last few seasons. The arrival of Nick Saban kick started a talent influx like the Crimson Tide had not seen in years, so the depth deficiencies are slowly but surely starting to dry up. One position that is looking very good from a depth standpoint going into this season is that of running back. The Tide has several guys that are more than capable of handling the job, some are veterans, and others are talented newcomers. Most all of them will be fighting each other for valuable playing time. Saban has always elected to use a rotation of backs in his career, when the talent allowed him to do so. With the quality of depth this year, it is certainly possible that three or four guys will find themselves in that steady rotation, with all of them getting a similar number of carries.
The returning workhorse from last fall, and the favorite to lead the backs out of the stable this season, is sophomore Terry Grant (5-10, 188). Grant has great speed and elusiveness, while also being a sure handed receiver out of the backfield. He isn’t big enough to be as productive between the tackles, but he’s a tough kid who likes the ball in his hands. Last season the speedy back rushed for 891 yards on 180 carries (4.9 average), and scored 8 touchdowns, both of which were records for freshmen running backs at Alabama. He displayed his receiving ability by hauling in 26 passes for 176 yards and 1 touchdown. Look for Grant to compliment the bigger more powerful backs this year, but still get numerous carries himself when all is said and done. He had surgery to repair a sports hernia during the winter, an injury that plagued him nearly all of last season, but he proved that he had recovered fully this past spring.
A player that has a good opportunity to earn a significant amount of carries this season is junior Glen Coffee (6-2, 197). Coffee has had some injury issues in the past, but he’s a guy who has the tools to be very productive when healthy. He provides a good mix of size and speed, and can make plays between the tackles or outside in space. As a sophomore last fall, he ran for 545 yards on 129 carries (4.2 average), and hauled in 18 passes for 142 yards. He is a guy that the coaches trust, and while he may not have the same athletic ability as some of his counterparts, he makes up for it by playing consistently and carrying out his assignments. If Coffee stays healthy, he has a good opportunity to emerge as the leader of the Tide’s backfield both on and off the field.
Another back that has battled injuries throughout his college career is junior Roy Upchurch (6-0, 192), though he did see action in 12 games last season. Upchurch is a player that when healthy, can add an instant spark to the offense. He runs with pretty good power for his size, and is most productive when going north and south between the tackles where he displays a good burst and quick feet. Playing in a back-up role as a sophomore, Upchurch totaled 237 yards on 50 carries (4.7 average) and 1 touchdown. Out of the backfield, he reeled in 7 passes for 51 yards. He has shown that he is more than capable of being a game breaker with the ball in his hands, but his consistency and desire were both somewhat lacking in the past. The good news is, after some injuries and off the field issues, word is that Upchurch is now onboard with a good attitude, and has worked hard in the offseason program. He will have another chance this August to cash in on his potential, and if he does, he will see a lot of action. If not however, he will be relegated to situational work and be playing off the bench late in games against tired defenses.
The Tide will have several newcomers to the running back position this fall, but the one that has the best shot of garnering considerable playing time is Mark Ingram (5-10, 210). Ingram signed with Alabama this past February, and while he has yet to put on the pads, he has the athletic ability to contribute right away. Ingram possesses a great mixture of power, size, and speed. He is physically mature for an incoming freshman, and brings unlimited potential with him to the Capstone. He torched defenses at a senior in high school, and also showed off his athleticism by excelling on the track, where he ran a 10.6 in the 100 meters and a 21.8 in the 200 meters. Expect Ingram to get some carries with the first team offense during fall camp. The young back will have his chance to be the feature back in the Tide’s offense. Regardless, Ingram will have a role, as he’s just too talented to keep on the bench for long.
This time last year, Alabama fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of then true freshman Demetrius Goode (5-10, 197) to the backfield. Goode came to Tuscaloosa with high expectations, and the Tide staff was counting on him to add some depth and crack the playing rotation. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending knee injury in one of the first practices of fall camp and never got a chance to showcase his ability. Goode spent the season rehabbing his knee (torn ACL) while he redshirted, and worked hard in an effort to participate in spring practices. While he didn’t appear to be 100% healthy, he was cleared to resume playing, and was finally able to get in some valuable work on the field. This fall, expect Goode to be fully healthy and getting some carries. It is unclear just how he will respond now that he’s completely healthy again, but he brings a physical presence to the backfield and fits the bill as an all-purpose back.
One player that Tide fans are looking forward to seeing on the field is redshirt freshman Jeramie Griffin (6-0, 225). Griffin was originally signed in 2007 to play fullback, but also got practice time at tailback last season. Griffin is a bruising runner and good blocker who will likely be utilized in goal line and short yardage situations as a lead blocker and occasional ball carrier. He is the top fullback on the roster, and will get his name called when the Tide utilizes the position on game days.
One running back that Tide fans will remember from last year is senior Jonathan Lowe (5-7, 184). Lowe saw action in 10 games last year, splitting time between running back and a kick returner. He earned most of his carries late in the season when injuries started to mount on some of the other backs. He filled the void by rushing for 99 yards on 24 attempts (4.1 average), and catching 5 passes for 19 yards. Lowe is more of a situational back where he can use his speed and quickness out in space. He is not an every down back who can get the tough yards between the tackles against SEC defenses. Look for Lowe to continue his role as a back-up, but he will not be relied upon heavily unless injuries make their way through the depth chart.
Besides Mark Ingram, Alabama has two other 2008 signees that will be adding depth to the stable of backs, Ivan Matchett (5-10, 210) and Jeramaine Preyear (5-11, 212), both out of Mobile, AL. More than likely, both of these players are headed for a redshirt season barring anything unforeseen. However, of the two, Matchett is probably more ready to step in and play if needed. He is a physical back who runs with good power and will pick up yards after contact. He was also a very good blocker in high school and should perform that task well in college too.
Jermaine Preyear can do a little bit of everything as a running back. He has the power to run between the tackles, the speed to get outside, and good hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Preyear will almost certainly serve an important role in the seasons ahead, but a year in the strength and conditioning program while redshirting would benefit him and pay dividends down the road.
There are three other names that could be called upon should they be needed to add depth during the season, junior Baron Huber (6-3, 242), sophomore Patrick Hanrahan (6-0, 232), and incoming true freshman Chris Jordan (6-2, 213). Huber had spent his entire college career at full back until this past spring when coaches moved him to defense shore up the inside linebacker position. It remains unclear at this point if Huber will stay on defense or move back to offense, but Saban has made no indications recently that point to him going back to fullback. If Huber does return to fullback, he will bring some experience back with him. As a junior last season, he was the starter at that position and saw action in all 13 games. He didn’t get a carry, but paved the way for others as a very solid blocker. Huber is an intelligent player and plays with high intensity. He is a favorite of the coaching staff and a leader both on and off the field.
Patrick Hanrahan has spent his time in Tuscaloosa as a reserve fullback. Hanrahan is a roster filler at this point and spends most of his time on scout teams. Chris Jordan, a 2008 signee, is a newcomer to the Crimson Tide. He was recruited as an athlete out of Brentwood Academy (TN) who could play running back or linebacker. After signing, Jordan indicated that he would start out on offense, but since reporting to Alabama for the summer term, he has been working exclusively at linebacker in 7-on-7 drills. Regardless of which position he plays, he is likely looking at a redshirt season this year.
