| FTBL Freshmen Turned Sophomores + Lack of Playing Time

[Guest]

Alabama had quite a few heralded freshmen that did what normal freshmen do, not play a whole lot.

It was completely normal for this to happen, yet many feel as if they weren't quite good enough because they didn't play as freshmen.

I would like to know if this is really true for the players I will list or were they just not big enough, didn't catch on quick enough, needed that freshmen year to acclimatize themselves, lacked the raw talent in game situations, etc...

What prevented them from playing? Perhaps it was just that more talented players were ahead of them and they have to wait their turn like most seniors do?

Some of these freshmen played sparingly, some played once in a blue moon, some never touched the field. For the ones that played every once in a while or just a couple of plays a game or just on special teams when they were expected to be much more, will they blossom next year and be dominators or do you expect pretty much more of the same?

How valuable will they be to Alabama next year? Are they aces in the hole or guys who will just be average players?

It would seem like if all of the players listed below click next year and all they needed was the freshman year to get ready and learn things, that could be a great boost to 'Bama.

Mark Barron

B.J. Scott

Alonzo Lawrence

Jerrell Harris

Damion Square

Wesley Neighbors - On Neighbors, is he permitted to even try to play next year or does he have to wait two years on the Bryant Scholarship?

Robert Lester

Glenn Harbin

 

[Guest]

ttt, good question.

 

[imalive1459]

ttt

 

[Guest]

ttt, good question.

Thanks for the post below, Terry. If there were one player out of all the one's mentioned that needed a helping hand or extra time spent with him to help him develop would it be Burton Scott?

 

[TerryP]

Barron: One to watch because it's hard to say based on this year how the safety position open with Rashad graduating will end up. He spent his time backing up Woodall this year. Do we see him take the S spot or does Ali move in to that position.

BJ: We've had this discussion among the staff members here. Argo, as example, thinks he remains on offense. I tend to think he'll make the move to defense and in the CB position. A LOT of next year with BJ depends on this February's recruiting class is something we all agree on.

Alonzo probably sees more action next season in our nickel and dime packages based on who we have on the roster today. If Kirkpatrick comes in and immediately moves into the rotation he'll be one to watch. Hard to even guess on this one but we'll have a better idea how things are going to shake out after spring camp.

Square: Moves into the rotation at end, running with the 3's as the season starts. I'd guess behind Billingsley or Davis.

Wes: Won't play next year unless we have to play him because no one else is doing as well as he is at Safety. Right now, under the Bryant Scholly, he isn't counting against the 85. If he plays, he does. Reports from campus have him progressing very nicely with Saban's defense.

Lester and Harbin: I see them as guys to look for in '10 more so than '09.

JMO...

 

[Guest]

I'd like to think all the players listed were capable in contributing. Many did on special teams, and also provided depth to many positions. Also, the fact that they provided competition, forcing everyone to play their best ball.

I was happy to NOT see some of the freshmen as much as I thought I would. If freshmen weren't playing, it only meant that we had some upperclassmen step up. Again, I believe this was due to the level of competition.

We saw players step up in a big way. Justin Woodall is a good example. I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't sure how he would contribute. The thoughts of many was that we would see Barron step into a starting role later in the season. Do you look at that in the sense that Barron wasn't capable? Or that Woodall stepped up? No doubt it was the latter. Same with Reamer and others.

There was an article posted here about Nick Walker expressing what he saw in the future for this class. He said that there are many future stars on this team, and I believe him.

I wished I could have seen Burton Scott, Barron, and Harris more than what I did. But there is a reason we didn't have to use them as much as some thought.

The future is very bright, so get your crimson colored shades ready. RTR

 

[Swamptick]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

 

[Guest]

I'd like to think all the players listed were capable in contributing. Many did on special teams, and also provided depth to many positions. Also, the fact that they provided competition, forcing everyone to play their best ball.

I was happy to NOT see some of the freshmen as much as I thought I would. If freshmen weren't playing, it only meant that we had some upperclassmen step up. Again, I believe this was due to the level of competition.

We saw players step up in a big way. Justin Woodall is a good example. I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't sure how he would contribute. The thoughts of many was that we would see Barron step into a starting role later in the season. Do you look at that in the sense that Barron wasn't capable? Or that Woodall stepped up? No doubt it was the latter. Same with Reamer and others.

There was an article posted here about Nick Walker expressing what he saw in the future for this class. He said that there are many future stars on this team, and I believe him.

I wished I could have seen Burton Scott, Barron, and Harris more than what I did. But there is a reason we didn't have to use them as much as some thought.

The future is very bright, so get your crimson colored shades ready. RTR

I would think you are as close to correct as anyone, Weezy, or I would sure like to think so.

The young guys made the old guys step it up and play to their ability therefore making the whole team a stronger unit.

I can't wait to see the new young guys, like Trent Richardson, competing with Mark Ingram.

Or Tana Patrick competing with Don'ta Hightower.

Who am I talking about? Is this really Alabama that I am talking about? Just a couple of short years ago this discussion would have been so far out of the realm of believability it would have been moved to the "crazy" board.

 

[TerryP]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

I forgot about Harris.

Quite frankly, one of the surprises this year was how well Reamer did at his position.

Very little doubt Jerrell is more athletic than Cory, but there is also very little doubt how well Cory knows the linebacking position(s).

I see that one breaking down to game experience and knowledge right now. Honestly, I have my doubt if Jerrell can unseat Cory from that starting position. He may, and when he takes over he'll be a great LB'er.

 

[reger60]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

I forgot about Harris.

Quite frankly, one of the surprises this year was how well Reamer did at his position.

Very little doubt Jerrell is more athletic than Cory, but there is also very little doubt how well Cory knows the linebacking position(s).

I see that one breaking down to game experience and knowledge right now. Honestly, I have my doubt if Jerrell can unseat Cory from that starting position. He may, and when he takes over he'll be a great LB'er.

You beat me to it on Reamer. He gained lots of playing time and has shown that has naturally good pursuit and tackling skills. A little more time with this coaching staff and maybe a few pounds of muscle and he might be a diamond in the rough.

 

[ElephantStomp]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

I'm having a stupid moment here, but who's that in your pic with the football and suit? Thanks

 

[Guest]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

I'm having a stupid moment here, but who's that in your pic with the football and suit? Thanks

Siran Stacey at the Iron Bowl this year.

 

[Swamptick]

Great question and great answers.

Anyone have any info on Harris?

I'm having a stupid moment here, but who's that in your pic with the football and suit? Thanks

Siran Stacey at the Iron Bowl this year.

That whole thing with Stacey on the field this year before we tore Auburn a new one STILL gets me fired up.

If you are a star at Alabama we will always love you and always treat you like a hero. In Siran Stacey's case....he really is a hero.