🏈 Going into scrimmage #2 (FRI) let's review the depth chart conversation(s) since 16's season's end.

[TerryP]

December @bradenob started a thread after the SEC regular season ...
January 247 followed up with one a month later
February And this one we talked a little more about a few positions.


Now, today, this is how I see the 1's going into the second scrimmage on Friday. Unless noted, there's no change in the specific group. IE: Despite SDS and a few others trying to create drama around the QB position, we know who the starter is ... no need to walk through that position, right?

So, shortest route: Changes I say we'll see when we talk about this scrimmage over the weekend.

It's not really a change, but it is; sorta. Fitz back at safety moves Hootie back to Money in Dime packages. There's a fairly sound two deep when you add Deionte in; six when all are healthy (Mayden still in black.)

That's slides us out to corner where, as noted, it looks more and more like Diggs is there to stay. We know Averett handles the other side and all signs point to Tony starting out in the STAR position. (I remain pessimistic about the STAR position and wonder if we'll see more than two in that role this fall.)

With the linebackers there's really not any change as well, but there is; sorta. It's probably better put that there's more diversity (inside and outside role positions.) I've noticed no one is really talking about Miller and I take that as the strongside 'backer doing his job. Over the years I've seen a lot of a people talk about the JACK position and their desires to have that special athlete out there—now Hall and Jennings.

We can't call this change either. Maybe hope realized? Buggs is coming through like he looked like he could when he arrived on campus. That's giving the line a bit more flexibility. (Do you mind the use of cautiously optimistic here?)

Are there changes from what we expected on offense? I don't really see any. There's a shuffle or two here and there when it comes to the 2's but even there we don't know if that's set in stone.

A question here and there still remain but nothing of note, or consequence, in my eyes. I doubt we're sitting here Wednesday night talking about something changing.

 

[TUSKtimes]

We don't have a depth chart, we have rep chart. I thought you were a company man @TerryP?

Does anyone really know what's going on with our DBs? I'm a big fan of Diggs to defense, just thinking about the guys we lose next season is frightening and scary at the same time. The fact he is suddenly our best option across from Averett is pause for thought. Where are the two deep studs we've been recruiting? I know I've said it before and I have alway felt that we don't have a system back there that is plug and play. Is it just too complicated a system to go out on the field and see the receiver, run with the receiver, tackle the receiver?

It's disconcerting to hear Saban say that the DBs gave up a lot of yards because they're young and don't know any better. Except for the EEs, our DBs should have a lot more practice and game reps under their belt than Diggs.

 

[bradenob]

I know a guy in T-town that gets to go to a lot of practices, and a lot of spring stuff. I never even knew he went - he doesn't talk about it but he's been in T-town a long time in a position of a bit of privilege.

He didn't say much about specifics, and he only gets to observe, so no real inside info. He was at the scrimmage Saturday. He said a couple of things:

1. He always leaves the spring season thinking that we don't look so great. He said we look the best he's seen us look in 20 years, in terms of athleticism, and having it together. He was impressed with the offense.

2. He says Nigel Knott is an amazing talent.

That's really all - TIFWIW - but it makes me think that Knott IS going to be one of those DBs.

And Terry, thanks for the props - not a bad prediction, eh? I didn't see Womack coming, but it's not the FSU game yet. You say nothing else of consequence but someone HAS to lock up right guard as well - that was a big weakness overall last year.

Roll Tide!

 

[Alabama17Tide]

With A-Day just days away, we take a closer look at the Alabama Projected Depth Chart. Scroll down for our latest projection at each position.

6-foot-7, 303 pound Raekwon Davis has had a very strong spring season for Alabama

Quarterbacks

1 Jalen Hurts

2 Tua Tagovailoa

3 Mac Jones

Notes: Jalen Hurts is the clear starter, and his performance in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage did nothing to change that. Tagovailoa has appeared to separate himself from fellow early enrollee Mac Jones for the No. 2 role. The left-hander has a tight spiral during practice and gets receivers the ball on a rope.

Running Backs

1 Damien Harris or Bo Scarbrough

2 Josh Jacobs

3 Najee Harris

4 Brian Robinson

5 B.J. Emmons

Notes: Not a lot changes here, but Brian Robinson’s extended carries and impressive performance in the scrimmage move him above injured B.J. Emmons. This could change when Emmons fully recovers from his injured foot.

Wide Reciever X

1 Robert Foster

2 T.J. Simmons

3 Tyrell Shavers

Notes: Robert Foster is participating with the outside receivers and appears to be in good shape to earn one of the Crimson Tide’s three starting spots. T.J. Simmons moves up after a seven-catch performance in the scrimmage. He might be one to watch as the offseason progresses.

Wide Reciever Z

1 Calvin Ridley

2 Jerry Jeudy

3 Derek Kief

Notes: Calvin Ridley will be the leader of Alabama’s receiving corps this season. Behind him is true freshman Jerry Jeudy, who many are referring to as a “Ridley clone.” Jeudy, a five-star early enrollee, has been impressive this offseason and appears to be the biggest threat to break into one of the Crimson Tide’s three starting spots at receiver.

Wide Reciever H

1 Cam Sims

2 Xavian Marks

3 Chadarius Townsend

Notes: It’s somewhat surprising to see 6-foot-5 receiver Cam Sims lining up in the slot. However, his size does create a big matchup problem coming across the middle and should give Jalen Hurts a big target to throw to on intermediate routes. Behind him are shifty Xavian Marks and early enrollee Chadarius Townsend, who Alabama moved from running back to receiver this spring.

Tight End

1 Miller Forristall or Hale Hentges

2 Irv Smith

3 Major Tennison or Ronnie Clark

Notes: Nothing changes at tight end, although Irv Smith has looked impressive this spring and could push either Forristall or Hentges for playing time.

Left Tackle

1 Jonah Williams

2 Scott Lashley

3 Chris Owens

Notes: There isn’t too much change at left tackle as Jonah Williams appears to be the guy heading into the season. The rising sophomore even took to using his left hand for everyday tasks in order to prepare himself for the role. Scott Lashley and Alex Leatherwood have both been seen at second-team left tackle, but Lashley has spent more time on the left.

Left Guard

1 Ross Pierschbacher

2 Dallas Warmack

3 Richie Petitbon

Notes: There isn’t anything major at left guard, either. We added Richie Pettibon, who has been working with the third team in practice.

Center

1 Bradley Bozeman

2 J.C. Hassenauer

3 Chris Owens

Notes: Center remains the same with Bradley Bozeman leading the way. Bozeman has all the leadership characteristics any team would want from a center, so it makes sense to keep him at the position.

Right Guard

1 Lester Cotton

2 Deonte Brown

3 Brandon Kennedy / Chris Owens

Notes: This position is somewhat of a mystery at this point. Wednesday, Lester Cotton was spotted by reporters playing right tackle, while Deonte Brown played at right guard. Monday, Chris Owens lined up with the first team at the position. Brandon Kennedy could also be in the mix. Given that Cotton started the scrimmage at right guard, we’ll keep him as the starter there for now.

Right Tackle

1 Matt Womack

2 Alex Leatherwood

3 Elliott Baker

Notes: Matt Womack appears to be the guy at right tackle for now, but five-star early enrollee Alex Leatherwood is pushing hard for the spot. Expect the two to battle it out the rest of the offseason. As stated above, Lester Cotton could also move over from right guard.

Defensive End

1 Da’Shawn Hand |

2 Raekwon Davis

Notes: Da’Shawn Hand looks to be Alabama’s most impressive defensive end this spring and is a lock to earn a starting spot this season. We moved Raekwon Davis to backup due to the emergence of JUCO transfer Isaiah Buggs. With Davis’ size, he is still someone to watch if he can put everything together.

Defensive Tackle

1 Da’Ron Payne

2 Joshua Frazier

Notes: Absolutely nothing changes here. Da’ Ron Payne is the obvious starter at defensive tackle, and due to Joshua Frazier’s size, it makes more sense to keep him inside.

Defensive End

1 Isaiah Buggs

2 Quinnen Williams

Notes: As mentioned earlier, Isaiah Buggs has been very impressive so far this spring. Coming to Alabama as the No. 1 rated JUCO player in the 2017 class, he has lived up to his hype, showing great power and explosion off the line during practice.

Outside Linebacker (Sam)

1 Christian Miller

2 Jamey Mosley

3 Ben Davis

Notes: Sam linebacker remains the same as well. Christian Miller continues to lead all outside linebackers during drills. He is also the Tide’s most complete outside linebacker, which makes him more fit to handle the duties of Sam.

Middle Linebacker

1 Shaun Dion Hamilton

2 Dylan Moses

3 Mack Wilson

Notes: While Shaun Dion Hamilton has yet to return to the inside linebackers, he appears to be moving well during practice and will be ready by the fall. The biggest mover in this group is Dylan Moses, who looks to be making the most of his opportunity with Hamilton on the sidelines.

Middle Linebacker

1 Rashaan Evans

2 Keith Holcombe

3 Joshua McMillon

Notes: If the season started tomorrow, Keith Holcombe would probably start alongside Rashaan Evans, but with Shaun Dion Hamilton expected to make a full recovery, he takes the backup role. According to Alabama baseball coach Greg Goff, Holcombe might need surgery on his labrum this offseason. That could affect his status going forward.

Outside Linebacker (Jack)

1 Anfernee Jennings

2 Terrell Hall

3 Mehki Brown

Notes: Jack linebacker stays the same as Anfernee Jennings has been lining up behind Christian Miller during drills. While Jennings appears to be the starter at the moment, Terrell Hall seems to be making a strong push during practice. Mekhi Brown was added and appears to be third in line for the position.

Corner

1 Anthony Averett

2 Levi Wallace

3 Daniel Wright

Notes: Anthony Averett is a lock to take one of the two cornerback spots and started at right cornerback during the scrimmage. Former walk-on Levi Wallace has filled in at his spot on the second team and could be the first corner off the bench if someone goes down this season. Early enrollee Daniel Wright offers nice size at the position after switching from safety to cornerback this spring.

Corner

1 Trevon Diggs

2 Levi Wallace

3 Nigel Knott

Notes: Trevon Diggs’ progression at cornerback is perhaps the biggest story this spring. What started as an “experiment” from Alabama head coach Nick Saban seems to be working just fine as the rising sophomore started at left cornerback during the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. It might make sense to have Minkah Fitzpatrick as a backup cornerback, but given the Tide’s need at strong safety it appears the coaching staff wants to keep him at that position if possible. Aaron Robinson has lined up with the second team during practice.

Strong Safety

1 Minkah Fitzpatrick

2 Hootie Jones

3 Jared Mayden / Xavier McKinney

Notes: With Trevon Diggs taking over at cornerback, Minkah Fitzpatrick is able to move back to strong safety, the position he played the final seven games of last season. Hootie Jones has experience as a backup and could fill the role if Fitzpatrick has to move back down to corner, but Jones’ does not provide the same coverage skills as Fitzpatrick. Jared Mayden is still in a black jersey but is now participating with the unit. Another option might be early enrollee Xavier McKinney, who shadowed Jones on second team Wednesday.

Free Safety

1 Ronnie Harrison

2 Deionte Thompson

3 Xavier McKinney

Notes: Nothing really changes here. Ronnie Harrison will be the guy at free safety, and Deionte Thompson is the most experienced backup option. Xavier McKinney has looked solid and could also provide depth at the position.

STAR

1 Tony Brown

2 Shyheim Carter

3 Kyriq McDonald

Notes: The Star position remains the same as Tony Brown appears to have locked down the starting spot so far. Given Brown’s experience and physical nature as a defensive back, he looks made to play the position. Shyheim Carter is also a viable option if Alabama elects to move Brown somewhere else. Early enrollee Kyriq McDonald has looked impressive during drills.

BamaInsider.com - Alabama Football Projected Depth Chart

 

[TerryP]

(I fully realize I'm nit-picking here but I have to say since Tsoukalas has been covering practices/team events he's reminded me more of what reports you'd see from SDS versus those from on-hand observations.

Behind him are shifty Xavian Marks and early enrollee Chadarius Townsend, who Alabama moved from running back to receiver this spring.

I'm left shaking my head. We ALL knew he was going to get looks at the running back and the wide receiver position this spring due to plans of using him as a multi-positional threat on offense. BUT, here he's reported as having a position change. :smh: