Below is a list of guys that I think will make the largest contribution this fall out our incoming class.
1. Jerrell Harris - With incredible speed and a hard hitting attitude, it now seems apparent that Jerrell Harris and Chavis Williams will be the top two candidates for the Sam position(Strongside linebacker). Williams had some meaningful snaps last season and has a better knowlegde of the Saban's system, but Harris has the athleticism to make up for any mistakes. I'm sure Chavis will enter fall camp as #1 on the depth chart for the Sam position, but I fully expect for Harris to take that position by the Clemson game.
2. Burton Scott - A freak of an athlete has been the center of a debate since he verbally committed to Bama last summer. Cornerback or Receiver? I still believe that Scott has the tools to be an All-American cornerback but he is too good with the ball in his hands not to have on the offensive side of the ball. He looks to be competing with Darius Hanks for the slot-position and likely will not take the #1 depth chart spot from Hanks, but if I were a betting man I'd put some cold hard cash on seeing a lot of Scott early in the upcoming season. Scott can line up at slot or slide back into the tailback spot at any given time. Look for McElwain to get the ball in Scott's hands every time possible.
3. Don'Ta Hightower - A gigantic prospect who is up to a self reported 260 pounds has a great opportunity this fall to step right into meaningful snaps at the Will position(Weakside linebacker). Hightower is probably a better fit at the middle spot, but it is currently filled by Freshman All-American Rolando McClain. Prince Hall would have a good opportunity to take the Will position if he can make it back on the team, but I'm not holding my breath. The next viable option already competing for the position is also a freshman(redshirt) Jennings Hester. I'm not getting down on Hester and he may take and keep the starting position, but Hightower will push for playing time. Even if Prince Hall makes it back Hightower will probably still get meaningful snaps behind McClain.
4. Mark Ingram - Ingram is coming into a position this fall that seems to be log-jammed, but I'm still picking him in my top 5. The reason is simple. Saban is known for rotating backs and playing the guy with the hot hand. You also have to consider that Grant, Upchurch and Coffee have already been in the dog-house in Saban's first year. I'm hoping that one of those three or Demetrius Goode can handle the load successfully this season so Ingram can redshirt but I'm not counting on it. I look for Ingram to get some serious carries, especially in tight games where we may need to pound it out.
5. Julio Jones - Jones would probably be the top pick for me in most years, but wide receiver is one of the few positions where Bama seems to have decent depth. I still think Jones will be a factor by season's end. If Earl Alexander or Mike McCoy struggle early in the year they may open the door for Jones to take a starting job earlier than I expect. Then again, Jones may come out in the fall camp and take a position on his own. Either way, we'll see him on the field this fall.
5 more names for the watch list.
Mark Barron
Courtney Upshaw
Alonzo Lawrence
Marcel Dareus
Tyler Love
Anyone else have any opinions here?
1. Jerrell Harris - With incredible speed and a hard hitting attitude, it now seems apparent that Jerrell Harris and Chavis Williams will be the top two candidates for the Sam position(Strongside linebacker). Williams had some meaningful snaps last season and has a better knowlegde of the Saban's system, but Harris has the athleticism to make up for any mistakes. I'm sure Chavis will enter fall camp as #1 on the depth chart for the Sam position, but I fully expect for Harris to take that position by the Clemson game.
2. Burton Scott - A freak of an athlete has been the center of a debate since he verbally committed to Bama last summer. Cornerback or Receiver? I still believe that Scott has the tools to be an All-American cornerback but he is too good with the ball in his hands not to have on the offensive side of the ball. He looks to be competing with Darius Hanks for the slot-position and likely will not take the #1 depth chart spot from Hanks, but if I were a betting man I'd put some cold hard cash on seeing a lot of Scott early in the upcoming season. Scott can line up at slot or slide back into the tailback spot at any given time. Look for McElwain to get the ball in Scott's hands every time possible.
3. Don'Ta Hightower - A gigantic prospect who is up to a self reported 260 pounds has a great opportunity this fall to step right into meaningful snaps at the Will position(Weakside linebacker). Hightower is probably a better fit at the middle spot, but it is currently filled by Freshman All-American Rolando McClain. Prince Hall would have a good opportunity to take the Will position if he can make it back on the team, but I'm not holding my breath. The next viable option already competing for the position is also a freshman(redshirt) Jennings Hester. I'm not getting down on Hester and he may take and keep the starting position, but Hightower will push for playing time. Even if Prince Hall makes it back Hightower will probably still get meaningful snaps behind McClain.
4. Mark Ingram - Ingram is coming into a position this fall that seems to be log-jammed, but I'm still picking him in my top 5. The reason is simple. Saban is known for rotating backs and playing the guy with the hot hand. You also have to consider that Grant, Upchurch and Coffee have already been in the dog-house in Saban's first year. I'm hoping that one of those three or Demetrius Goode can handle the load successfully this season so Ingram can redshirt but I'm not counting on it. I look for Ingram to get some serious carries, especially in tight games where we may need to pound it out.
5. Julio Jones - Jones would probably be the top pick for me in most years, but wide receiver is one of the few positions where Bama seems to have decent depth. I still think Jones will be a factor by season's end. If Earl Alexander or Mike McCoy struggle early in the year they may open the door for Jones to take a starting job earlier than I expect. Then again, Jones may come out in the fall camp and take a position on his own. Either way, we'll see him on the field this fall.
5 more names for the watch list.
Mark Barron
Courtney Upshaw
Alonzo Lawrence
Marcel Dareus
Tyler Love
Anyone else have any opinions here?