Projected 2023 Alabama Depth Chart
This will be frequently updated, including after the Crimson Tide's turn at SEC Media Days
Quarterbacks
- Jalen Milroe (Jr.), or Tyler Buchner (RSo.), or Ty Simpson (RFr.)
- Eli Holstein, (Fr.), or Dylan Lonergan (Fr.)
The hiring of Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator didn't favor anyone, at least initially. But when no one won the job during the spring Saban brought in one of Rees’ former players from Notre Dame to add to the competition. It may not be settled when Alabama opens the season against Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2.
Running Backs
- Jase McClellan (Sr.)
- Roydell Williams (Sr.)
- Jam Miller (So.)
- Justice Haynes (Fr.) or Richard Young (Fr.)
McClellan has earned the right to be at the top in the running back room, but Haynes got off to a good start this spring and is good position to be at least part of the rotation this fall. Regardless, Alabama is pretty stacked at the position.
Wide Receivers
(X)
- Jermaine Burton (Sr.)
- Isaiah Bond (So.)
(Z)
- Ja'Corey Brooks (Jr.)
- Kendrick Law (So.)
- Malik Benson (Jr.)
(H)
- Kobe Prentice (So.)
- Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (So.)
Alabama had 12 wide receivers heading into spring, about three more than what the Crimson Tide has recently had on the roster. There are four new additions who will be vying for playing time, but topping that list is Benson, who was widely considered the top junior-college prospect in the nation last year and flashed some in the spring and during A-Day. He might be the biggest boom-or-bust player on the team this season.
Tight Ends
- Robbie Ouzts (Jr.) or CJ Dippre (Jr.);
- Amari Niblack (So.) or Danny Lewis Jr. (RFr.)
LSU head coach Brian Kelly says that new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees likes tight ends, which is one of the reasons why he came to Alabama. His predecessor Bill O'Brien also like tight ends, which helped Cameron Latu have 30 receptions last season. Dippre will be the one to watch during camp, and how well he picks thing up after transferring.
Offensive line
Left Tackle
- Kadyn Proctor (Fr.) or Elijah Pritchett (So)
Left Guard
- Darrian Dalcourt (Gr.)
- Terrence Ferguson II (RSo.)
Center
- Seth McLaughlin (Sr.)
- Darrian Dalcourt (Gr.)
- James Brockermeyer (RSo.)
Right Guard
- Tyler Booker (So.)
- Jaeden Roberts (RSo.)
Right Tackle
- JC Latham (Jr.);
- Wilkin Formby (Fr.) or Miles McVay (Fr.)
The guess here is that Latham stays at right tackle and pairs with Booker to make an imposing tandem on that side. Pritchett was with the first-team during A-Day, but Proctor had the better day. Dalcourt has obviously beefed up some to try and play guard this season. Overall, the Crimson Tide is a lot thicker up front this season.
Defensive Line
Defensive End
- Tim Smith (Sr.)
- Jah-Marien Latham (Jr.)
Defensive Tackle/Nose Guard
- Jaheim Oatis (So.)
- James Smith (Fr.) or Tim Keenan (RSo).
Defensive End
- Justin Eboigbe (Sr.)
- Damon Payne Jr. (So.)
Oatis looks like he could have a monster season. He's probably the top candidate on the defensive side for having a breakout year. Eboigbe is back after finally being cleared following a scary neck injury last season. His new teammates were raving this spring about James Smith's potential. Three players to keep an eye on include Khurtiss Perry, Monkell Goodwine and Isaiah Hastings, who have all had a season to acclimate and beef up.
Linebackers
End/Edge (Jack)
- Chris Braswell (Sr.)
- Jeremiah Alexander (So.)
- Keanu Koht (RSo.) or Qua Russaw (Fr.)
Strongside (Sam)
- Dallas Turner (Jr.)
- Quandarrius Robinson (Sr.)
- Keon Keelry (Fr.) or Yhonzae Pierre (Fr.)
Middle (Mike)
- Deontae Lawson (So.)
- Jihaad Campbell (So.) or Shawn Murphy (RFr.)
Weakside (Will)
- Trezmen Marshall (Sr.) or Justin Jefferson (Jr.)
- Kendrick Blackshire (Jr.)
Alabama's interior linebackers are almost interchangeable, as are the outside linebackers. So Lawson could stay at weakside linebacker, and coaches could possibly swap Braswell and Turner. Having said that, the interior linebackers might be the position to watch this fall in terms of close competition. The player to keep a close eye on could be Campbell.
Defensive Backs
Right Cornerback
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (Jr.)
- Antonio Kite (RFr.) or Dez Ricks (Fr.)
Left Cornerback
- Terrion Arnold (So.)
- Earl Little II (So.)
- Jahil Hurley (Fr.)
Strong Safety
- Malachi Moore (Sr.)
- Kristian Story (Sr.)
- Jake Pope (RFr.)
Free Safety
- Caleb Downs (Fr.)
- DeVonta Smith (Jr.)
- Brayson Hubbard (Fr.)
Nickel (Star)/Dime (Money)
- Malachi Moore (Sr.) or Earl Little II (So.)
The key to the whole group may be Little because Arnold could play anywhere in the secondary and consequently gives the coaching staff a tremendous amount of flexibility on the back end. Moore is also versatile, but Saban likes having a player with a strong presence and experience over the slot. Downs came in ready to show that he could step in as a starter from Day 1.
Special Teams
- PK:
- Will Reichard
- Conor Talty
- HOLD:
- P:
- James Burnip
- Will Reichard
- PR:
- KOR:
- Ja'Corey Brooks or Jermaine Burton or Terrion Arnold
- LS: Kneeland Hibbett
By coming back for a fifth year, Reichard will probably finish setting whatever career kicker records he missed last season. He initially accepted an invitation for the Senior Bowl, only to return, so Talty will have to wait in the wings a bit. Burnip got better during his second season, and should continue to develop as a punter.
