🏈 Which Freshmen will start / see significant playtime

[TideAlum05]

Gotta see who qualifies first. Lacy looks like a shoo-in not to qualify. I'd love to see Bowman make it, but he's up in the air.

I'd say Dre Kirkpatrick will see a lot of time. He won't beat out Javy or Kareem, but outside of those 2 our corners are abysmal.

Are we just assuming that Mark Barron is going to take over for Rashad? Will Woodall move to FS?

 

[TideAlum05]

I understand they are all talented players, but you are basically saying to take what was one of the top defenses in the country and completely change it. Keep in mind that Reamer, Fanney and McClain will all be gone after next year. Nico and Harris will get quality experience this year. Upshaw will be a great replacement for Fanney... I believe your way would push him to 3rd string. I'm not saying your theory won't happen, just that I hope it doesn't.

I couldn't agree more. Stars mean nothing once a kid gets on campus.

 

[alagator]

Your linebacker situation would look like this:

Don'ta Hightower at jack - NO experience (I'm aware he played the last bit of the Utah game there, but I don't really think that qualifies)

Would mean that a player who started 13 games at an inside position was moved to this new outside position and beat out a player who started 13 games at the outside position and performed quite well. Would imply a talent upgrade and a talented and experienced player in reserve. Would also mean that if Hightower underperformed here that we could return a former starter to his starting role. Net Positive.

Nico Johnson - NO experience

Would mean that the coaches view him as at least the equal of Hightower and that moving Hightower out of this spot does nothing to damage the productivity in the middle of the field. Would also mean that if Johnson underperforms we could move Hightower back inside and replace an underperforming player with a former starter at that position. Net Positive.

Jerrell Harris over Reamer - No real experience

As with the Jack Position, would imply a younger and more talented player beat out a regular starter (and again someone who performed far better than average). Would mean that if Harris inexperience became a factor an experienced and productive starter could be reinserted to his former status as a starter at this position. Net Positive.

Rolando McClain - Junior.

Just him returning with yet another year experience is a Net Positive.

I see nothing but positives if any of these scenarios develop. And I think most would not argue that I view things through 'crimson colored glasses.'

 

[HIGHTIDES]

Like I said, anything can happen... Yes, those players could perform better at practice, but I just feel when you field that much inexperience in a GAME, there are going to be some mistakes.. and I'm a fan of if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Our defense was INCREDIBLE last year. It's one thing to move a player or 2, but 3 out of the 4 would worry me. Especially considering we can return all 4 starters that have learned to play together.

OBVIOUSLY, if Saban wants to put 3 inexperienced players on the field at the same time, it means he knows something I don't know. I'm just saying I HOPE it doesn't come down to that, because what good is depth if your experienced players can't get on the field? Not to mention with that much inexperience on the field you risk the chance at botching some big plays during critical spots in the game.

I'll admit a lot of this has to do with the fact that 2 of my favorite players are Hightower and Upshaw. I like Hightower in space and moving him to Jack would eliminate that and Upshaw. I do think there's a really good chance Nico could become a starter early on and there's a good chance Harris could pass up Reamer... keep in mind though Reamer has been a performer when he's been on the field. Also, there has been A LOT of message board talk about moving Hightower to jack, I'm just not a fan of the idea... well, unless it's better for team.

I love discussing these sort of personnel mix ups though. When you have players with so much potential it's fun to discuss how they could work together. I think people get in a hurry though to see fresh faces... especially if you follow recruiting.

I'm still looking forward to seeing #36!

rtr

I think we ALL look through crimson tinted glasses. haha. I just can't say I'm ready to give up on 2 seniors before the season has even started.