🏈 Who are the Alpha's next year?

[PCRammer]

We've read a lot about Reed, A'Shawn, Ragland, and Henry being the true leaders of this team. Assuming A'Shawn and Henry leave who do you think can step into those roles? When things get tough you need these types of guys and not necessarily the best players can be leaders. I see Williams being one of the best next year but can he be a vocal leader like Ragland or is he more like Amari Cooper, the silent "do my job type."

 

[Bamaholic#1]

Reuben

 

[TG1JAY]

Cam Rob

 

[Che Boludo]

Reuben

This. I think Reuben takes over the front 7 as the vocal leader. Jackson coming back in the secondary is huge as well. I think either he and/or Reuben take over as the True Alpha Dog(s) directing the D and holding folks accountable next yr.

 

[TerryP]

Jackson coming back in the secondary is huge as well. I think either he and/or Reuben take over as the True Alpha Dog(s) directing the D and holding folks accountable next yr.

This.

I like Jackson back in the secondary for coverage calls in the back seven ... we've had some great safeties who have excelled in that position when they truly understood the system.

 

[Max]

RF carries himself that way already

 

[PhillyGirl]

RF carries himself that way already

LOL love it. Yeah I'd say he is ready.

 

[Tidestalker]

On Defense:

In terms of experience and physical ability, Foster should be the overall leader on D. Obviously it helps when a LB steps up, because he bridges the gap between the DL and Secondary figuratively and literally.

D'Shawn Hand is about as mature and focused as any kid could possibly be. Without a ton of experience it's hard to be a respected leader, but he's going to be a junior and probably learned a lot from this year's group. Tomlinson will be a leader by example, although not sure how vocal he is.

I'm not sure the secondary has a vocal type of leader coming back. Humphrey and Jackson both uber talented, but don't seem outspoken. I think Minkah Fitz will be at some point, next year would be a lot to ask. Cyrus had that unbreakable confidence that made him a much better player than his size should have allowed... And that was a form of leadership... Hopefully somebody fills that hole.

On offense - Cam Robinson will be the Alpha. Towards the end of the year he was an absolute bully. Reminding me a lot of how DJ Fluker got nasty later in his career and looked for confrontation. I could see Ridley and Stewart having a ton of confidence, and hopefully that helps our new QB.

 

[Bamaholic#1]

Cam Rob is a beast

 

[We All Bleed Crimson]

Jackson, Cam,
Foster, and Ridley.

 

[bama alum]

Julio Jones led a lot by example. I imagine we'll see the same from both Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster. I hope we do.

 

[Che Boludo]

Julio Jones led a lot by example. I imagine we'll see the same from both Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster. I hope we do.

Ridley, Foster, Stewart, plus (hopefully) OJ would be amazing. Add in some good eager to prove young RBs and a the dual threat/arm talent of a BB at QB and this offense could be very special next year. Just need the OL to stepup.

As good as Henry is/was, I think replacing Kelly will be the hardest adjustment for the O

 

[AirForceBamaFan]

Ridley, Foster, Stewart, plus (hopefully) OJ would be amazing. Add in some good eager to prove young RBs and a the dual threat/arm talent of a BB at QB and this offense could be very special next year. Just need the OL to stepup.

As good as Henry is/was, I think replacing Kelly will be the hardest adjustment for the O

I completely agree...

 

[psychojoe]

Anybody think Jonathan Allen will be the guy...

 

[Che Boludo]

Anybody think Jonathan Allen will be the guy...

He'll be a force and will inspire through example, but the DL is in the close fight. The man making the calls to be THE MAN needs some space to see the field and direct traffic.

 

[psychojoe]

He'll be a force and will inspire through example, but the DL is in the close fight. The man making the calls to be THE MAN needs some space to see the field and direct traffic.

Not being argumentative, but the alphas on this team just past were Ashawn and Reid were the alphas on the team just past, in the sense that no one wanted to be on their bad side.

 

[Che Boludo]

Not being argumentative, but the alphas on this team just past were Ashawn and Reid were the alphas on the team just past, in the sense that no one wanted to be on their bad side.

Not to be a nerd, but my interpretation is in the wording of the question. The alpha is the one others follow and look to for directions although he may not be the dominant one in the pack. Reed and Ashawn were forces and potentially influential to their subpact, but we're more likely betas to the whole.

The beta can be a dominant, disruptive force. While the pact may draw energy from their actions they are not led by them.

I think the DL needs those Betas but the team needs the alpha to see the field and make the calls to best lead the pack.

Good thing is we have no sheepish omegas.

 

[Bama Ravens]

Saban.

 

[TerryP]

Anybody think Jonathan Allen will be the guy...

Allen does.

 

[rick4bama]

Allen does.

Agree.