Alabama opened its 2008 spring practice on Thursday, March 13. They’ll work the following Friday, and then reconvene after spring break. The following is a preview, written by a typical avid fan and “sidewalk alum”, myself. I apparently had nothing better to do, and could think of nothing else to post on my newly created blog. Anyway, this is how I see each position break down.
Quarterbacks
Why I’m stoked-
John Parker Wilson returns as a senior starter with 2 full seasons of starting experience behind him. Despite being one of the most maligned Crimson Tide players in recent memory, all the guy has done is break every major single season Alabama passing record each of the two years he has started. When he’s on, he can be as effective passing the ball as any player in the conference. He’s a tough player with decent mobility. If given the right coaching, he could be the best quarterback in the SEC this year not named Tebow or Stafford.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
.493 is an excellent percentage- If you’re talking about hitting a baseball or shooting from the 3-point line. As a starting QB? Not so much. .493 was Wilson’s total completion percentage in Alabama’s 6 losses last season. In only two of those losses (FSU and Louisiana Monroe) did he pass for over 50%. Clearly, this is an area of Wilson’s game that must be improved upon if the Tide is going to do well this year.
It’s very clear that Wilson took a step back last year when a lot of folks were looking for him to make “the jump” to a big time performer in 2007. The reason why, however was not so clear. If it was coaching, then that problem has hopefully been remedied with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Alabama fans are hopeful that he can rekindle the performance in Wilson that ex-Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula, a very underrated QB position coach, was able to sustain.
Also, Wilson must learn his 3rd different offense in as many years without the benefit of his top three receivers from last year. Unless the NCAA inexplicably allows Alabama to dress every offensive skill player in the #22 (which seems unlikely to happen- even though we can all agree the NCAA owes us one), Wilson will be forced to break old habits of locking on to his favorite receiver on most pass plays. That is, of course, until Julio Jones gets to campus. Then all bets are off.
Overall Impression-
Despite the opinion of many moderately uninformed Alabama fans, John Parker Wilson is the best QB on the team. Many of the fans clamoring for McElroy or Fanuzzi couldn’t pick these guys out of a police line-up (I will refrain from making a joke about Alabama’s recent off the field troubles here). For Alabama to be successful, Wilson must be more consistent, make better decisions on the field, and take better care of the football. In other words, he needs to stop being the opposing quarterback on some other team’s “Pontiac Game Changing Play.”
John Parker Wilson returns as a senior starter with 2 full seasons of starting experience behind him. Despite being one of the most maligned Crimson Tide players in recent memory, all the guy has done is break every major single season Alabama passing record each of the two years he has started. When he’s on, he can be as effective passing the ball as any player in the conference. He’s a tough player with decent mobility. If given the right coaching, he could be the best quarterback in the SEC this year not named Tebow or Stafford.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
.493 is an excellent percentage- If you’re talking about hitting a baseball or shooting from the 3-point line. As a starting QB? Not so much. .493 was Wilson’s total completion percentage in Alabama’s 6 losses last season. In only two of those losses (FSU and Louisiana Monroe) did he pass for over 50%. Clearly, this is an area of Wilson’s game that must be improved upon if the Tide is going to do well this year.
It’s very clear that Wilson took a step back last year when a lot of folks were looking for him to make “the jump” to a big time performer in 2007. The reason why, however was not so clear. If it was coaching, then that problem has hopefully been remedied with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Alabama fans are hopeful that he can rekindle the performance in Wilson that ex-Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula, a very underrated QB position coach, was able to sustain.
Also, Wilson must learn his 3rd different offense in as many years without the benefit of his top three receivers from last year. Unless the NCAA inexplicably allows Alabama to dress every offensive skill player in the #22 (which seems unlikely to happen- even though we can all agree the NCAA owes us one), Wilson will be forced to break old habits of locking on to his favorite receiver on most pass plays. That is, of course, until Julio Jones gets to campus. Then all bets are off.
Overall Impression-
Despite the opinion of many moderately uninformed Alabama fans, John Parker Wilson is the best QB on the team. Many of the fans clamoring for McElroy or Fanuzzi couldn’t pick these guys out of a police line-up (I will refrain from making a joke about Alabama’s recent off the field troubles here). For Alabama to be successful, Wilson must be more consistent, make better decisions on the field, and take better care of the football. In other words, he needs to stop being the opposing quarterback on some other team’s “Pontiac Game Changing Play.”
Running backs
Why I’m Stoked-
During the early part of the 2007, there was a freshman running back who was setting the conference on fire. Strangely enough, the back was not Knowshon Moreno, but rather Terry Grant. It’s been said that dynamite comes in small packages, and that was certainly true in Grant’s case. Alabama appeared to be loaded with serviceable running backs of every size and need, whether it is power (Coffee), speed (Grant), or a combination of both (Upchurch). It appears everybody in this group will be back, along with Demetrius Goode, who tore his ACL early in last year’s spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
While it is true that dynamite comes in small packages, dynamite also explodes and then fades away in a cloud of dust. This, unfortunately, was also the case for Terry Grant. He proved to be too small to handle the rigors of an SEC football season, ultimately losing his starting job and missing the last couple of games with injuries. Beyond Grant, Alabama’s other backs were solid, at best. On the positive side, it’s safe to say we don’t have to worry about the football program getting in trouble due to agents beating down our running back’s door. Of course, negatively, no SEC defensive coordinator is waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night screaming “How in the heck are we going to stop Glen Coffee?”
Overall Impression-
Alabama’s stable of running backs is probably best described as average. No better. No less. They proved to be either too brittle or too undependable to really install a lot of confidence in Coach Saban. When he’s giving the majority of carries to a walk-on, converted wide receiver in the form of Jonathan Lowe, against the eventual #1 team in the nation, it says a lot about his RB options last year. It also didn’t help matters that all of the backs had off-season surgeries. Look for freshmen such as Goode in the spring, or incoming freshman Mark Ingram or Chris Jordan to challenge for playing time when they arrive. This is a position battle that will be fun to watch during fall practice.
During the early part of the 2007, there was a freshman running back who was setting the conference on fire. Strangely enough, the back was not Knowshon Moreno, but rather Terry Grant. It’s been said that dynamite comes in small packages, and that was certainly true in Grant’s case. Alabama appeared to be loaded with serviceable running backs of every size and need, whether it is power (Coffee), speed (Grant), or a combination of both (Upchurch). It appears everybody in this group will be back, along with Demetrius Goode, who tore his ACL early in last year’s spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
While it is true that dynamite comes in small packages, dynamite also explodes and then fades away in a cloud of dust. This, unfortunately, was also the case for Terry Grant. He proved to be too small to handle the rigors of an SEC football season, ultimately losing his starting job and missing the last couple of games with injuries. Beyond Grant, Alabama’s other backs were solid, at best. On the positive side, it’s safe to say we don’t have to worry about the football program getting in trouble due to agents beating down our running back’s door. Of course, negatively, no SEC defensive coordinator is waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night screaming “How in the heck are we going to stop Glen Coffee?”
Overall Impression-
Alabama’s stable of running backs is probably best described as average. No better. No less. They proved to be either too brittle or too undependable to really install a lot of confidence in Coach Saban. When he’s giving the majority of carries to a walk-on, converted wide receiver in the form of Jonathan Lowe, against the eventual #1 team in the nation, it says a lot about his RB options last year. It also didn’t help matters that all of the backs had off-season surgeries. Look for freshmen such as Goode in the spring, or incoming freshman Mark Ingram or Chris Jordan to challenge for playing time when they arrive. This is a position battle that will be fun to watch during fall practice.
Wide Receivers
Why I’m Stoked-
Again, this is another position where the fall depth chart (if Coach Saban believed in those) will look a lot different than the one at the end of the spring. The guys Alabama has on campus now is a mixture of seasoned vets (Stover, Oakley, and McCoy), guys who saw their first action last year (Alexander and Hanks), and promising redshirt freshmen (Gibson and Maze). So, the numbers and talent are there for the making of a very competitive spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Though the talent is there, there’s not a legitimate 2008 First Team All-Conference candidate among them. The most talented among the receivers are probably the youngest ones. McCoy faded down the stretch last year, and Oakley has grabbed more injured hamstrings than footballs so far in his Alabama career. Does any WR in this group have enough in them to make fans complain that JP Wilson is locking in on him too often? It’s too soon to tell.
Overall Impression-
When you factor in the incoming receiver talent arriving in the fall along with the guys on campus now, the WR position is easily the deepest and most talented position on this team.
Again, this is another position where the fall depth chart (if Coach Saban believed in those) will look a lot different than the one at the end of the spring. The guys Alabama has on campus now is a mixture of seasoned vets (Stover, Oakley, and McCoy), guys who saw their first action last year (Alexander and Hanks), and promising redshirt freshmen (Gibson and Maze). So, the numbers and talent are there for the making of a very competitive spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Though the talent is there, there’s not a legitimate 2008 First Team All-Conference candidate among them. The most talented among the receivers are probably the youngest ones. McCoy faded down the stretch last year, and Oakley has grabbed more injured hamstrings than footballs so far in his Alabama career. Does any WR in this group have enough in them to make fans complain that JP Wilson is locking in on him too often? It’s too soon to tell.
Overall Impression-
When you factor in the incoming receiver talent arriving in the fall along with the guys on campus now, the WR position is easily the deepest and most talented position on this team.
Tight End
Why I’m Stoked-
Alabama is stocked at the TE position. McCall, Walker, Dial, Hoke, and Underwood all provide solid depth and at least a fair amount of talent. When you mix that with tons of game experience, it’s a positive thing.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Alabama has the perfect, prototypical TE on its roster. Unfortunately, that “perfection” is spread out amongst the 5 guys mentioned above. McCall seems to be the better blocker, while Walker is the better receiver. The lack of one really well-rounded TE is about the only concern for this position.
Overall Impression-
Solid group here. If Alabama fans do complain about our TEs not getting the ball enough (not that Alabama fans have ever, ever done that, mind you), the complaints will be valid.
Alabama is stocked at the TE position. McCall, Walker, Dial, Hoke, and Underwood all provide solid depth and at least a fair amount of talent. When you mix that with tons of game experience, it’s a positive thing.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Alabama has the perfect, prototypical TE on its roster. Unfortunately, that “perfection” is spread out amongst the 5 guys mentioned above. McCall seems to be the better blocker, while Walker is the better receiver. The lack of one really well-rounded TE is about the only concern for this position.
Overall Impression-
Solid group here. If Alabama fans do complain about our TEs not getting the ball enough (not that Alabama fans have ever, ever done that, mind you), the complaints will be valid.
Offensive Line
Why I’m Stoked-
I’m fully confident that this is the year when the experienced offensive line comes together and plays like the dominant unit it has the potential to be. Of course, I’ve probably said that the last 2 years before this season. Alabama has 2 NFL caliber players on the offensive line in LT Andre Smith and Center slash Guard slash Tackle slash textbook hook-up Antoine Caldwell. Alabama also has solid players at the other tackle spot in Mike Johnson, as well as a bevy of experienced players to compete for the right to man the interior of the line (Cardwell, Davis, Ross, and Pharr). When you throw the redshirt and true freshmen linemen into the mix (Crump, Vlachos, Love, Jones, etc), it becomes even more interesting. Alabama fans have their fingers crossed that this is the year the offensive line becomes the force it should be.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Other than the inability to establish a reliable running game against top flight foes, as well as the propensity to give up sacks at the worst possible time, the offensive line had a great year last year. All sarcasm aside, the consistent inconsistency of the offensive line has been a concern for years.
Also, what at one time looked to be a deep unit has all of the sudden become a little thin. With the defections of Stabler due to weak knees, and Stadler due to a weak will, along with the graduation of Britt and Capps, Alabama may need to rely on an incoming freshman or two to round out the two-deep depth chart.
Overall Impression-
I’m hopeful that with another year of rigorous off-season training under its belt, the offensive line as a unit will finally possess the raw strength and power needed to dominate its foes like its experience and talent levels suggests that it should. Call me the eternal optimist, but I believe this could be the year that it does. Again, I’m sure I’ve said that before.
I’m fully confident that this is the year when the experienced offensive line comes together and plays like the dominant unit it has the potential to be. Of course, I’ve probably said that the last 2 years before this season. Alabama has 2 NFL caliber players on the offensive line in LT Andre Smith and Center slash Guard slash Tackle slash textbook hook-up Antoine Caldwell. Alabama also has solid players at the other tackle spot in Mike Johnson, as well as a bevy of experienced players to compete for the right to man the interior of the line (Cardwell, Davis, Ross, and Pharr). When you throw the redshirt and true freshmen linemen into the mix (Crump, Vlachos, Love, Jones, etc), it becomes even more interesting. Alabama fans have their fingers crossed that this is the year the offensive line becomes the force it should be.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Other than the inability to establish a reliable running game against top flight foes, as well as the propensity to give up sacks at the worst possible time, the offensive line had a great year last year. All sarcasm aside, the consistent inconsistency of the offensive line has been a concern for years.
Also, what at one time looked to be a deep unit has all of the sudden become a little thin. With the defections of Stabler due to weak knees, and Stadler due to a weak will, along with the graduation of Britt and Capps, Alabama may need to rely on an incoming freshman or two to round out the two-deep depth chart.
Overall Impression-
I’m hopeful that with another year of rigorous off-season training under its belt, the offensive line as a unit will finally possess the raw strength and power needed to dominate its foes like its experience and talent levels suggests that it should. Call me the eternal optimist, but I believe this could be the year that it does. Again, I’m sure I’ve said that before.
Defensive Line
Why I’m Stoked-
It appears that Alabama finally has good, solid depth at the Nose Tackle position. Brian Motley and Lorenzo Washington contributed last year, and Josh Chapman and Alfred McCullough are expected to step into the rotation this year. Additional help is on the way with the incoming freshman class. Amongst that group, Kerry Murphy (assuming he’s not moved to the offensive side of the ball) is probably the guy most ready to step in and contribute immediately. For any 3-4 defense to be successful, you must have a good anchor man in the middle. For the first time in a while, Alabama has the potential to be strong there.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
It just wouldn’t be spring practice for Alabama without some concern about the defensive line. Last year, it was the nose tackle position. This year, it’s the defensive ends. After the graduation of Wallace Gilberry, the expulsion of Jeremy Elder, and the (hopefully) temporary absence of Luther Davis, that leaves Alabama with a couple of healthy bodies and/or a couple of hundred pounds short of having a solid 2-deep rotation at the ends spot. Bobby Greenwood returns, along with Brandon Deadrick, and Milton Talbert. Beyond these guys, there may be a couple of “Jack” linebackers who may have to fill out the position in the spring. Brandon Fanney is a name that immediately comes to mind.
Overall Impression-
It seems as if all of Alabama’s defensive lineman should be prepared to be able to play some defensive end. If Greenwood can come close to the potential he flashed as a freshman, and Deadrick can continue to make strides, Alabama has the chance to be solid. Defensive end is yet another position where a hard working freshman could contribute immediately.
It appears that Alabama finally has good, solid depth at the Nose Tackle position. Brian Motley and Lorenzo Washington contributed last year, and Josh Chapman and Alfred McCullough are expected to step into the rotation this year. Additional help is on the way with the incoming freshman class. Amongst that group, Kerry Murphy (assuming he’s not moved to the offensive side of the ball) is probably the guy most ready to step in and contribute immediately. For any 3-4 defense to be successful, you must have a good anchor man in the middle. For the first time in a while, Alabama has the potential to be strong there.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
It just wouldn’t be spring practice for Alabama without some concern about the defensive line. Last year, it was the nose tackle position. This year, it’s the defensive ends. After the graduation of Wallace Gilberry, the expulsion of Jeremy Elder, and the (hopefully) temporary absence of Luther Davis, that leaves Alabama with a couple of healthy bodies and/or a couple of hundred pounds short of having a solid 2-deep rotation at the ends spot. Bobby Greenwood returns, along with Brandon Deadrick, and Milton Talbert. Beyond these guys, there may be a couple of “Jack” linebackers who may have to fill out the position in the spring. Brandon Fanney is a name that immediately comes to mind.
Overall Impression-
It seems as if all of Alabama’s defensive lineman should be prepared to be able to play some defensive end. If Greenwood can come close to the potential he flashed as a freshman, and Deadrick can continue to make strides, Alabama has the chance to be solid. Defensive end is yet another position where a hard working freshman could contribute immediately.
Linebackers
Why I’m Stoked-
Two words- Rolando McClain. This kid is a beast, and appears to be the next in a long line of great Alabama linebackers. He has All-American potential. Add a blossoming play making star at LB in Zeke Knight, who has shown better hands as a LB than he ever did as a WR. Potent run stuffer Prince Hall mans the middle. With these three guys manning the LB corps, and either Brandon Fanney, Alex Watkins, Chavis Williams, or an incoming freshman holding down the strong side spot, Alabama has little to be worried about when it comes to the linebacker position.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
I can’t really think of …hold on, I’m getting a call (What?!? No, I didn’t hear. Well, is he coming back?...Well, at least we still got…No way! Him too???) Okay, so maybe I was a little premature with my gaudy praise of our LB corps. Get well soon, Zeke. Get your head on straight, Prince.
Overall Impression-
Well, um, at least we still have Rolando. Hopefully, at least one of our MIA LBs will be back in time for the fall. Alabama has serviceable candidates at best to replace them on campus right now. Though the only people really excited about starting the season with starting LBs like Cory Reamer and Charlie Higgenbotham are Mr. and Mrs. Reamer and Mr. and Mrs. Higgenbotham. If the worst case scenario plays out and Knight and Hall don’t make it back, expect incoming freshmen like Jerrell Harris, Donte Hightower, Cortney Upshaw, and company to help out.
Two words- Rolando McClain. This kid is a beast, and appears to be the next in a long line of great Alabama linebackers. He has All-American potential. Add a blossoming play making star at LB in Zeke Knight, who has shown better hands as a LB than he ever did as a WR. Potent run stuffer Prince Hall mans the middle. With these three guys manning the LB corps, and either Brandon Fanney, Alex Watkins, Chavis Williams, or an incoming freshman holding down the strong side spot, Alabama has little to be worried about when it comes to the linebacker position.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
I can’t really think of …hold on, I’m getting a call (What?!? No, I didn’t hear. Well, is he coming back?...Well, at least we still got…No way! Him too???) Okay, so maybe I was a little premature with my gaudy praise of our LB corps. Get well soon, Zeke. Get your head on straight, Prince.
Overall Impression-
Well, um, at least we still have Rolando. Hopefully, at least one of our MIA LBs will be back in time for the fall. Alabama has serviceable candidates at best to replace them on campus right now. Though the only people really excited about starting the season with starting LBs like Cory Reamer and Charlie Higgenbotham are Mr. and Mrs. Reamer and Mr. and Mrs. Higgenbotham. If the worst case scenario plays out and Knight and Hall don’t make it back, expect incoming freshmen like Jerrell Harris, Donte Hightower, Cortney Upshaw, and company to help out.
Secondary
Why I’m Stoked-
Alabama returns an all conference caliber player at free safety in Rashad Johnson, and a potential All American corner in Kareem Jackson. Viable candidates are already on campus to challenge for the strong safety spot this spring. Alabama fans are hopeful that Justin Woodall finally steps up and delivers on his potential. His main competition in the spring will be the likes of Sam Burnthall and Chris Rogers. The other corner spot will be up for grabs this spring, with Lionel Mitchell, Marquis Johnson, and Tremayne Coger. On a positive note, there will be good competition for the open spots all spring.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
For starters, Rashad Johnson, the captain of our team and the heart and soul of our secondary, did not exactly start off the year in Coach Saban’s good graces. The strong safety position, for what seems like the 42nd year in a row, is still a question mark. Lionel Mitchell couldn’t stay out of the coaching staff’s doghouse last year, while Marquis Johnson could not stay within 10 yards of FSU’s wide receivers last year during his only extensive scrimmage action.
Overall Impression-
The secondary is a real yin-yang type of unit. Half the unit is all conference material, while the other half inspires little confidence in most realistic Alabama fans. Alabama must find a dependable cornerback option opposite of Jackson. Unfortunately, the strong safety position is a place in recent years where 4 star athletes have gone to die (Chris Lett, Chris Keys, hopefully not Woodall), so that remains a concern. With Johnson and Jackson, at least Alabama is half way to having a really good secondary.
Alabama returns an all conference caliber player at free safety in Rashad Johnson, and a potential All American corner in Kareem Jackson. Viable candidates are already on campus to challenge for the strong safety spot this spring. Alabama fans are hopeful that Justin Woodall finally steps up and delivers on his potential. His main competition in the spring will be the likes of Sam Burnthall and Chris Rogers. The other corner spot will be up for grabs this spring, with Lionel Mitchell, Marquis Johnson, and Tremayne Coger. On a positive note, there will be good competition for the open spots all spring.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
For starters, Rashad Johnson, the captain of our team and the heart and soul of our secondary, did not exactly start off the year in Coach Saban’s good graces. The strong safety position, for what seems like the 42nd year in a row, is still a question mark. Lionel Mitchell couldn’t stay out of the coaching staff’s doghouse last year, while Marquis Johnson could not stay within 10 yards of FSU’s wide receivers last year during his only extensive scrimmage action.
Overall Impression-
The secondary is a real yin-yang type of unit. Half the unit is all conference material, while the other half inspires little confidence in most realistic Alabama fans. Alabama must find a dependable cornerback option opposite of Jackson. Unfortunately, the strong safety position is a place in recent years where 4 star athletes have gone to die (Chris Lett, Chris Keys, hopefully not Woodall), so that remains a concern. With Johnson and Jackson, at least Alabama is half way to having a really good secondary.
Special Teams
Why I’m Stoked-
After a disaster of a day at Arkansas in 2006, Leigh Tiffin has rebounded into a pretty dependable kicker. The return game could be hazardous to an opposing team’s health, as Javier Arenas returns as one of the most dynamic returners in the nation. P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter. Fitzgerald was wildly inconsistent last year. It’s a bad thing to be when you don’t exactly have a cannon for a foot anyway. Also, Alabama was unable to sign a long snapper this year, as Tommy Tuberville beat our brains in when it came to recruiting this position.
Overall Impression-
After a disaster of a day at Arkansas in 2006, Leigh Tiffin has rebounded into a pretty dependable kicker. The return game could be hazardous to an opposing team’s health, as Javier Arenas returns as one of the most dynamic returners in the nation. P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter. Fitzgerald was wildly inconsistent last year. It’s a bad thing to be when you don’t exactly have a cannon for a foot anyway. Also, Alabama was unable to sign a long snapper this year, as Tommy Tuberville beat our brains in when it came to recruiting this position.
Overall Impression-
The special teams unit has a chance to be, well, special. If rising juniors Tiffin, Fitzgerald, and Arenas continue to improve, and incoming freshman Cory Smith can give us another option at either K or P, then Alabama could have one of the best overall special teams units in the conference.
In Conclusion
This is an Alabama squad that has almost as much potential as it does question marks. Assuming that the offense can adjust to new OC McElwain (big assumption, I know), the offense has the potential to be explosive. The defense is thin at DE and LB. Good thing nobody runs the football in the SEC, huh? The secondary is a couple of hungry guys stepping up away from being the solid backbone of its side of the ball. There’s probably not a position on the field that won’t receive a boost in talent when the 2008 recruiting class arrives in the fall. Aside from the tireless work of Nick Saban and his coaching staff, there is a good reason why Alabama emerged from the first week of February with it’s most heralded class ever. These guys see a chance to play early, in most cases because they probably feel they’re already better players than the guys they may have to compete with. So, it’s up to the guys already on the team to make huge strides this spring because they can already hear the footsteps behind them. Who will step up? Who will be forced to “get to steppin’!”? I think this is what makes this 2008 incarnation of Alabama spring practice so interesting.
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