Switching to defense now, and this is where the tires meet the road for this team. If the defense can hold teams to 17-21 a game that should be adequate. Well, it should be enough to allow the offense to win, anyways. This defense comes in with a lot of expectations, and rightfully so, they have had 3 years together, for the most part, and it is time for them to go up to that 92 level notch.
LAST YEAR RECAP
The D line was basically encompassed by Mount Cody. As he played, and played well, they played well, but when he was down, they were good but it wasn't quite the same level of dominance. Towards the end of the year, teams were running away from him and Utah and Florida kept him off the field all together (mentally anyways). Greenwood finished his career with an upswing in production and Deaderick provided a stable anchor on the other side. Dareus, Chapman, and Davis all contributed and produced well when in the game.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Brandon Deaderick- Brandon does what a 3-4 end is supposed to do. He attacks the gaps and disrupts the middle. He's not going to have 12 sacks or 50 tackles even, but he is a very good run stopper and a fair pass rusher. Deaderick knows how to use his size and power to engage double teams and move them so that the OLB/ILB can get into the backfield.
Lorenzo Washington- Zo, like Fanney, has spent a long time getting ready to play. The hype and blah blah blah finally went to test in 2007 and he did ok. Washington is not a DT for a 3-4, but he played it and did fair, but he really is an End in a 3-4 scheme. He’s fighting off 2 or 3 guys that are more prototypes for the style they play, so we’ll see what happens there. I’d like to see the fight come out in Zo for a change.
Milton Talbert- He’s an all-state defender with 12 sacks and over 100 tackles his senior year. He is a guy the Internets love but I don't see him making any steam towards serious PT yet. His issue is that he's a true tweener. He isn't big enough for end, not fast enough for LB.
Josh Chapman- At 6’1, 313 he’s a lot of boy to move around. Coach Propst called him the best lineman in Hoover history. No pressure there…nah. He played a little his freshman year, but got his year back, and that’s good because it was wasted if he didn’t. He is the pass rush tackle for Bama where as Cody is the run plugger. Chapman does a very nice job of using his freakish athleticism against OL and jamming their chest and face as he bulls forward. He isn't as good a run defender as Cody, but the production level didn't go down drastically while Cody was out. Chapman is the starter for next year and will continue to see a lot of PT this fall.
Luther Davis- Ranked 3rd best recruit in LA, and snubbing LSU, made him a fan favorite early. His mouth has written some checks that LSU may try to cash. He’s gotten real flaky since enrolling in 2007, and I really question if his motor wants to run at times. I'll be honest, at times I wonder if he wants it, other times he seems like he does, I think some want it more and will work harder for it. When he does play, he's a servicable DE and he knows how to play the position with his leg drive and use of his hands to keep linemen from locking him up.
Nick Gentry- Had 16 sacks as a senior, he’s another tweener at 6’1 270. The injury has put him in a weird place. He was 2nd string for a while, but he has fell off the map. He is a likely attrition candidate right now to be honest. The only thing keeping him up is that Murphy hasn't practiced enough to get a serious mention for PT this fall.
Terrance Cody- The folklore is almost as big as his belt. He is very athletic for his size, but he is not a full service tackle yet. Is just a pure mauler off the snap and takes a lot of double teams to keep his big frame from crushing the middle of the OL. Cody has a lot of leg power and drives centers backward with ease and the same umph keeps the double teams from pushing him away. He needs to learn how to pass rush because he doesn't do that very well. His rush move is the same as his run move and in a passing situation it takes him too long to get beyond the LOS. Shedding weight will help with this and hopefully the staff is showing him a few tricks to shed blockers and disrupt more. They need him and Chapman in the middle when they go Dime or Nickel.
Marcel Dareus- He’s the “diamond in the rough” pickup for the 07-08 class. He looks the part, and the fans are talking him up way high, but before I get into the hype, I’d like to see how he plays in a full season and takes all the bumps, but what we have seen of him, he's got potential to be great. Remember, Luther Davis was able to ride lightning and crap gold nuggets. Same for Deaderick, Walton, Fanney, and Washington… On the flip side, when you watch him, he does one heck of a job with his hands to keep linemen from getting to his steering wheel. He, like Cody, has gotten by on his just physical power and less on skill. He knows how to do it, but he needs a little more teaching to understand not every down is a session in how to show how strong you are. He is big enough to play either End or Tackle. I won't be surprised if he isn't the starter at some point this year as they let him learn on the job and take the film sessions to show him how to play better.
Damion Square- Square is kinda the quiet name in the list. He comes from a state, Texas, where football is bigger than life itself a lot of the time. The redshirt helped him, like I thought it would last year, and now he should be a contributor this fall and a starter like Chapman is technically next. The staff really likes him and how he plays low and drives guards backwards. He has a lot of lower body strength and uses his hands pretty well to keep linemen out of his steering wheel. I noticed him a lot during pre-game warmups because he is just so big for his size.
Who is gone?
Bobby Greenwood- Greenwood came to T-Town with a chip on his shoulders and beat out all the big name signees for PT in 05. 06 and 07 were not signature years, but he was gimped up most of those years. Once he got to play his natural position, rush end, he played a much more complete game. My memory of him will be him chasing down the Utah player when most of those around him had gave up on the play. He's going to be missed more than folks think because he was a blue collar contributor and his replacement isn't.
Alfred McCullough- moved to OL last summer
Undra Billingsley- Meet the newest Jekyll and Hyde, you watch him once and you think wow what a future star, you see him again, and you wonder if you were watching the right guy. They have moved him to TE to give depth there. He looks more at home, but I haven't seen much of him catching yet.
Who is new?
Brandon Moore- I saw a lot of questioning about him projecting at End to start out. To make it simple, he'll play inside the tackle in the 3-4 next to the jack. That end is required/desired to be a little bigger and more like DT. If Moore can get his arms around that role, he will be a very special player in his 4 years here. He is big and very strong and uses his hands well on both sides of the line. Doesn't really explode off the line, but at end he will be more about engaging and opening lanes for the Jack and other blitz/rush assignments. He gets a little high sometimes, but that's coachable. I don't think he's been coached as much as a defender and his rush moves are stiff but again, he's going to just have to know how to power through and disrupt like Cody does on run downs and learn how to shed and disrupt over time. He came in, rumor has it, a little hefty so I don't know how much PT he will have, but I suspect if he is in game shape, they will want to work him in.
William Ming - Is it sad that when I first saw this guy, I expected something different? Probably so, but I'll do laps later. He and Steen are kinda alike in that they work hard each play. I can see why folks rumor him to play TE. He's got a lot of burst off the snap for a guy as big as he is. He lacks true power for an end, but is more of a technical player than a mauler. He understands the position and looks well coached as an end. If he could gain some speed, like say get down to a 4.7/40 he might look at Jack, but he may outgrow it as well. What I really like to see from him is how smart he plays. He doesn't rush into the OL every down and he reads the line shifts well and gets his hands in the right place to create separation and get in to disrupt the play. One play he just dismembers an OL by punching his arm and shoulder out of the way and just shoots past. He's beyond the lineman so fast the play breaks down in less than 5 seconds. Nice. Probably the best signee as far as understanding the game goes. I could see him playing some in mop up and reserve but I can see a redshirt too.
Anthony Orr- grayshirted.
Chris Bonds- Here's the scoop on why he's a 3 star, it isn't how he plays, it is the fact he doesn't play too much because he's hurt. After watching his videos, I can see how he gets hurt. He gets amped up to play and probably can't keep his composure and that results in a pull or tear here there and yonder. Would be a rush end in the mold of Bobby Greenwood if he got healthy, but that's a big IF. Has a great motor, engages the linemen and loves to hit. Has good hand work and keeps linemen off him and is in great shape, but again, the videos are somewhat dated. The Army AA game, he came away from it with a lot of ????? about how much rust he had and some scouts started to mumble that he had lost the skills some. Hard to say when he's being used at DT instead of DE, which is where I would start him out at. I think if he is put at DT, he is only effective in a nickel or dime formation because against the run, he'd give up too much size as is. He will redshirt unless injuries require otherwise.
Quinton Dial- DNQ
Darrington Sentimore- Where to begin? He has a good nose for the ball, is always on the play, and has the ability to grow into a DT at around 300 lbs, looks a lot like Zo Washington in action, may be the number. His videos show a lot of potential, but he's raw as all get out. Very sloppy on his tackles at times, he doesn't wrap up he wants to highlight them so some of you will love him like you love Prince Hall, but other times he is on top of them quickly. He has a unique run style and needs to cut out some of the theatrics with it, it is slowing him down some. He's another that has gotten by on his gifts and needs someone to show him how to put it together. Is fast for a 260+ guy and has good push off the snap. Definitely knows how to get inside the lineman and disrupt. He just needs a lot of polishing to his game if he wants to succeed in the SEC. He probably redshirts too.
THE DEFENSIVE LINE
The Good…
Experience up front
Cody, Deaderick, and Washington are all now veterans and have enough PT in them to know the responsibility of their positions. They may not be the ideal players for the spot, but the experience and time under their belt makes up for it some.
Potential up next
Chapman and Dareus both have shown it on the field during the summer, and that is a plus. Both are better fits for the style of play and it really is a matter of time before both are starting side by side this fall.
More looks to throw out there
In the past, they were pretty bland up front, there wasn’t as much in the cupboard to keep rotation and schemes in line. This fall, I’d look for more groups and situational settings to help keep the DL fresh and change things up against offensive lines in the SEC. I think you could see the trios of Deaderick/Cody/Dareus, Dareus/Chapman/Cody, Washingon/Deaderick/Dareus, and so on as they go nickel, dime and base.
The Bad ...
Until they do it, it is just nice talk
Cody does his part in the run, and the other guys do ok, but they aren't just dominating 4 quarters of ball against good teams. They need to be able to step up so that they aren't having to figure out so many options outside the 3 linemen (ie- do you use Hightower or Anders or Upshaw or McClain, etc.). If they can get the disruption from them plus 1, it makes coverage so so so much easier.
Finding a way to stop the pass when you HAVE TO
It is one thing to have x yards passing per game stats, but I can visually remember just sitting here the sad fact that LSU, Ole Miss in the 2nd half, Utah, UGA in the 2nd half albeit when they were running the clock out, all got the yards when they had to. They haven’t really stopped the pass when they had to in a while now, so it is one of those until you do it when it counts, you still haven’t proven anything type situations. Stopping Arkansas St isn't exactly trophy kill material is it?
The Ugly…
None
What the experts think….
Athlon’s. They rank the unit 2nd behind Florida. They say it starts with Cody and how he progresses and notes the 3 seniors that should provide leadership and the 3 potential stars in Murphy, Chapman and Dareus.
Lindy’s. They also rank Bama 2nd behind Florida. They note they were 2nd in run defense and that Deaderick is a "force". (RLB note- I like that phrase better than "beast") They don't dwell much on the front line but rather the talent level of Cody and others.
Depth Chart
1st- Deaderick / Cody / Washington
2nd- Davis / Chapman / Dareus
3rd- Moore / Murphy* / Ming or Square
August 27, 2009
August 20, 2009
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- OL
Or for those needing more spirit fingers.... The Fabulous, Stupendous, Amazing, Originally Guaranteed....oh hell I feel dirty just having to try that.....it is football, the damn game hasn't really changed in my lifetime, they just rename and tweak formations, so original is silly.
This will be fun…
LAST YEAR RECAP
When the moon and stars align, things happen. They did for Bama's OL for the most part and they were a more dominant force than they had been in a long time. Credit the new OC for making the style fit their strengths more and using more motion to get the H Back in the lead block position along with gearing down to run more and create with play action more. The results were a near 5 yard per carry and 32 minute average TOP, both usually mean the good guys win. The OL was anchored by 2 NFL caliber players and got yeomen work from the other 3 for the most part, but they fell flat in the bowl game as suspensions, injuries, and just flat out lack of depth/talent caught up to them.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Drew Davis. Drew grayshirted and then redshirted, so he’s out of shirts to wear. He won the RT starting job in the spring of 2008 and held the job through the year. Davis is a guy that is a good tackle, but he's not going to be a guy that gets a lot of looks at the next level. When he keeps his fundamentals in mind and sets his feet and drives through defenders, he's an SEC caliber lineman, but when he gets more worried about just being in front of a defender and less on his technique, his game is troubling. They are going to have to lean on him and I hope that after a year of play and now getting to apply what he saw to what the coaches say, it will improve by leaps and bounds. He isn't in danger of losing his job any time soon and if he gets hurt, they are in trouble, but they can't rely on him like they did Smith and others to be the driver and lane maker that they need.
Mike Johnson. This guy is a workout machine. He was the starting RT in 07 and did ok, but for all the power he has, his footwork leaves something to be desired. So he moved back to a natural position LG and is where he needs to be. Johnson is a north south blocker that really just overwhelms the defender with his size and power. The staff is leaning on him and if he's barking in practice, he's taken the role of leader to fill the spot of AC. That probably is most important to me.
Taylor Pharr- At some point, the light will come on, just hope it isn't the exit sign.
David Ross. David is another center/guard that at 6-4 295, and he was the utility lineman/ first reserve last year. As the talent has improved from last summer to now, his name has drifted a bit. The linemen are getting bigger than him and he probably is going to be the backup center in the end.
William Vlachos- Auburn fans make fun of his size, but he's a center, centers don't have to be 6-6. He has a low center of gravity and is very strong and uses his weight to his advantage when he gets in the pads of a tackle or end. His snaps are fair, during the MSU game his snaps were low and McElroy was fishing for the ball some times. He just needs to keep the chemistry with McElroy and keep him from having to spend more time on the snap catching because they will give up some sacks this fall. I think he's solid, he's not AC, but then again AC wasn't AC until last year when you think bout it.
John Michael Boswell. Boswell is one of my favorites because he plays mean. He is versatile and can play guard or tackle if called upon. He probably is one of their best guards, but they have such a shortage of game ready tackles he is running 2nd on the RT list. I think the biggest surprise of the summer is that he's held off DJ Fluker for that spot.
Barrett Jones. Jones was a Rivals 100 and the top center in the nation. He also was top player out of TN in 2007. As of today, he is running first string on the RG race. Jones is different than his predecessor, Marlon Davis, in that Davis was very physical and used his size to get himself out of trouble, whereas Jones is a technical player who uses technique and skill to get by on because he is not as big as most linemen these days. He is a student and when I watched the videos of him he doesn't always have a big mean streak, but is probably one of the better pass blockers that I have seen at a high school level. The bottom line is that if he is the guy they go with, there will be a learning curve to be patient about and they won't be able to just pick up and go with him like Marlon did. He's going to make them a better pass blocker, but their run surge won't be as good for a while until he gets more adjusted to it.
Tyler Love. No lineman had more fan fare in 2007 than Tyler. He was also a Rivals 100 and a top 10 linemen coming out of high school. He is a LT by trade, but he's practiced at both sides. He is a lot like Jones in a way that he is more about technique than powering through, but he is probably a little more willing to give the defender a jab in the chest than Jones. The problem he will have that Jones won't have is that at LT or RT, the role requires more physical presence and more surge than guard does. He will be asked to clear on off tackle, sweep, counter plays and he's not physically able to do that yet, at least not in the spring anyways. He is bulking up now, finally, and probably is the biggest benefactor of Carpenter being able to handle the LT job for 2 years. It will give him more time to grow and more time to adjust to the job description or move to LG next year perhaps.
Brian Motley- He started at NT and was good there until he got hurt, but then he has bounced around to center and was starting RG in the spring game. Motley is a guy the coaches will like because he just does what he's told, but he isn't the flashiest or most sound guy at anything he does, he just knows how to use his body and waller on the other guy.
Alfred McCullough- Like Motley, he does what they ask and is good enough to play anywhere on the line and d-line. He moves really well for a guy his size and is deceptively fast with his hands. As a DE, I noticed a lot of times that he got in on veteran linemen and just gave them fits. For those wondering about his size, guys 6-2 and weigh that much usually don't move real well. They are more fire hydrants than moving targets typically, and he's not a hydrant. He does a really nice job of getting off the snap and engaging his opponent and knows how to use his lower body and hips to move the play, that comes from his defensive background and serves him well now. I like McCullough a lot and hope they can find a place to use him because he's a guy that they could run behind with out fear.
Who is gone?
Antoine Caldwell. AC started his career at guard but due to the lack of proficiency from Taylor Britt, he ended 05 at center and remained. He finished as probably one of the most athletic and versatile linemen they have ever had. His contribution will be hard to replace this year.
Evan Cardwell. Cardwell redshirted in 05 and played in spots last year. He played through a back injury, but the injury won in the end.
Marlon Davis. Davis is a guy that never got the hype that AC and Smith got, but the guy was a good football player. I think fans are realizing this now after they try to replace him.
Scott Deaton. I couldn't ID this guy if you asked me to, but it seemed like he was there for 50 years.
Andre Smith- Andre decided to take the money and run, but his play on the field pretty well said it was time. There wasn't anything else he needed to prove.
Who is new?
James Carpenter- He's a JUCO early signee. He will come in with a lot of expectations on him as the replacement for Andre Smith. Coffeyville CC has been a good root to tap for Bama in the past and the hope is the luck will continue. When you see him, he's not hard to find. Huge player who could play guard or tackle in the SEC. He is not a center by trade. Carpenter is a fit 305, doesn't look that heavy, and he took the summer to really workout more and get in SEC shape. His feet move well in pass protection, uses his hands to get inside defender and drive them off. He really is probably a better RT than LT because the speed requirement is different, but he is going to be the best option for now. His body and long wingspan make him a hard target to get around on the rush. He can't be bull rushed either. Has 3 years to play 2.
DJ Fluker- I don't know what is more scary, the fact he's the best lineman coming out of HS, or that he's still raw and the best at it. He's not real experienced at LT, and at times it shows, but he's so naturally gifted and athletic for his size, that he overcomes that. If LT doesn't work, he'd make us all forget Terrance Cody if moved to NT. Has real long arms and is fast for his size. Looks like he could add more muscle mass and not lose a lot of speed. His technique is surprisingly good for his experience level, but in the all star game, some of the speed ends got on him and his fundamentals got lost in the action. Has a lot of characteristics of Andre Smith, but hasn't got the understanding of the job like Smith did 4 years ago. If he were to pull or be used in a counter type play, he would be devastating in space. He can easily take out 2 or more defenders at times. The only area that he will struggle until coached through it is when smaller, faster, and equally strong guys (Q Groves types) get in on him. He sometimes struggles to get his hands and feet in position to take them on in time and can lose leverage even though he has the size and weight advantage. He has shown up overweight and looks overwhelmed when he gets gassed, he will redshirt if possible at this point folks.
Darius McKeller- His dad was a good one (Keith McKeller, Buffalo Bills TE in the glory days) and Darius is gifted as well. He needs more time to get ready so he's sitting it out for now.
Anthony Steen- I keep reading this guy is a "stud". He's definitely strong and has a good motor, but I wouldn't jump out on a limb with "stud". He's a guy that you want in the locker room and teammates feed off of and he'll give you a blue collar effort. The flip side is that he's not real polished or stands out when he plays. He's a natural guard on offense and could be an end or NT on defense. He fits the mold of how Bama likes their linemen to play. He's always engaging the defender and not letting them get on him. He moves well for his size and can be a good pulling guard on the run. Very raw and hasn't been coached to the level he needs to be, but part of that seems to be because he has to split duty. Small school player syndrome may be in effect. Hard to say without knowing who the teams are on video, but they are all private school teams and that gets a Schrute Buck demerit there. He will have the Internets happy because he can bench a village of Pygmies but I doubt he sees much PT for at least this year and next. After that, who knows with recruiting and player moves.
Chance Warmack- Early signee and projects at guard for the Tide. Big guy and he moves well for his weight. If his bench max is 315, he'll need some serious weight room time. A guy his size should be well ahead of that, 315 means he can't do a pushup. Getting on campus early will benefit him and give him some extra teaching time. When he plays, he plays with his hands more than his body. Likes to engage, then drive, and his size and mass makes him nearly dominate when that happens. His biggest coaching need is in footwork and how to move in line and not stride and get out of center so much. I could see him getting the business from a veteran DT if he strode left or right and the tackle got inside him. He likes the contact and likes to be physical and his motor runs every play from the videos provided. It all just needs to be pulled together and focused. He was noticeable in the spring reports, but has retreated in the Summer kind of like Chris Jackson did.
Kellen Williams- needs a lot of work on fundamentals, has the typical high school problem of getting by on raw ability thing. Has the knee injury but showed up for work this week, so who knows....
THE OFFENSIVE LINE
The Good…
This will be fun…
LAST YEAR RECAP
When the moon and stars align, things happen. They did for Bama's OL for the most part and they were a more dominant force than they had been in a long time. Credit the new OC for making the style fit their strengths more and using more motion to get the H Back in the lead block position along with gearing down to run more and create with play action more. The results were a near 5 yard per carry and 32 minute average TOP, both usually mean the good guys win. The OL was anchored by 2 NFL caliber players and got yeomen work from the other 3 for the most part, but they fell flat in the bowl game as suspensions, injuries, and just flat out lack of depth/talent caught up to them.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Drew Davis. Drew grayshirted and then redshirted, so he’s out of shirts to wear. He won the RT starting job in the spring of 2008 and held the job through the year. Davis is a guy that is a good tackle, but he's not going to be a guy that gets a lot of looks at the next level. When he keeps his fundamentals in mind and sets his feet and drives through defenders, he's an SEC caliber lineman, but when he gets more worried about just being in front of a defender and less on his technique, his game is troubling. They are going to have to lean on him and I hope that after a year of play and now getting to apply what he saw to what the coaches say, it will improve by leaps and bounds. He isn't in danger of losing his job any time soon and if he gets hurt, they are in trouble, but they can't rely on him like they did Smith and others to be the driver and lane maker that they need.
Mike Johnson. This guy is a workout machine. He was the starting RT in 07 and did ok, but for all the power he has, his footwork leaves something to be desired. So he moved back to a natural position LG and is where he needs to be. Johnson is a north south blocker that really just overwhelms the defender with his size and power. The staff is leaning on him and if he's barking in practice, he's taken the role of leader to fill the spot of AC. That probably is most important to me.
Taylor Pharr- At some point, the light will come on, just hope it isn't the exit sign.
David Ross. David is another center/guard that at 6-4 295, and he was the utility lineman/ first reserve last year. As the talent has improved from last summer to now, his name has drifted a bit. The linemen are getting bigger than him and he probably is going to be the backup center in the end.
William Vlachos- Auburn fans make fun of his size, but he's a center, centers don't have to be 6-6. He has a low center of gravity and is very strong and uses his weight to his advantage when he gets in the pads of a tackle or end. His snaps are fair, during the MSU game his snaps were low and McElroy was fishing for the ball some times. He just needs to keep the chemistry with McElroy and keep him from having to spend more time on the snap catching because they will give up some sacks this fall. I think he's solid, he's not AC, but then again AC wasn't AC until last year when you think bout it.
John Michael Boswell. Boswell is one of my favorites because he plays mean. He is versatile and can play guard or tackle if called upon. He probably is one of their best guards, but they have such a shortage of game ready tackles he is running 2nd on the RT list. I think the biggest surprise of the summer is that he's held off DJ Fluker for that spot.
Barrett Jones. Jones was a Rivals 100 and the top center in the nation. He also was top player out of TN in 2007. As of today, he is running first string on the RG race. Jones is different than his predecessor, Marlon Davis, in that Davis was very physical and used his size to get himself out of trouble, whereas Jones is a technical player who uses technique and skill to get by on because he is not as big as most linemen these days. He is a student and when I watched the videos of him he doesn't always have a big mean streak, but is probably one of the better pass blockers that I have seen at a high school level. The bottom line is that if he is the guy they go with, there will be a learning curve to be patient about and they won't be able to just pick up and go with him like Marlon did. He's going to make them a better pass blocker, but their run surge won't be as good for a while until he gets more adjusted to it.
Tyler Love. No lineman had more fan fare in 2007 than Tyler. He was also a Rivals 100 and a top 10 linemen coming out of high school. He is a LT by trade, but he's practiced at both sides. He is a lot like Jones in a way that he is more about technique than powering through, but he is probably a little more willing to give the defender a jab in the chest than Jones. The problem he will have that Jones won't have is that at LT or RT, the role requires more physical presence and more surge than guard does. He will be asked to clear on off tackle, sweep, counter plays and he's not physically able to do that yet, at least not in the spring anyways. He is bulking up now, finally, and probably is the biggest benefactor of Carpenter being able to handle the LT job for 2 years. It will give him more time to grow and more time to adjust to the job description or move to LG next year perhaps.
Brian Motley- He started at NT and was good there until he got hurt, but then he has bounced around to center and was starting RG in the spring game. Motley is a guy the coaches will like because he just does what he's told, but he isn't the flashiest or most sound guy at anything he does, he just knows how to use his body and waller on the other guy.
Alfred McCullough- Like Motley, he does what they ask and is good enough to play anywhere on the line and d-line. He moves really well for a guy his size and is deceptively fast with his hands. As a DE, I noticed a lot of times that he got in on veteran linemen and just gave them fits. For those wondering about his size, guys 6-2 and weigh that much usually don't move real well. They are more fire hydrants than moving targets typically, and he's not a hydrant. He does a really nice job of getting off the snap and engaging his opponent and knows how to use his lower body and hips to move the play, that comes from his defensive background and serves him well now. I like McCullough a lot and hope they can find a place to use him because he's a guy that they could run behind with out fear.
Who is gone?
Antoine Caldwell. AC started his career at guard but due to the lack of proficiency from Taylor Britt, he ended 05 at center and remained. He finished as probably one of the most athletic and versatile linemen they have ever had. His contribution will be hard to replace this year.
Evan Cardwell. Cardwell redshirted in 05 and played in spots last year. He played through a back injury, but the injury won in the end.
Marlon Davis. Davis is a guy that never got the hype that AC and Smith got, but the guy was a good football player. I think fans are realizing this now after they try to replace him.
Scott Deaton. I couldn't ID this guy if you asked me to, but it seemed like he was there for 50 years.
Andre Smith- Andre decided to take the money and run, but his play on the field pretty well said it was time. There wasn't anything else he needed to prove.
Who is new?
James Carpenter- He's a JUCO early signee. He will come in with a lot of expectations on him as the replacement for Andre Smith. Coffeyville CC has been a good root to tap for Bama in the past and the hope is the luck will continue. When you see him, he's not hard to find. Huge player who could play guard or tackle in the SEC. He is not a center by trade. Carpenter is a fit 305, doesn't look that heavy, and he took the summer to really workout more and get in SEC shape. His feet move well in pass protection, uses his hands to get inside defender and drive them off. He really is probably a better RT than LT because the speed requirement is different, but he is going to be the best option for now. His body and long wingspan make him a hard target to get around on the rush. He can't be bull rushed either. Has 3 years to play 2.
DJ Fluker- I don't know what is more scary, the fact he's the best lineman coming out of HS, or that he's still raw and the best at it. He's not real experienced at LT, and at times it shows, but he's so naturally gifted and athletic for his size, that he overcomes that. If LT doesn't work, he'd make us all forget Terrance Cody if moved to NT. Has real long arms and is fast for his size. Looks like he could add more muscle mass and not lose a lot of speed. His technique is surprisingly good for his experience level, but in the all star game, some of the speed ends got on him and his fundamentals got lost in the action. Has a lot of characteristics of Andre Smith, but hasn't got the understanding of the job like Smith did 4 years ago. If he were to pull or be used in a counter type play, he would be devastating in space. He can easily take out 2 or more defenders at times. The only area that he will struggle until coached through it is when smaller, faster, and equally strong guys (Q Groves types) get in on him. He sometimes struggles to get his hands and feet in position to take them on in time and can lose leverage even though he has the size and weight advantage. He has shown up overweight and looks overwhelmed when he gets gassed, he will redshirt if possible at this point folks.
Darius McKeller- His dad was a good one (Keith McKeller, Buffalo Bills TE in the glory days) and Darius is gifted as well. He needs more time to get ready so he's sitting it out for now.
Anthony Steen- I keep reading this guy is a "stud". He's definitely strong and has a good motor, but I wouldn't jump out on a limb with "stud". He's a guy that you want in the locker room and teammates feed off of and he'll give you a blue collar effort. The flip side is that he's not real polished or stands out when he plays. He's a natural guard on offense and could be an end or NT on defense. He fits the mold of how Bama likes their linemen to play. He's always engaging the defender and not letting them get on him. He moves well for his size and can be a good pulling guard on the run. Very raw and hasn't been coached to the level he needs to be, but part of that seems to be because he has to split duty. Small school player syndrome may be in effect. Hard to say without knowing who the teams are on video, but they are all private school teams and that gets a Schrute Buck demerit there. He will have the Internets happy because he can bench a village of Pygmies but I doubt he sees much PT for at least this year and next. After that, who knows with recruiting and player moves.
Chance Warmack- Early signee and projects at guard for the Tide. Big guy and he moves well for his weight. If his bench max is 315, he'll need some serious weight room time. A guy his size should be well ahead of that, 315 means he can't do a pushup. Getting on campus early will benefit him and give him some extra teaching time. When he plays, he plays with his hands more than his body. Likes to engage, then drive, and his size and mass makes him nearly dominate when that happens. His biggest coaching need is in footwork and how to move in line and not stride and get out of center so much. I could see him getting the business from a veteran DT if he strode left or right and the tackle got inside him. He likes the contact and likes to be physical and his motor runs every play from the videos provided. It all just needs to be pulled together and focused. He was noticeable in the spring reports, but has retreated in the Summer kind of like Chris Jackson did.
Kellen Williams- needs a lot of work on fundamentals, has the typical high school problem of getting by on raw ability thing. Has the knee injury but showed up for work this week, so who knows....
THE OFFENSIVE LINE
The Good…
Potential abounds again...
Last year it was experience, but now we are back to potential. When you read the bios, watch the videos, hear about practice, the word that really is in play is potential. Outside of Johnson, none of them have any long term PT, 3 will have 0 PT in the SEC. So, the upside is that this unit will stay a majority for a little while. The reserves have played in some games and there is a lot of optimism about Fluker when he sheds the summer bulge.
Johnson's leadership
I am big on vocal leaders in the huddle, not on the sidelines at practice, in the huddle. Johnson seems to have learned from his leaders how to do it, and I expect when the time comes and things are bad, he's there pulling the 10 with him.
Schedule friendly growth
The good news is after Va Tech, they get a few weeks where they can depth build and grow. They need to dedicate to building a true 2 deep line that has PT and has been tested to know what they have and get them ready when it is their turn.
The Bad...
Not a lot of experience.
Johnson is tested, Davis has a season in his belt but there isn't really anything to staple to how they will do in the primetime for the rest.
Instability
Right now, they have a lock on 4 out of 5, which is good, but they really need to dedicate to the 5th guy (Jones I guess) and let the guys start learning each other and start letting them become a unit.
The Ugly…
If this unit is like the typical OL unit...
The hit parade usually comes a long and the starting five changes at random as the staff tries in mid stream to find a guy that can do the job. Before you say, well Saban won't...go watch the Sugar Bowl again.
What the experts think….
Lindy’s
Lindy’s has them 5th and mentions the loss of 3 starters. They have Johnson 2nd team All American. They overshot on Fluker and had him at starter. They mention the 2 worst offensive outings were games Smith missed.
Athlon’s
They rank the unit 4th. They too mention the need to jell and get the RG spot solved to help the running game.
Depth Chart
Center- Vlachos / Ross
Right Guard- Jones / McCullough / Motley
Left Guard- Johnson / Boswell / Warmack
Right Tackle- D Davis / Boswell / Fluker
Left Tackle- Carpenter / Love / Fluker
August 19, 2009
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- WR & TE's
I was looking back on last year's review of this position, and this was my header, sad things don't change much...
"I don’t wish harm on Brett Favre but I do wish that I wouldn’t hear his name for 20 years…."
LAST YEAR RECAP
There are two names that were mentioned a lot by me for good reasons. The first was Julio Jones and the second was Travis McCall. Julio lived up to and exceeded all expectations that were on him and he's a premiere WR already as a sophomore. McCall was the unsung hero of the running game and his ability to take on the lead blocking role and make some key catches from the H Back position was a hidden key to why the Tide went 12-0 to start the year. If you go back and watch each game, you will see both of them making key contributions at key points each win. Mike McCoy started off as a starter, but, as he has done since entering school, he faded off and eventually lost his starting role. Nick Walker was the starting TE, and faded after a strong start....again. Nikita Stover and Darius Hanks both improved as the year went on and were starters in the 3 wide sets by year end.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Earl Alexander. Earl is an Internet favorite and has the size to be a great target. However, he's injury prone and plays smaller than what he really is. He lets smaller corners move him off his routes way too easy. He projects as a 4th or 5th option this season.
Mike McCoy. For all the raving about McCoy by experts, it sure didn’t show up on the field. He runs one route well enough to get the ball (out routes) and really wasn’t a force during the fall. He lost his confidence and was a little banged up, but who isn't by October, and the staff and players lost faith in him towards the end of 2008. He leads every spring and summer, but at some point has to show some game in the game. He really needs to step up and be a factor in the game and quit talking so damn much. A guy who has done as little as Mike shouldn't be talking so much trash about the former QB.
Brandon Gibson- Gibson was a big time get at the end of the recruiting season when he came out of HS, but has not been the guy that has gotten attention since enrolling. He’s not a vertical guy, he looks more like the possession guy. They need him to come in and be a replacement for Stover in the scheme of things. From reading practice reports, he seems to have had the light come on somewhat, but he may be lost in the shuffle down the road.
Darius Hanks- Hanks was the big winner of McCoy's issues last year and he is probably a co-starter in the 3 wide set if games started now. Hanks is tall, fast, and has good hands, he isn't afraid of the flat and squares up to give the QB a nice target when he runs his routes. He does need to get better about his route running, as he has a tendency to get a little loose on them, but that is coachable. I look for big things from him this year as McElroy will be more of a short field passer and allow guys like him to create.
Marquis Maze- Maze is a burner, but he’s small and this offense is more for big and fast than just fast. With that said, however, he probably will be in with Hanks as an option for different passing situations and gives the offense a vertical threat they need. Maze has the speed and the hands to be a real weapon, but he has to grow up and quit making such costly mistakes- ie personal fouls at the worst moments- that put the momentum and team in bad situations.
Preston Dial- Dial has flirted with being a real weapon every spring, but fades in the summer and has struggled to get in the games due to 2 seniors being ahead of him. He has lost ground to Peek and Smelley now, and is the 3rd option at TE, but that could be a good thing if he fits a special role. This fall is big for him because if he can play well, others can be used in other areas.
Chris Underwood- Underwood is a big target, and really he’s an oversized WR playing hand down. Look for them to use him some to exploit mismatches in coverage, but he won’t be used for pass blocking or run blocking very often. With the influx of new talent coming in soon, he may be moved or may be a casualty of numbers.
Chris Underwood- Underwood is a big target, and really he’s an oversized WR playing hand down. Look for them to use him some to exploit mismatches in coverage, but he won’t be used for pass blocking or run blocking very often. With the influx of new talent coming in soon, he may be moved or may be a casualty of numbers.
Julio Jones- Sweet Child O Mine, if he hadn’t come to Bama this country would be 49 states because Alabama would have melted off the map. The number one player and WR in America had fun with the process and comes from a good program. He’s physical and tall, two things missed over the years on campus. He definitely lived up to expectations and has a lot of buzz nationally for his gritty and tough play. He has my respect because he played and caught most of the passes this past year with a broke hand. That's toughness that makes those around him step up.
Brad Smelley- He is a former QB but has stepped up to be a nice pass option from the H Back/TE position. He is a co-starter with Peek and I look for them to use him a lot like they did last year by putting him in motion and getting him isolated with a slower linebacker or a smaller safety/corner and exploit his game that way. He still needs to learn how to block more, but really QBs don't learn how to block they just know one when they see it, but for him to be a bigger option in the whole game, he's got to work on it.
Michael Williams- Boy this one kills me to no end. He started practicing at Jack last year while he redshirted, which wasn't real surprise. Then they moved him to TE during the bowl practices and now he sits 4th string at TE. I don't hide that I'm a homer for the guy, he's a true athlete that with some coaching and focus could be a standout end or jack.
Colin Peek- Transferred from Georgia Tech. He is a big target and an adequate blocker who moved on after Tech hired Johnson and his wing T offense. He sat out last year due to the transfer and he was hurt too, so it didn't matter. He is a starter and will give the offense its first true dual threat TE in ages.
Who is gone?
Will Oakley. Injuries plagued him and his career at Bama was more or less about the injury of the week than his play.
Who is gone?
Will Oakley. Injuries plagued him and his career at Bama was more or less about the injury of the week than his play.
Nick Walker TE. Nick was a good pass catching tight end, but a mediocre blocker. That's being nice. He started each season as a real option but faded down the stretch every time.
Travis McCall TE. Like I said above, this guy was a real foundation for their successes. They will miss him more than they will miss a lot of lost starters. Finding a blocking replacement for McCall will be a real factor this year in Bama's run for the SEC and National Title.
Nikita Stover. Stover was a great mystery, when he’s in, he’s damn good, but that’s the thing. The thing I liked most about Nikita is that when he’s in the big game, he makes big plays and he was always making key blocks in the running game during those games. It is one thing to look good against Sister Mary of the Blind, it is another to score on Auburn. Well up until last year anyways.
Chris Jackson- transferred to Tech and probably for the best, he was getting lost in the shuffle
Who is new?
Kenny Bell- Bell is a speedster and he's a rare find, there aren't many LA boys that will leave state when LSU offers. He's a 4 star because he's legitimately fast. From what I could see and read, he's your typical vertical WR, great in space, good with the ball, as good as down once contact is made, if made. He will go over the middle, but is at his best outside one on one.
Michael Bowman- As some have read, I've seen Bowman play since he started high school. I have seen a lot of comments about him being a speed receiver, but he's not. His biggest assets are his long arms and physical nature. He is a possession WR. Plays a lot like Nikita Stover. Can catch one and make a guy miss and then turn it into a bigger play, but will not just out run coverages. He's a guy that is good over the middle and will take a lick and keep going. The only thing he doesn't like is to be doubled and taken out of the game. Some of the area coaches have said they noticed him getting out of the game mentally and were able to neutralize him quickly. That probably won't be an issue at Alabama though because of Jones and the running game. He has great hands and will get to a ball if it is humanly in range. Loves to create separation with his hands and elbows, and he runs good routes. He will be in the rotation, but the separation between him and a guy like Norwood is prior coaching. Bowman is still a little raw in that he was kinda of a big fish in a small pond as far as competition goes and has gotten by on being bigger than most of the guys he played against. He isn't short on confidence, which is a double edged sword, and likes the ball in key situations, but I will be interested in seeing how he handles things when Saban gets on him or how well he can stand by and wait his turn.
Kendall Kelly- Kelly is kinda hard to read at times. Some love him, some are not as wild about him. I can see both at times. He's a guy that I could see outgrowing the WR spot and becoming a LB. He is very raw and has gotten by on pure athleticism but lacks a lot of understanding about what he's doing at times. He can make a catch but doesn't know or see how to extend the play sometimes. Has plenty of speed to separate on the fly and good hands. Likes contact and can catch in stride, not that easy for some, but it is all him and not a lot of coaching. He's not a possession guy, but he isn't the vertical threat at the college level either. As is, reminds me of several on campus right now. Overall, he has a ton of upside to him with time and coaching. He is a candidate to redshirt or play special teams
Kevin Norwood- Norwood is probably my favorite of the bunch. He isn't high on the board because he isn't ultra flashy and he doesn't rack up sick numbers like some others do, but he's got a lot of skill. He gets the position best out of the ones I've watched. Is deceptively fast, doesn't look fast until you look at the time lapse and he books it. Has a good mix of possession with a deep threat capacity. His long arms and size make him an easy target for a QB who isn't the most accurate. Can snag passes that most can't. He's really smooth with the ball in his hands. Looks almost like a running back at times the way he turns and shifts. The biggest knock on him is that he can be taken out by a more physical player. Patrick Patterson owned him in the playoffs, but Patterson would own many if he played CB as he will as a WR at Ole Miss. He has separated from the freshman pack in Saban's eyes because he is the most ready of the bunch right now. He has the coaching, skill, and focus to play now and I think he gives the offense a real weapon down the road.
THE WIDE RECEIVERS
The Good…
Julio being Julio.
The Good…
Julio being Julio.
The biggest thing going for the receiving corps is that they don't have to wonder who the man is, they know who the man is. His name is Mr. Jones. Call him Julio and he might put that 5 foot hand print over you when he stiff arms the crap out of you. All smack talk aside, Jones has become the target and even in double teams and shadowing situations, gets the ball when thrown to him. He isn't afraid of the hits, and he isn't afraid of the work.
Talent Abounds
When you have Hanks, Jones, Norwood and Maze, you have 4 very good and tough to cover players. When you have that, surely the mismatches and opportunities will be there. Yes I left McCoy out for a reason.
Potential for big things
If Norwood and Bowman can come in and do what they are expected to by fans, this could be a fun group to watch. If potential becomes reality, this could be the foundation of a full power offense. I think when you add Norwood's versatility to Jones big play capacity; you have a balance to the schemes. They have been hunting this for a reason and haven't had it in a long long time.
A true big play TE
If Peek can stay healthy, and if they can work him in to the play calling regularly, you will finally see the TE become a weapon in the offense. I know McElwain wants to use the TE's a lot, it is a trademark from Fresno, but they either haven't had the guy or have had to use the TEs in max protect a lot. Smelley also gives them that threat, but as mentioned, needs to be a blocker too.
The Bad...
Inexperience
For all the potential and expectation out there, it doesn’t really overcome inexperience and the lack of connectivity with the QB. It won’t be like playing a video game where you plug in and go.
No established number 2 or 3 option
Inexperience
For all the potential and expectation out there, it doesn’t really overcome inexperience and the lack of connectivity with the QB. It won’t be like playing a video game where you plug in and go.
No established number 2 or 3 option
Everyone knows it is Juilo Jones first, then everyone else second. Every defense Bama will see early on will play like that. The key for the offense to be more than a conservative won't win but won't lose the game facet is finding that second passing option, whether it is Peek or Smelley at TE or one of the WR's that can get the load off of Jones some.
The Ugly…
Every year is THE year but never comes
How many years in a row now have we all speculated that this WR unit will be a breakout weapon but fizzles and fumbles along? They are the Georgia Bulldogs of the team where every year is their year until they play and then it is next year when so and so comes to campus.
What the experts think….
Lindy’s- They rank this unit 2nd in the conference behind LSU. They cite it is due to Julio Jones, and that he needs help from Hanks and McCoy. They pay people for that info? They mention Maze as the vertical fast threat that can give Jones some help, but that Saban has never been pass happy but wants balance and ball control via the pass.
Athlon’s- They rank the WR/TE's 4th behind FL, UGA, and LSU. They talk about Julio Jones establishing himself as the top WR in the nation for the sophomore class. They quote Saban as saying that now he knows the offense, they expect to do more things with him. Athlons must read this blog/post because they say the exact same thing I've said about EA, Maze, and McCoy that I've said for 2-3 years respectively.
DEPTH CHART
Starter- McCoy/Jones/Hanks/Peek
2nd String- Maze/Gibson/Alexander/Smelley
3rd String- Norwood/Bowman/Dial
August 11, 2009
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- Running Backs
LAST YEAR RECAP
For the first time in a long time, the running game established itself as a force through the whole season. Traditionally over the last 3 or 4 years, the running game came in like heroes but slid downward towards mediocre usually down the stretch. Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram had a lot to do with the stability and improvement as Coffee stayed healthy for the first time and Ingram came in with a different energy than any back since Beard or Alexander came around. The offensive line play had a major part in this as did getting an OC that knew how to get more out of his talents.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Roy Upchurch. Was sought after by all the major Florida schools and Arkansas. Has a nice balance to his running style. He mixes power with dashes of speed to make a nice package. He had 2500 yards and 27 TDs and became a Parade All American. He redshirted due to injury in 05, played sparingly in 06 and 07. Played half of 08 before going down with a neck injury. When he did play last year, I thought he looked good both as a runner and a blocker. He needs to show some focus in the locker room and practice field to gain the staff’s trust. Nobody will question his effort on the field though. It is all elbows and cleats when he runs. The biggest thing going for him is that he's a senior and will be a leader on the field, but the biggest thing going against him is that there are younger backs with as much potential and upside as him chomping for PT.
Terry Grant. Grant played as a return man for a bit but was injured early. Mr. Mississippi ran for 2700 yards and had 35 TD’s. He also comes from a winning program. He started out like a ball of fire early, but the pounding that the SEC brings caught up with him. He fell off the cart in 2008 and things look pretty well done as of August 2009 because the talent and style of those ahead of him will trump his speed.
Demetrius Goode- Graduated from Hargrave, why doesn’t that make me feel better on a side note there, and is a pure running back. Goode looks timid, still, in the spring and will have to overcome the fear of hurting himself again. His spot is starting to come to a point of not playing or not but being on the roster or not.
Jeramie Griffin- was the 3rd best fullback in the US his senior year and compiled 1200 yards. He may be the next Castille type player, but first he needs to be on the field to make that call. He looked strong against a beaten MSU team last year, but he's really about to become a situational back and Saban has never been a fan of a guy who just comes in for 1 thing, like jumbo back. They may revisit him at fullback.
Mark Ingram- Dad was a great WR for the Dolphins, and he’s a darn good athlete himself. Last year I said "Out of all the RB’s coming in, he’s the most likely to make an impact because he’s versatile enough to play inside or outside and kick it up a notch and turn a 5 yard carry to a 30 yard TD." Sometimes I actually hit one. Anyways, he is the starter defacto until otherwise told he isn't and I can't see a reason to keep him off the field because he only does good things when he plays. I think a year under his belt and a full offseason to learn more of the system and be a leader in the weight room and huddle will be good for him and McElroy too.
Who is gone?
Glen Coffee. After Upchurch’s injury, Coffee benefited from the time he was able to get as the number 2 back in 2005. He redshirted in 2006. He was the starter for a while, ended up in the textbook issue and was hurt again. He stepped up in 2008 and led the team in rushing and second in TDs. Coffee was that nice balance between the pounders and the speedsters. He has speed and is a solid 4 yard a carry kinda guy. See Riddle, Curtis Alexander, and Galloway. Glen saw the opportunity for $$$ and bolted to the NFL.
Jonathan Lowe. His dad was a great ball player. Lowe started at MSU, transferred to Bama and is primarily a kick returner. He lacked the leg power to play tailback but is good in space. He didn't stick around in the end...
Ivan Matchett- Played for the powerful St Paul’s in Mobile. Is a lot like Darby when you watch him play. Less shuffling than Darby though. He's gone now due to injury and he wasn't going to play.
Jermaine Preyear- Played in Mobile as well, was hurt off and on his senior year. He greyshirted, fell behind the chart and now is off the team due to team rules violations. I wonder if not cutting it is a team rules violation?
Who is new?
Eddie Lacy- Lacy is a 4 star RB that would have been a bigger name in the recruiting wars if his grades were better. He's a downhill runner, plain and simple. In some aspects of his running game, he reminds me of Glen Coffee or Ahmaad Galloway. He's flashy, and not a guy most likely to bust out a 80 yard TD on any defense at the college level, but he's consistent, runs low, but he runs with the ball loose and free, and most of all is patient with the ball. For example, Darby would race up to the lane he was to run to, and jitter around and force it. The results were 2 yards or less most of the time. Lacy is patient to the lane, and has the vision to cut back or cut outside if the play isn't there and doesn't force the action if it isn't required. Loves to hit, uses his lower body power to move people and punish smaller defenders for tackling him. His lower body power will make his YAC (contact) numbers look impressive because he doesn't go down on contact (see Terry Grant) he plows forward for 2-4 more yards. The only flaws in his game that I can find is that he's not going to just blow away defenders in a foot race and he gets sloppy with his hand transitions while running. He's listed with 4.4/4o speed, but he lacks that extra burst that Shaun Alexander and Bobby Humphrey type players had. I can't tell how much PT he will get, but I suspect if Upchurch is down again, he gets 2nd or 3rd billing with Trent.
Trent Richardson- You would get a kick out of watching me watch this guy play. The transcript is pretty easy reading. "Damn....daaaamn, wow, damn". That's about it. This guy has that "it" that the Alexanders and Humphreys and Jacksons and Walkers have. In some of the videos and games I've seen him in, he is all over the field, and you can find him fast. He's the guy with the ball that looks like a bull on parade out there. It's elbows and assholes time when he touches the ball. He's versatile and can be put out in space in formation to catch a pass and get 1 on 1 with some poor corner or SS that will have to face his stiff arm. He has that McFadden stiff arm that just humiliates and stings defenders. Does a great job of getting low and making his tackle spot small. Uses his hips and shoulders to hit a small crease and turn into the open field. He's one of the more fluid runners I've seen in recent years. He loves to hit, sometimes too much. Has okay hands, but isn't a soft handed back. He gets better as the game wears on. Loves to get as many touches as he can, and coaches will love that. He's fast and has the 2nd level gear that Lacy doesn't show, but sometimes gets caught up in the whip fest he likes to put on. Coaches can work with him on that and the level of competition will help with that. His vision is that signature "it" factor. Sees the play and reacts quickly to the defense and seems to consistently be able to avoid the schemes. He will play and play a lot this fall.
Mike Marrow- Marrow is a lot like Chris Jordan was last year. He could play on either side of the ball, but he lists with everyone as a FB, so I lump him here with reservation because the staff has a knack of moving players half way through summer when they know they will redshirt regardless. His future position will be dictated more on how the linebacker depth and talent stacks up in the summer than his desire to play at one spot or another. The fullback position has started to decline in the program and in the NFL, so I add that to why I don't see him on offense long. They seem more content to let a TE go in motion to lead block than using the FB much. As a runner, he's a pinball. He's not fancy and not flashy, but he's a true north south running back with serious leg drive. The few shots of him blocking that I could find, he likes to stick players, but you can tell he's not practiced it all that much or hasn't been taught how to use his body and power to move players in space. I think he redshirts and I wouldn't be shocked if he is moved half way during the season to ILB.
THE RUNNING BACKS
The Good…
Plenty of options…
When you look at the chart, there are plenty of good options out there. You have the speed guys in Grant and Upchurch and the bruisers in Ingram and Richardson as well as the guy who can do a little of both in Lacy.
Ability to carry the load
I really expect that the offense will center around them early on while the QB and WRs get into a better flow. It will also help the OL grow up to have them doing more simple attack style blocking and not pressing them to pass block more than they need to.
The future
It will be a year worth watching as far as the progression of 3 very gifted runners go. Ingram will get his share, Richardson and/or Lacy will get their shots as well, but next year will be the year that both get their crack at big carries.
The Bad...
No soft defenses down the stretch
Bama knows this every year. That late October thru November stretch is hard knocks. Four of the last five teams Bama plays will be tougher defenses. Playing the SEC schedule, especially the West will be hard on a young team, even harder for the running game. Of course home games against UT and LSU aren’t exactly better when you get down to it.
The Ugly…
None.
What the experts think….
Lindy’s- They start out with Ingram setting a freshman record with 12 TDs, and they place Trent as the number 2. They think that Trent is as physically ready as any back can be out of high school but needs to learn blocking. Personally, I never really cared much if a tailback can block real well. They rank Ingram 20th in the nation. They rank the unit 3rd behind LSU and UF.
Athlon’s- They rank the unit 2nd behind LSU. They cite the quality of depth as the biggest thing going for the unit. They mention the spring not being as good because Upchurch and Ingram were hurt and Grant and the reserves were not impressive. They end it with a Saban quote of "How many guys do we have that have done anything in the game?" Coachspeak 101.
DEPTH CHART
Starter- Ingram- He will be the opener and probably get 15-20 carries a night
2nd String - Upchurch- He probably will have to do big things to keep the others off him
3rd string- Richardson- He will be the 3rd "starter" in the rotation as they send their backs in formation needs.
4th string- Lacy- He will probably creep up the roster as he gets more chances to shine. The only thing keeping him and Richardson from being co-2nd is a proven senior.
August 10, 2009
Random Thoughts- Tempered Optimism.
After almost a week of practice and 7000 brave souls sitting in100 degree heat to watch Fan Day, it is clear the expectations are very high. They should be high. Bama has sunk a ton of money into the school and program, and the recruiting and 12 win season have magnified those desires to see Bama playing for championships not named Music City or involve having to go to the Shreeve....
I won't go into a full on breakdown of everything today, that's coming this week and next, but here's some food for thought after reading the masses.
Top 5 questions going into Fall
1. Who will be the 5 linemen vs. Va Tech?
This may be a situation where it doesn't end until later in the year, but the 5 going in will not be fully organized and familiar with each other to say the least. Left Tackle has surprisingly become a 1 man race with Carpenter being that man. Carpenter has come into the summer and really taken the opportunity to get in better shape and dedicate to the position. That is a big positive, because many reports are that Fluker is not well rounded enough yet, and that wasn't a big surprise to me. Carpenter isn't Smith though and if the bar is there then nobody on the roster will meet it this fall. One myth I read over the weekend was some coach to be said Fluker was all pass block and no run block. That would make him the most unique football lineman in the history of man to be skilled at pass before the run. The run block is pretty simple, on about 90% of the playbook, for a tackle. There are only 3 directions you typically go.
Left Guard and Center weren't contested and that's fine because the only center McElroy knows is Vlachos. You don't want to mess with the snap chemistry much. Right Guard has been a little surprising that it is still anyone's game. I thought Boswell would hold it down, but he seems to be their utility lineman. Ross has fallen off the cliff. Jones who knows. McCullough and Motley have taken the opportunity to step up and it is starting to sound like one of them may get it. Although one point in practice they had Davis there. I doubt they go there though because Fluker isn't ready. The quicker this unit forms, the better the odds of the offense being good are.
2. Can the defense find it's pass rush?
The truth is that Saban hasn't recruited itself out of the bend but don't break calibers from the Shula/Kines era. They probably get a little closer to where they want to be this fall. The first question under the main is who is the next "Jack" now that Fanney is gone? I think the real race is down to Hightower and Anders with Upshaw starting to creep up, but still 3rd behind them. There are some different things that they are trying to do up front that should help the defense with the rush by using both Anders and Hightower at the LOS and mixing in some speed at corner with Dre and Scott so that they can use Barron or Woodson at the Moneyback and get some different options on blitz packages. The level of confusion that they can create with those adjustments should help out in the long run. If they go base, it looks like Reamer has held his spot with Harris flopping behind him and behind Hightower. McClain is fine, Hightower has a spot it is just about where, and the last spot is really up to Nico Johnson or Chris Jordan right now. If one of them comes in and can handle the workload, Hightower is moved, but if they aren't quite ready, the rotations ensue. Either is not bad.
3. Can the corner play improve?
I think it is safe to say that the fall off between the 2 base starters and their counterparts was pretty noticable towards the end of the year. The race for Marquis Johnson's spot in the rotation is getting real. Dre Kirkpatrick and BJ Scott have stepped up and are pushing for it, and I think the staff is probably rooting for this as well as for Barron or Woodall to eventually get the money spot too. From what folks tell me, it is Barron's to lose. Sharrief is a special teams player and we've lost sight of that in some respects. In the end though, question 2 has to solve itself to matter here. On the flip side, the corner play will have to improve because the FS is not a senior who went through his growing pains prior to last year. I know some folks are going to be hard on Green because he will make mistakes, but folks, he's the coaching staff's pick and he would have been mine too. Smart player that really has a lot of growth potential.
4. Who can step up next to Julio Jones?
There has to be a real option to help Jones out more because the defenses that Bama will play later in the year can scheme around him. Maze and McCoy followed by Hanks seem to be the hierarchy for the moment. The freshmen will get a lot of looks and the practice reports will have a lot of comments that lead folks to think they are moving up, but the highest that one can be proabably is 5th. I say that with almost sticking an asterisk next to that, but you have really 6 guys with game experience there. You have Jones, McCoy, Maze, Hanks, Alexander, and Gibson all with PT. I think the jockeying for position is within the 1st four to be honest with the chances of a freshman pushing to the 5th and some situational stuff. Remember, this staff puts a weighted importance on experience. That is why Marquis Johnson has held on to his job in part.
5. Who will be the backup QB?
I know some folks aren't in love with McElroy for some purely cosmetic reasons, and that's fine, but you better start living with the fact he's the starter until he proves he cannot handle it. I have a hard time believing that he'll lose that edge. The thing that I usually do with fan recants of watching practice is that they usually are seeing what they want. If they wanted Star to be the guy, guess what, Star looked good. If they wanted AJ to be the guy, ditto that. I think the staff has become pretty comfortable with McElroy and Saban probably will err on the side of control with him because he had good fortune with Mauck at QB.
The backup race is fully up for grabs. I don't have a real gut feeling about the org chart on this one yet, but my gut guess is that Star is 2nd and AJ 3rd right now. However, I suspect that if McElroy does well, AJ redshirts and Darrah is probably 3rd on the chart.
What can a person make out of practice?
Not a damn thing really. It is practice, not a game, practice. Some guys, Shaun Alexander comes to mind, just aren't practice players, but others, Zeke Knight, look awesome in practice. I am a believer that if you practice hard, you play hard, and if you go soft, you look soft. I also don't put a lot of stock in 1 scrimmage or 1 practice as the Bible of the way it will be, but I do take a little more stock in a series of practices and scrimmages over time. If you take one moment as the end all be all, that's how you end up with these insane Darrah for starter threads and a fringe group of fans who swear he's being held down. There is a lot of it that we won't see or hear much about that will go a long ways towards who plays and doesn't or who starts and doesn't. I don't get into all the hype when I watch these guys play, but I know it is easy to get into the this guy is a 5 star and our starter from last year wasn't. I get it, but I think sometimes we get a little too aggressive in wanting the future stars of tomorrow to be here today. See DJ Fluker, nearly all the board believed he was the starting LT from day 1 of summer camp, but reality has set in that he may not see a lot of PT. There was the belief that Barron should replace Rashaad, but after watching the Sugar Bowl, that wasn't a real possibility. It is ok to wish and root for a guy, I do it too, but don't pile on the expectations that the staff has already set.
I won't go into a full on breakdown of everything today, that's coming this week and next, but here's some food for thought after reading the masses.
Top 5 questions going into Fall
1. Who will be the 5 linemen vs. Va Tech?
This may be a situation where it doesn't end until later in the year, but the 5 going in will not be fully organized and familiar with each other to say the least. Left Tackle has surprisingly become a 1 man race with Carpenter being that man. Carpenter has come into the summer and really taken the opportunity to get in better shape and dedicate to the position. That is a big positive, because many reports are that Fluker is not well rounded enough yet, and that wasn't a big surprise to me. Carpenter isn't Smith though and if the bar is there then nobody on the roster will meet it this fall. One myth I read over the weekend was some coach to be said Fluker was all pass block and no run block. That would make him the most unique football lineman in the history of man to be skilled at pass before the run. The run block is pretty simple, on about 90% of the playbook, for a tackle. There are only 3 directions you typically go.
Left Guard and Center weren't contested and that's fine because the only center McElroy knows is Vlachos. You don't want to mess with the snap chemistry much. Right Guard has been a little surprising that it is still anyone's game. I thought Boswell would hold it down, but he seems to be their utility lineman. Ross has fallen off the cliff. Jones who knows. McCullough and Motley have taken the opportunity to step up and it is starting to sound like one of them may get it. Although one point in practice they had Davis there. I doubt they go there though because Fluker isn't ready. The quicker this unit forms, the better the odds of the offense being good are.
2. Can the defense find it's pass rush?
The truth is that Saban hasn't recruited itself out of the bend but don't break calibers from the Shula/Kines era. They probably get a little closer to where they want to be this fall. The first question under the main is who is the next "Jack" now that Fanney is gone? I think the real race is down to Hightower and Anders with Upshaw starting to creep up, but still 3rd behind them. There are some different things that they are trying to do up front that should help the defense with the rush by using both Anders and Hightower at the LOS and mixing in some speed at corner with Dre and Scott so that they can use Barron or Woodson at the Moneyback and get some different options on blitz packages. The level of confusion that they can create with those adjustments should help out in the long run. If they go base, it looks like Reamer has held his spot with Harris flopping behind him and behind Hightower. McClain is fine, Hightower has a spot it is just about where, and the last spot is really up to Nico Johnson or Chris Jordan right now. If one of them comes in and can handle the workload, Hightower is moved, but if they aren't quite ready, the rotations ensue. Either is not bad.
3. Can the corner play improve?
I think it is safe to say that the fall off between the 2 base starters and their counterparts was pretty noticable towards the end of the year. The race for Marquis Johnson's spot in the rotation is getting real. Dre Kirkpatrick and BJ Scott have stepped up and are pushing for it, and I think the staff is probably rooting for this as well as for Barron or Woodall to eventually get the money spot too. From what folks tell me, it is Barron's to lose. Sharrief is a special teams player and we've lost sight of that in some respects. In the end though, question 2 has to solve itself to matter here. On the flip side, the corner play will have to improve because the FS is not a senior who went through his growing pains prior to last year. I know some folks are going to be hard on Green because he will make mistakes, but folks, he's the coaching staff's pick and he would have been mine too. Smart player that really has a lot of growth potential.
4. Who can step up next to Julio Jones?
There has to be a real option to help Jones out more because the defenses that Bama will play later in the year can scheme around him. Maze and McCoy followed by Hanks seem to be the hierarchy for the moment. The freshmen will get a lot of looks and the practice reports will have a lot of comments that lead folks to think they are moving up, but the highest that one can be proabably is 5th. I say that with almost sticking an asterisk next to that, but you have really 6 guys with game experience there. You have Jones, McCoy, Maze, Hanks, Alexander, and Gibson all with PT. I think the jockeying for position is within the 1st four to be honest with the chances of a freshman pushing to the 5th and some situational stuff. Remember, this staff puts a weighted importance on experience. That is why Marquis Johnson has held on to his job in part.
5. Who will be the backup QB?
I know some folks aren't in love with McElroy for some purely cosmetic reasons, and that's fine, but you better start living with the fact he's the starter until he proves he cannot handle it. I have a hard time believing that he'll lose that edge. The thing that I usually do with fan recants of watching practice is that they usually are seeing what they want. If they wanted Star to be the guy, guess what, Star looked good. If they wanted AJ to be the guy, ditto that. I think the staff has become pretty comfortable with McElroy and Saban probably will err on the side of control with him because he had good fortune with Mauck at QB.
The backup race is fully up for grabs. I don't have a real gut feeling about the org chart on this one yet, but my gut guess is that Star is 2nd and AJ 3rd right now. However, I suspect that if McElroy does well, AJ redshirts and Darrah is probably 3rd on the chart.
What can a person make out of practice?
Not a damn thing really. It is practice, not a game, practice. Some guys, Shaun Alexander comes to mind, just aren't practice players, but others, Zeke Knight, look awesome in practice. I am a believer that if you practice hard, you play hard, and if you go soft, you look soft. I also don't put a lot of stock in 1 scrimmage or 1 practice as the Bible of the way it will be, but I do take a little more stock in a series of practices and scrimmages over time. If you take one moment as the end all be all, that's how you end up with these insane Darrah for starter threads and a fringe group of fans who swear he's being held down. There is a lot of it that we won't see or hear much about that will go a long ways towards who plays and doesn't or who starts and doesn't. I don't get into all the hype when I watch these guys play, but I know it is easy to get into the this guy is a 5 star and our starter from last year wasn't. I get it, but I think sometimes we get a little too aggressive in wanting the future stars of tomorrow to be here today. See DJ Fluker, nearly all the board believed he was the starting LT from day 1 of summer camp, but reality has set in that he may not see a lot of PT. There was the belief that Barron should replace Rashaad, but after watching the Sugar Bowl, that wasn't a real possibility. It is ok to wish and root for a guy, I do it too, but don't pile on the expectations that the staff has already set.
August 3, 2009
The Good The Bad & The Ugly- Preseason QB
Well fall drills begin soon and we’ll know more about who this team is and what the real expectations should be. This year’s team is a little easier to pin down than last year's was, but there are still some questions that need to be answered before we know just how far this team can go. I hope by the time drills are over, we have weeded the hurd down to the ones that can build a championship.
So with that said..
LAST YEAR RECAP
When talking about 2008 and the QB’s, there is only one person that can be discussed, and has ad nauseum, John Parker Wilson. Wilson had a solid first year with Shula, and was on a good pace early in 2007, but somewhere between the start and end, his confidence was shaken and he really struggled down the stretch with bad games against FSU, LSU, MSU, ULM and AU. In 2008, under another OC, he was peeled back and not asked to really have to do much because the staff, like the fans, had figured out that he's not really able to pick up a team and push them over the goal line like a Barker or Stabler or Namath would. Greg McElroy played sparringly, but set off the debates after his nice rope to Maze in the Auburn game.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Greg McElroy. He comes from a pass happy system where he accumulated 4000+ yards and 50+ TD’s last year in high school. He also has some mobility, he rushed for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns. Probably 11 were goal line sneaks. He was the MVP of the DII championship game after throwing for 328 yds and 4 TD’s. To the naked eye, when you watch him, you say more of the same from Wilson on to McElroy, but that isn't true. When I watch McElroy's A Day game, and really focus in on his footwork, his checking down progressions, and his pocket sense to move and step up, he's light years different from Wilson. Greg has not been battle tested, but that isn't his fault, he really should have been put into some of the blow outs sooner. He isn't a cannon arm QB, but he is very smart and he knows how to be a quarterback and has been coached well to play the position. That will be an upgrade in itself. The things to watch for with McElroy during the season will be about his mentality, can he hang in there after getting peppered around, can he shake of the interceptions that will be there, and can he gel with more than Julio Jones? If he can grow and progress over the learning curve, Bama's problems are small. Real small.
Star Jackson. If the hype meets reality, this guy is the next great star. Some want him to start now, some want him to get half the snaps, some want him to play some, and others think a transfer looms. Personally, I think the hype that the fans have on him was unrealistic and that he really is a very raw, undercoached athlete. That is what separates McElroy from Star is that one knows what being a QB means and all the mechanical details of it and the other knows how to throw far. The A-Day game isn't exactly a fair comparison, but he really never stepped up when he played with the 1s either. The future for Star is cloudy now because AJ McCarron, the new next big thing, and whomever Bama signs this winter will be in line too and the depth chart can only be so deep at QB. If Bama signs 2 quarterbacks this winter, it is a good sign that they aren't sold on Star's ability to run the show.
Thomas Darrah. He is the invited walk on that has Internet fans building shrines. He looked nice in the 08 A Day game against 4th string defensive backs, but came back to earth this spring. Darrah has a huge arm, no doubt about it, but he couldn't find Waldo if he had a neon sign on him. However, Thomas Darrah does kick ass like Chuck Norris, he’s already proven that since coming to campus. I’d bet he doesn’t get mentioned again after this time next year.
Who is gone?
John Parker Wilson. Wilson had a very good first year. All things considered with the poor OL play, no running game, Keith Brown’s hide and go seek play, no Prothro, Hall having a bad shoulder, etc. He did very well in all but the LSU game. His second attempt at being the starter, well, let’s just say the mentioning of his name in sports bars throughout the state of Alabama could incite fights and criminal violence. Wilson did well when everything was going well and the pocket is holding and the running game is going, and the WR are catching and not dropping. He holds a lot of records because he played a lot more games, but the only record that Bama fans count are SEC and National Titles.
Nick Fanuzzi. Fanuzzi is a legacy QB. His dad was a QB at Kentucky and he now follows that line. This time last year, I said he could be lost in translation. There is only room for one Nick in T- town....
Who is new?
AJ McCarron- AJ is a 4 star QB that comes from a HS that is rich in college profile players. As far as his play goes, he has a lot of upside. The downside to that is that he will need some time to level out and get ready for the pounding that the SEC brings. Physically, he looks a lot like Croyle did coming out of HS. He has a good arm, not a cannon, and is accurate when his mechanics are on. He has a tendency to not set and throw and forgets his fundamentals at times. When he's got his stuff together, he's a very capable pocket QB. He likes to sit in the pocket and check down, not real wild about getting out in space and creating or doing a waggle. With weight and belief in himself/teammates, that could change. His throwing motion is good, and he whips the ball around the way you are taught, and the ball comes out fast so he avoids sacks. The ball rarely drops below the pad and it comes out at the point of release not too early or late. His footwork is sloppy at times and that is coachable, definitely not a major problem, or shouldn't be. He may finish the fall at 2nd string and see some mop up duty, but I will be willing to put money on him being 3rd and redshirting.
THE QUARTERBACKS
The Good…
A proven OC
After watching Major get flustered and go fetal down the stretch, it was comforting to see Coach Mac roll his sleeves up and toe the line against the best in the nation. This year he gets more pieces to work with and a QB that is very coachable and fits his system well. McElwain has a good philosophy that fits well with Saban's ideals on offense, and that means a lot. I think that as they get more recruiting classes under them, you will see the offense change in style a bit, but Mac seems to be flexible in the formations, it is the playcalling that doesn't change.
A shorter offense can help things out
Bama has 2 problems on offense going into the year. One, the OL isn’t good enough for long drawn out plays and is pretty green. Two, the quarterback needs time to get the green off him too. So, you pull the offense in, more screens, dumps, slants, outs, and other 15 and under plays and you get more proficient offense and get the safeties up so that the deep ball can work a little better. The QBs will have to find a guy that they like over the middle for it to work, paging any willing WR…
The quality of depth is improving each fall
I think as long as I live, I will remember the Croyle/Pennington/Guillon/Avalos fiasco season where the defense won all 6 games for them and the offense resembled a 9-10 year old rec team. Saban realized early on he didn't have much to work with, and really he is still pretty thin if he is using walkons above 3rd string at times. This fall, however, he has McElroy who has the potential to be very good, Star Jackson who in time can be good, and McCarron who has the potential to be a long term answer for the team. It seems like 100 years ago that things were that bad, and who knows we may all be snowed over on the talent of these guys, but I doubt that.
The Bad...
There ain't a lot of time on the time cards
McElroy has some logged in time, but he's never played more than a few series in the waining moments of a game. The rest haven't been beyond a clipboard. One hasn't even seen his jersey yet. It isn't a reason to jump off a ship or fear the worst because the defense will relieve them of some of the pressure. It is a reason to hold your breath a bit before you yell national champions and a lot of marks that we can't put much proof to.
Log jam at backup
It isn't bad in the long term sense of things, but 3 guys for 1 backup spot is going to leave 2 guys sore. Bama's had a rash of transfers over the last couple of years and QB has been a popular spot to look at. I'm not saying one will leave, but the odds indicate that if a guy falls to 3rd, they probably won't play.
The Ugly…
The worst case scenario
Oh the endless pessimism that can be created by Alabama's quarterbacks. In the worst case scenario, McElroy is out and 2 freshmen are asked to take on the role in the heat of the SEC schedule. Even Manning had a hard time with his growth spurt his freshman year. That SEC wasn't nearly as brutal as this SEC is. A freshman QB with no time to learn and grow will look a lot like Jarrett Lee did last year for LSU to be honest.
What the experts think….
TSN- Sporting News likes Greg, they call him patient as he sat behind Chase Daniels and Wilson. They mention that the race for starter never happened as he pretty well took the job from day 1 and didn't do anything to let it go.
So with that said..
LAST YEAR RECAP
When talking about 2008 and the QB’s, there is only one person that can be discussed, and has ad nauseum, John Parker Wilson. Wilson had a solid first year with Shula, and was on a good pace early in 2007, but somewhere between the start and end, his confidence was shaken and he really struggled down the stretch with bad games against FSU, LSU, MSU, ULM and AU. In 2008, under another OC, he was peeled back and not asked to really have to do much because the staff, like the fans, had figured out that he's not really able to pick up a team and push them over the goal line like a Barker or Stabler or Namath would. Greg McElroy played sparringly, but set off the debates after his nice rope to Maze in the Auburn game.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
Greg McElroy. He comes from a pass happy system where he accumulated 4000+ yards and 50+ TD’s last year in high school. He also has some mobility, he rushed for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns. Probably 11 were goal line sneaks. He was the MVP of the DII championship game after throwing for 328 yds and 4 TD’s. To the naked eye, when you watch him, you say more of the same from Wilson on to McElroy, but that isn't true. When I watch McElroy's A Day game, and really focus in on his footwork, his checking down progressions, and his pocket sense to move and step up, he's light years different from Wilson. Greg has not been battle tested, but that isn't his fault, he really should have been put into some of the blow outs sooner. He isn't a cannon arm QB, but he is very smart and he knows how to be a quarterback and has been coached well to play the position. That will be an upgrade in itself. The things to watch for with McElroy during the season will be about his mentality, can he hang in there after getting peppered around, can he shake of the interceptions that will be there, and can he gel with more than Julio Jones? If he can grow and progress over the learning curve, Bama's problems are small. Real small.
Star Jackson. If the hype meets reality, this guy is the next great star. Some want him to start now, some want him to get half the snaps, some want him to play some, and others think a transfer looms. Personally, I think the hype that the fans have on him was unrealistic and that he really is a very raw, undercoached athlete. That is what separates McElroy from Star is that one knows what being a QB means and all the mechanical details of it and the other knows how to throw far. The A-Day game isn't exactly a fair comparison, but he really never stepped up when he played with the 1s either. The future for Star is cloudy now because AJ McCarron, the new next big thing, and whomever Bama signs this winter will be in line too and the depth chart can only be so deep at QB. If Bama signs 2 quarterbacks this winter, it is a good sign that they aren't sold on Star's ability to run the show.
Thomas Darrah. He is the invited walk on that has Internet fans building shrines. He looked nice in the 08 A Day game against 4th string defensive backs, but came back to earth this spring. Darrah has a huge arm, no doubt about it, but he couldn't find Waldo if he had a neon sign on him. However, Thomas Darrah does kick ass like Chuck Norris, he’s already proven that since coming to campus. I’d bet he doesn’t get mentioned again after this time next year.
Who is gone?
John Parker Wilson. Wilson had a very good first year. All things considered with the poor OL play, no running game, Keith Brown’s hide and go seek play, no Prothro, Hall having a bad shoulder, etc. He did very well in all but the LSU game. His second attempt at being the starter, well, let’s just say the mentioning of his name in sports bars throughout the state of Alabama could incite fights and criminal violence. Wilson did well when everything was going well and the pocket is holding and the running game is going, and the WR are catching and not dropping. He holds a lot of records because he played a lot more games, but the only record that Bama fans count are SEC and National Titles.
Nick Fanuzzi. Fanuzzi is a legacy QB. His dad was a QB at Kentucky and he now follows that line. This time last year, I said he could be lost in translation. There is only room for one Nick in T- town....
Who is new?
AJ McCarron- AJ is a 4 star QB that comes from a HS that is rich in college profile players. As far as his play goes, he has a lot of upside. The downside to that is that he will need some time to level out and get ready for the pounding that the SEC brings. Physically, he looks a lot like Croyle did coming out of HS. He has a good arm, not a cannon, and is accurate when his mechanics are on. He has a tendency to not set and throw and forgets his fundamentals at times. When he's got his stuff together, he's a very capable pocket QB. He likes to sit in the pocket and check down, not real wild about getting out in space and creating or doing a waggle. With weight and belief in himself/teammates, that could change. His throwing motion is good, and he whips the ball around the way you are taught, and the ball comes out fast so he avoids sacks. The ball rarely drops below the pad and it comes out at the point of release not too early or late. His footwork is sloppy at times and that is coachable, definitely not a major problem, or shouldn't be. He may finish the fall at 2nd string and see some mop up duty, but I will be willing to put money on him being 3rd and redshirting.
THE QUARTERBACKS
The Good…
A proven OC
After watching Major get flustered and go fetal down the stretch, it was comforting to see Coach Mac roll his sleeves up and toe the line against the best in the nation. This year he gets more pieces to work with and a QB that is very coachable and fits his system well. McElwain has a good philosophy that fits well with Saban's ideals on offense, and that means a lot. I think that as they get more recruiting classes under them, you will see the offense change in style a bit, but Mac seems to be flexible in the formations, it is the playcalling that doesn't change.
A shorter offense can help things out
Bama has 2 problems on offense going into the year. One, the OL isn’t good enough for long drawn out plays and is pretty green. Two, the quarterback needs time to get the green off him too. So, you pull the offense in, more screens, dumps, slants, outs, and other 15 and under plays and you get more proficient offense and get the safeties up so that the deep ball can work a little better. The QBs will have to find a guy that they like over the middle for it to work, paging any willing WR…
The quality of depth is improving each fall
I think as long as I live, I will remember the Croyle/Pennington/Guillon/Avalos fiasco season where the defense won all 6 games for them and the offense resembled a 9-10 year old rec team. Saban realized early on he didn't have much to work with, and really he is still pretty thin if he is using walkons above 3rd string at times. This fall, however, he has McElroy who has the potential to be very good, Star Jackson who in time can be good, and McCarron who has the potential to be a long term answer for the team. It seems like 100 years ago that things were that bad, and who knows we may all be snowed over on the talent of these guys, but I doubt that.
The Bad...
There ain't a lot of time on the time cards
McElroy has some logged in time, but he's never played more than a few series in the waining moments of a game. The rest haven't been beyond a clipboard. One hasn't even seen his jersey yet. It isn't a reason to jump off a ship or fear the worst because the defense will relieve them of some of the pressure. It is a reason to hold your breath a bit before you yell national champions and a lot of marks that we can't put much proof to.
Log jam at backup
It isn't bad in the long term sense of things, but 3 guys for 1 backup spot is going to leave 2 guys sore. Bama's had a rash of transfers over the last couple of years and QB has been a popular spot to look at. I'm not saying one will leave, but the odds indicate that if a guy falls to 3rd, they probably won't play.
The Ugly…
The worst case scenario
Oh the endless pessimism that can be created by Alabama's quarterbacks. In the worst case scenario, McElroy is out and 2 freshmen are asked to take on the role in the heat of the SEC schedule. Even Manning had a hard time with his growth spurt his freshman year. That SEC wasn't nearly as brutal as this SEC is. A freshman QB with no time to learn and grow will look a lot like Jarrett Lee did last year for LSU to be honest.
What the experts think….
TSN- Sporting News likes Greg, they call him patient as he sat behind Chase Daniels and Wilson. They mention that the race for starter never happened as he pretty well took the job from day 1 and didn't do anything to let it go.
Lindy’s- They compare McElroy to Mauck, and have Darrah as backup going into summer. They compare him to Wilson as smaller arm and less physical, but better manager and better touch, which I agree with in some respects. They rank the QBs 6th behind UF, OM, LSU, ARK, and UGA.
Athlon- Athlons says that McElroy "blew away the field" and that Saban says "everyone knows our players have the most respect for". McElroy says he knows that he hasn't proven himself yet, but plans to. They mention the race for number 2 is a log jam.
DEPTH CHART
Starter- McElroy. Unless someone just dazzles the staff, he's going to start every game this year.
2nd String- Jackson. Last year I said the gap between McElroy and Wilson wasn't much, but this year the gap between 1 and 2 is noticable.
3rd String- AJ McCarron. He may redshirt if he finishes 3rd, but the gap between 2 and 3 isn't much right now.
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