The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- Linebackers

Ok, before we talk about linebackers, let's have another 2 part gut check thanks to the official depth chart and Ingram's injury....

Ingram's injury hurts, but some (Helena) wanna hype it as huge and it just isn't. This is a setback, but the injury never sounded that big to me from the way Saban and others indicated. The good news about this is two part: one, it gives us a chance to see what the future holds with Richardson and Lacy or Goode- two, even if they lose to PSU, and I don't think they will without Ingram, they are still in good shape for the BCS because they can get Ingram back by Arkansas or Florida and still run through and get to the title. As far as how the game will play without him, I think the pressure falls more on McElroy to read and audible more to help Richardson out. I don't think it changes the gameplan all that much. They will still go 3 deep with the backs and they will still probably run a 60-40 run pass playbook. It may change the protection schemes for the offense as Ingram is better at blocking than Richardson, but not by much. It may be that one of the other backs has to do that or they just sit an H Back or TE in protection and use the back more out of the backfield. See, it isn't that major an adjustment!

Now, the depth chart is out too. There was a lot of questions about things that really aren't that important. Starters earn that right, and you should read into that for that. BJ Scott, Nico Johnson, and Chris Jordan had shots at it and didn't win that right. You'll read my thoughts on 2 of the 3 below, hint- I like the move. Scott will play and see the field a lot but what the roster tells me is that he still has those same old issues with the whole picture. More on that Friday.

THE LINEBACKERS

Who is Back and who is new?

Johnathan Atchison- Atchison is a guy that needs to hit the field some to see what they really have in him. I see he's listed at 240, but I don't see that size http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/885/F705434.jpg here. I still think he's a good Sam backer in the future, but Williams has paid his dues and Harris is probably his true backup if Williams goes down. Atchison has bulked up and in time will learn the way to play for Saban. This year I can see him in some mop up duty and in special teams.

Jalston Fowler- Fowler the linebacker is a guy I am really high on. Someone said that I said "Fowler will never play a down", that's out of context. I did say that on offense he wouldn't, and he and the staff apparently agree because he's already jumped some players who have been there longer than he has. Fowler moves well in space and is a natural athlete. He has good size and plays to the whistle. I like his vision and ability to always be around the ball. I think he redshirts just because depth is good here. Next year, he may start if some go pro.

Glenn Harbin- It seems like Glenn has been at Bama 10 years, but he is only a Sophomore. He will contribute in mop up some, but he's lost a lot of ground to younger players.

Jerrell Harris- What a difference a year makes. Last year, he was in the doghouse, lost his chance at a starting role, and was not really a presence during last year's title run even after he was suspended. Now, he's focused, he is playing better at all areas, and he has finally gotten the Will role down. Harris gives them a nice speed option to Hightower's power and punishment option. Harris can play better in space and is a good blitzer, and that is what separates him. Playing Harris inside allows them to get another good blitzer in Williams on the field.

Dont'a Hightower- If any man, woman, or child is ready for football, it is Mr. Hightower. The guy is playing 100% in practice. He's moving around really well for a guy with an overhaul on the knee. If Harris and Jordan/Johnson can hold down the inside on passing situations, he will probably reprise his role as a Jack/End on Nickel and or dime situations. Last year, I thought Hightower was going to be the better of the two between McClain and Hightower, I'm not sure about that after the injury, but I know that he will keep the changing of the guard minimal.

Adrian Hubbard- When every one spazzed about Alfy Hill's departure, I reminded some that Hubbard was there in waiting. Hubbard isn't ready right now physically, but his motor and his understanding of the end/Jack role is there. That's usually the big hurdle, ask Uphsaw and Anders, and he looked good in the all star games and videos. Hubbard will have to add about 30 pounds to be in the rotation, and will almost guarantee a redshirt, but folks, I have a strong hunch that this guy will make us forget those who couldn't qualify.

Nico Johnson- Nico was thrust into the starter role after Hightower's injury. He did rather well when they used him in the 3-4. He is a run stopping linebacker and is good moving left to right, but lacks the read skills to cover in space in passing situations. Once he learns how to cover and read at the level they require a Will to do, he will probably be a starter. I think fans got a little ahead of themselves because of last year, but he will be fine in time.

Chris Jordan- Jordan made a serious run at starting. He probably would be starting if Williams had not come on strong and Harris adapted to the Will as well as he did. Jordan is kinda the exact opposite of Johnson. He is better in the read and cover phase than he is the run stopping and physical part of it. Jordan just needs to get on the field when it matters and show the staff that he can be the Mike they want. I think the only barrier between him starting and playing a key reserve role is just talent pool- Hightower and Harris are just it players. Jordan probably starts next fall if Dont'a goes to the NFL.

CJ Mosley- When you see his name mentioned, it is almost always pure positive comments. There is good reason for that, he's way ahead of the freshman level. He plays the linebacker role as pure as any guy I've seen. CJ is smart and he moves without wasted motions. When I watch him, I see what they are saying about him being a lot like Rolo. I don't think they can redshirt him because he's just that talented. However, with quality depth there that can't or won't redshirt, it wouldn't shock me if they hold him back one year to stack the depth chart right.

Tana Patrick- While Mosley and others are jumping up, Tana has hit that road block that some hit. I like his frame and that he is a north south linebacker, but he's so stiff when he runs. This is where the problem starts for Tana is that he just goes in, he can't really read or move in space all that well. He was never asked to in high school more than likely. If he could put on some muscle weight, I could see him learning Jack, but with Hubbard doing the same thing, it probably won't happen. Tana will be in the spotlight this fall as CJ and others come through, those are spots that he may not earn back. It is what it is. When you recruit championship level guys, some just don't cut the chart. With that said, if the light cuts on, he's got all the physical and mental aspects to be as good as those ahead of him.

Petey Smith- Smith greyshirted and had a lot of hype to him, but he has been silent since he got to campus. When you watch him in the Under Armor game, you think he's the next Ray Lewis. The issue is discipline. He fluctuates weight, and on the field at times plays out of control. Smith is a good plug in the middle of the linebacker core, and does a lot of the little things that count as far as moving to the ball, and wrapping up when he tackles. He just lacks a lot of coaching and will take time to groom.

Ed Stinson- I am not as high on Stinson as some are, but I can see his potential and he plays really well and plays above his size. I think he still needs some work as far as bulking up and getting ready to play with his hand down more, but the intangibles are there and when Upshaw leaves, he'll be a candidate to start.

Courtney Upshaw- Upshaw is a pure pass rushing specialist. He moves well inside the tackles and can rush off the ends. Upshaw has bulked up and now looks the part of the Jack for the first time. He still struggles with some of the secondary roles and is the owner of probably the best all access statement from Saban "if we thought you could move backwards we'd put you at safety". Upshaw will be asked to do 2 things regularly- one, rush the QB, two, seal his end down on the run. He can and will do that most of the year and will be a major player for this team this fall.

Alex Watkins- Watkins just never has bulked up. He is now just big enough to play Sam in the 3-4 and is probably a special teams/mop up reserve right now. He has the strength to play but not the bulk to play Jack and at Sam he's a little stiff and slow for it.

Chavis Williams- Where Watkins has drifted and stalled, Williams continues to work hard. Williams has always impressed when he plays, he just sometimes loses concentration in practice and that keeps him off the field. This summer, he has shown his maturity and that he can be that linebacker they saw as a high school senior. I'm really excited about him at Sam because he's really aggressive and tackles well. If he can keep his focus and poise, he will be a great addition to the starting rotation.

THE GOOD...

Talent is oozing out the depth chart....

When you look down the 3 deep, there is so much talent and potential there that we've probably not witnessed in our lifetime. I think that there are some spots that are a little more shallow than others (Sam), but the 2 positions that are most vital in the 3-4 are deep (Mike and Jack).

Williams/Hightower/Harris/Upshaw....

It is the law firm of pressured whoopass. They may not cover a lick, but the 4some is about as pure a run stopping, pass rushing core as the Tide have had in years. I would guess you have to go to the 92 season to find that kinda talent and power.

Depth is better finally

In the past, there was always an issue if someone got hurt. This year, it still is an issue, but each of the starter has an adequate backup. If Williams goes down, Harris moves back over. If Harris gets hurt or moves, Johnson or Jordan can step up. Hightower is really the only spot that if hurt there is a significant drop between him and the backups. Upshaw can be covered by Hightower and Stinson if needed if he goes down.

The future has potential

Mosley, Johnson, Fowler, Atchison, and Hubbard are all highly thought of and in due time, they will be competing for starting roles and would start in some programs around the south.

THE BAD...

Enjoy it while it lasts

In all honesty, it could be a short glimpse for fans. Hightower and Upshaw are potential 1st round picks. Harris with a big year could bounce as well. The odds are still 50/50 on any of them jumping to the NFL, but let's be honest, with a ring or 2, do they have anything left to prove?

THE UGLY....

Are you kidding?

Depth Chart

In the Base 3-4

Sam- Williams/Harris/Watkins

Mike- Hightower/Jordan/Mosley

Will- Harris/Johnson/Patrick

Jack- Upshaw/Stinson/Harbin

In nickel/dime situations

End/Jack- Upshaw

Tackle- Dareus

Tackle- Square

End/Jack- Hightower or Davis/Williams

Mike- Jordan or Hightower

Will- Harris