Now that the depth chart is finalized, we can get back on track!
LAST YEAR...
With the running game having issues at times, the passing game was asked to step up. That meant the Julio being Julio show was a 13 celeb-reality episode season. Jones answered his critics and played his best ball in spite of injuries. Darius Hanks took yet another step forward with his ability to compliment Jones and Maze by getting open and making key catches. The depth behind them, however, did not step up as hoped. Gibson had folks hoping, but did not come through. Maze also was a good compliment, but did not take the step that most had hoped for him to make. Nor did Norwood, Bowman, Bell, or Alexander who combined all combined for fewer catches than Ingram. The lack of advancement by the 2nd string leaves Bama at a cross roads this fall.
THIS YEAR...
Who is back?
Kenny Bell- Bell's greatest impact to date is mouthing off after a loss that he didn't contribute to. Bell was supposed to be a speedster, and probably is without the pads on, but with pads he is pretty well in the herd. Kenny is about the same height as most of the others, and has decent hands. The problem he faces is that with White and others primed to pass him by, he may just be a career backup. This fall is one of those falls for him to see the light or else I am afraid because the Sylves and Shinns along with whomever Bama signs will be competing for his spot.
Michael Bowman- The much talked about Bowman has yet to really find a place on the field. He is very big and plays physical, but coming out of high school was very raw. He redshirted and they experimented with him at HBack last year but they have moved him back to WR. He is running 3rd string but had a pretty good summer according to most. Bowman will get a lot of comparisons to other WRs like him physically like Jones, Megatron Johnson, TO, etc. He is not as fast as any of those, but is very good at making separation with his strength. Bowman isn't going to blow away anyone, but he can be a great possession WR if he can earn the staff's trust there. Like Bell, this is a big year for him, because like Bell, there are a lot of guys ready to bury him on the depth chart.
Brandon Gibson- Gibson has teased fans with glimpses of greatness. There are practice players and gameday players and Gibson is a practice guy. He will get plenty of chances to change that image, but he has allowed another player younger than him to pass him by. Brandon projects as a potential slot WR and if he wants it and plays for it, could be good at it, but he seems to disappear every fall with the change of the leaves. He graduates this year and hopefully has done what he needs to do to earn a degree and move on from football.
Darius Hanks- Hanks is having to sit out the first couple of games to re-earn his year of eligibility. When he returns, he will be the starter who theoretically replaces Jones. He has had a very good spring and summer and I look for him to make another jump in his production now that he can be a go to guy and not the check down guy. He earned McElroy's trust because he doesn't drop many. I hope that we all see the guy who has mastered MSU than the one who sometimes goes through the motions, but a new coach should help with that. Hanks, like most of the guys above, have not had a lot of coaching over their Bama careers, but Coach Groh is a coach first, recruiter second. Look for Hanks to get around 45 to 55 catches this fall regardless of how any other guy does.
Marquis Maze- Maze is a bit of a mystery. One week, you get to see the guy who just blazes past everyone and helps stretch the field. The next week, you can't find him on the box score. If Maze's consistency issues are Julio related, then that problem is solved. If it is concentration, there are a few guys who can fix that named White, Carter, and Hanks. Maze has all the speed and athleticism to do whatever he wants . He just needs to bring that game each week and he will play on Sundays. I look for him to probably get around 40 or so snags this year as well.
Kevin Norwood- The guy flips into the endzone against PSU and looks like a hero in the A Day game a year ago, but went forever before playing again and didn't catch a pass in 8 straight games. The staff likes him, when he isn't showboating, and I know they want him to make it on the field, but he is like the herd and doesn't really separate from the pack. He does have the benefit that he is well liked by the ones that count. I look for him to contribute a little more as they will probably try to rotate him and White in more. Look for Norwood to be in for run blocking help as he does an adequate job sealing the corner from his position.
DeAndrew White- White has surprised a few because he is the "starter" going into Kent State. He will fill in for Hanks while he sits out, but he will get a lot of PT chances early on and may hold off Carter once he is up to speed. Remember, Saban is a stickler for rewarding effort and practice performance. White's vertical and speed have separated him from the other 10 6 foot 190 WRs. He has put in the work and if he can make some growth in finding his first move off the ball to separate between the defender, he will be a 3 or 4 year starter.
Who is Gone?
Earl Alexander- Injuries and not being all that good at catching the ball limited his career.
Julio Jones- Jones saved his best year for his last year. There is no telling how high his ceiling is with some coaching and focus. At Alabama, he seemed to always play better in the big games and enjoyed LSU most of all as the matchup against Patterson was a circle game for him. There is not a replacement for Jones, but the loss of Jones is not quite as big as some have made it either.
Kewione Malone- Malone got in the doghouse quickly and was gone even faster this summer.
Who is New?
Ronnie Carswell- Ronnie is a guy who must not have played against many big corners. I say that because he doesn't like contact off the line of scrimmage. He's gonna have to learn how to negotiate through the bump and separate, but as a true frosh, he will get a full year on practice squad to do such. His role and future is as a slot WR it looks like and that is good because the other guys joining him are not quite that kind of player.
Marvin Shinn- Shinn has a lot of upside to him and he's got size going for him too. I don't know how much PT if any he gets this year because of the log jam of unredshirtable guys above him, but if he plays it will probably be early and then sparingly. Shinn probably will get more looks next season as Maze and Hanks will be gone. He will get Jones comparisons too because he's tall and kinda physical like Jones, but he's not really the same type of player. I think Shinn is probably a little farther along as a true WR than Jones was.
Bradley Sylve- Bradley is another 6 footish WR but he has a lot of speed and is a guy who can be a lot of things if coached. He is going to get a lot of comments about being Percy Harvin 2, but I think he's probably a better WR than Harvin was in college. Sylve is almost a sure redshirt but like Shinn, he may get some early PT before conference play.
Duron Carter- The much speculated one comes in and probably will get his first real PT in the PSU game, at best. Carter is the big physical guy that they need in the rotation. Carter had a good year in JC with 10 TDs, but given he missed all of the summer, folks shouldn't put expectations too high too early. As Duron goes, he is a guy who really can make a QB look good. Even on bad passes, he can adjust and reel in the ball. He has a lot of moves with the ball and has a good understanding of what his position is. He is much more likely to juke and move than stiff arm and fight through tackles. While he really needed to be at practice to build a rapport with McCarron and Sims, when they do click, he should be able to do something that not many Tide WRs have done in the past- break route and help the QB get rid of the ball. On the field, he doesn't lack confidence and I think when he gets the playbook down, he should be great. My biggest worry with him is that he's a 1 and gone type of player. He's eligible for the NFL and a good season may be all he needs to jump.
The Good...
Even without Julio, they can still be just as good
Granted, nobody will be as individually as good as Jones, but as a whole, they can be as good as a whole as they were last year if not better. Hanks, Maze, Carter, and White are all very talented and bring a lot of experience (minus White) to the table. With more passes available to those guys will result in more one on one opportunities because most teams won't double these guys.
A new voice is VERY good
Let's be honest, Cignetti was not much of a coach. He was a recruiter that had to have a position job. With Groh, you know his roots and has coaching experience and a good track record. He knows how to coach and has a lot of respect in the coaching circles. I like the fact that he's moved up to a position coach, and don't be surprised if they need a new OC, he's their next. No inside info, but he's that well liked when his name comes up.
Depth is still good, but it is time for some to show it
Bama can go 4 and 5 deep at WR, but it is time for some of these guys to step up and quit waiting for it to come to them. The best news of this fall is an injury will not be the end of the world where as last year probably would have been. Bell, Bowman and Norwood are really getting down to the point where they have to step up and show what they can do on Saturdays because while the staff likes to reward seniority, they aren't shy about making the backup a freshman- just ask Jerrell Harris over the years or Mosley and Hightower.
The Bad...
No proven playmakers found....
When fans talk about passing the ball all over the place and amassing all these yards and TDs, I often wonder- who is gonna help with that? Sure we can speculate that this guy or that guy will be a star, but to date none are proven. Carter may be the closest to proven with his JuCo career, but he has 1 practice as of today. At the end of the year, there probably is a go to playmaker, but who or whom that is, nobody can honestly tell you. They can speculate based on hype and Internet folklore.
The Ugly...
Can Bama survive if Hanks and/or Maze go down?
Probably, but they really don't have any depth or leadership beyond those two. Both are proven to be tough and durable, but things happen. Bama has gotta work harder on establishing depth here. Given the attrition and NFL rate that they go through, slow playing things is not the best prescription for future seasons. I hope to see a 3 deep rotation working through most of the games throughout the season. Why? While it may kill a stat line for a couple, it will build a lot more confidence in players and develop more players. The past strategy of not playing many other than in mop up has left the Tide with 2 experienced WRs and a host of unknown commodities.
THE BOTTOM LINE....
The bottom line for the Wide Outs is pretty cut and dry, they have to make plays for Bama to win. The running game will carry the team on offense, but the WRs must help extend to win. Hanks and Maze will have good years, I don't have any doubt there, but I would like to know that White, Carter, and others were on their page and level for sure. Bama will need to fill the blocking role that Jones had, and I think a host of guys can do that. I don't think that it will be a position that makes or breaks Bama, but this is a position that will need to answer when called to duty.
The Depth Chart
1st String- Hanks-Maze-White
2nd String- Carter-Gibson-Norwood
3rd String- Bowman-Bell-Shinn
August 29, 2011
August 26, 2011
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly- Offensive Line and Tight Ends
Typically, I go to the Wide Outs, but given the roster is not final there, we pass and go on to the OL til Sept 1st......
Last Year
A year after dominating line after line, week after week, the return to the norm was not expected, but should have been. A lot of the blame fell on the QB because he is the visible target, but probably the most disappointing part of Bama's team was the OL. With 2 new starters, a rehabbed Center, and 2 returning starters not at Center, the expectations were higher than what should have been expected. While the running game averaged 5 yards a carry, there were a lot of games where the OL was not assertive. They also were not a very solid pass blocking core. McElroy took a lot of hits, some were his fault, but most weren't, and it derailed the flow of the offense way too often. For this unit to find dominance again, they have to find 5 guys that can be the run grade blockers that they can be.
At TE, it was a better year than normal for them. Michael Williams
(We take a moment here at the GBU to put this political disclaimer. RLB is a M Dub homer and is unapologetic about it. You can root for Will Lowery or Thomas Darrah, he will root for a guy who plays every down.)
had another solid blocking year as the lead blocking TE. Preston Dial was the H Back and the primary TE target in the passing game. He provided lead blocking from a fullback-esque manner, but was a nice safety valve for the QB. Smelley had the H Back role, wiffed his first block again and lost it again. The downside to the TE position was two part. Part one- they couldn't get more touches because they had to compensate for flaws in the OL too much. Part two- they couldn't build depth and haven't built any experienced depth there.
This Year
Who is Back?
John Michael Boswell- JMB is running and staying 2nd string. Much like McCullough, he's ok at a lot of spots, but not a starter anywhere. If he could snap the ball, I would let him work 2nd string at Center because one rollover Vlachos's knee, someone has to step up. As is, he's Steen's backup.
DJ Fluker- Fluker is a big and very solid RT. He was a lot like Jones was in 2009 in that you could see him grow as the season went on. That was evidenced by his abililty to take on Nick Fairley and beat him to the point, Auburn moved him away from DJ. Fluker is a great run blocking tackle who is at his best when he can go downhill. He is average as a pass blocker, but has a chance to continue growing there. His footwork is sporadic and to be a tackle you have to be steady with your step and form. I do think that they can pull TEs off of his side a little more and use them elsewhere. His ability to lock down the RT had a lot to do with the experiment of Jones at LT because Steen can be shadowed by DJ to the point that even the step down from Jones can be compensated from big guy's ability.
Barrett Jones- Jones is now the veteran and the best lineman they have. He probably was last year too. He played guard for 2 years, but has pulled a Carpenter and is the best LT they have at this time. It may not be popular with the recruitniks who want Cyrus Kouandijo there, but Jones is the best blind side blocker they have because he has experience, good footwork, and can get around fast enough to snare rush ends. Is he a LT in the NFL? Probably not, but he can be the LT of a championship team. The other secret out there, well it really isn't but kinda is, he's also the number 2 center if Vlachos gets hurt for the year. That really is a reflection of his ability and how morbidly bad a job has been done in developing centers.
Arie Kouandijo- AK47 had a good start to his career, but a lot like JMB, he seems to have peaked early. The good news is that he can change that, but the bouncing around from guard to tackle and back and forth has indicated that he is good but not good enough to start at any one spot. He is a good run blocker but the doghouse issue is more about his pass blocking. He has fallen to 3rd string at RT and they have tried him around some other spots, but the injury this summer has probably locked him down to 3RT. For Arie, it is more or less just a "when you want it" moment. When he does, he will push a lot of folks, perhaps even his brother, but he has to first.
Chad Lindsay- While I think he has the ability to be a good center, he's gotta make that transition from high school to college. The more I have watched his A Day game, the thing that made him stand out was he wasn't as bad as the other efforts at center, but his performance wasn't great either. Lindsay really needs to get used to the size and speed part of this level. I think he can get there but I don't like the thought of him having to start or play often unless it is in a blowout. He has a lot of technique issues that can be overlooked when the action gets away from his area, but when you focus, it is there. He needs to stay low, get his hands in faster and drive with his legs more and less with his arms. All fixable and all signs of a guy who didn't see as many bigguns back home.
Tyler Love- I could say I told you so, but I won't. He graduates eventually.
Alfred McCullough- I still say if Alfred were 3 inches higher, he'd be starting at tackle. AMC is probably my favorite lineman because he has done it all and has never complained about it. He just puts in the work and continues to find ways on the field. He is the number 6 lineman, and can play both guard and tackle positions. If Steen flounders, he will plug in at RG quickly.
Austin Shepherd- I thought Austin would compete in 2 or 3 years, but he's already winning the staff over. I don't know if he can start or outplay the starters, but I didn't think he'd be here, so what do I know? Shepherd is a big guy and is really quick off the snap. If Bama was a pass first offense, he'd be the starting RT or LT. That is his strength and he works real hard to stay in front of the defender. That was the impressive thing re-watching A Day was that he really glides out and doesn't get off balanced. He isn't the greatest run blocker alive, but with more work he should be able to tie that issue up. As is, he won't see a ton of time, but he should be the number 2 all year.
Anthony Steen- Steen has won over the new position coach with his work ethic and power. He probably fits in better with Stoutland's teachings more than Pendry's. Steen as a run blocker is a terror for defensive linemen and middle linebackers because if he gets his hands on you, he will beat you. As a pass blocker, he's improving, but he still plays stiff and slow. Steen has to grow in that area for Bama's offense to really be good. While he has Fluker to his right and Vlachos to his left to help compensate for things, there will be defenses that force him to step up. (Arkansas) I look for Bama to really focus on running the ball and that will help play to his strengths and I have always felt if your ran the ball well early, the OL gets confidence and pass blocks better.
William Vlachos- Nacho got off on the wrong foot last year with the injury and I don't know if he was in shape to start the year. It is always hard to get back in shape once the season starts because everyone is dinged by October. This year, he is healthy and we should see more of the 09 version of Vlachos. Vlachos is probably the key piece to Bama's success because there is 0 behind him right now that is ready to go anyways. His health and ability to lead the line will be crucial to their success and I think he will make a big difference from last season. Vlachos is a great run blocking center, and ok at the pass block. He has lapses in the snap control area but he hasn't dug turf as much over the last few games of 2010. He is very strong and really doesn't have to get help from either guard because he is so powerful off the snap. His issue comes when the assignment is just to fast for him and he can't get his hands on them in time. Look for him to be asked to shore up with Steen on passing situations and give better control of the middle of the pocket for the young QBs.
Chance Warmack- For all the hype about him and his rise to the starting lineup, he really struggled last year. There were good games for him, but there were some games he'd like back too. Warmack and Steen are a lot a like because they are strong but a little stiff and a little on the slow side. Warmack was supposed to be the pulling guard to replace Johnson, but he lacks the speed to jump off the snap and get in position to run the counter. Last season's running woes were partially because they could not run the counter to the right very often. In 09, they lived on that play and abused teams, but when you can't pull a guard or center, you will get exposed for it. Warmack is going to be pushed all season by a host of players- McCullough, Boswell, Arie K to name a few- to perform because he's the endangered species of the 5. They need him to lock down the spot and play it as well as Jones and Johnson did. If he can, then Bama is in great shape, if he can't, it may make for some nail biting afternoons.
Kellen Williams- I wish I could say this A Day was as good as the first one for him, but it wasn't. He is a guard playing center and plays like it. They lack depth at center and he's in the hunt because of that. I look for him to be 3C but moved back to Guard as soon as someone else shows they can handle it.
Brad Smelley- Smelley has not helped the Obama Stimulus losing his job twice. All kidding aside, this really is a big season for Smelley not just because it is his last, but because he really needs to show he is a player. As a receiving threat, he is as good an option as they have at HBack, but his blocking last year was just poor. He gets another shot to keep the job, and if he can hold it and block from it, then he is a really unsung weapon for this offense. They really need him to block and rub off the linebacker and open up in the flat to give the QB an nice checkdown target.
Chris Underwood- Underwood has found the field from time to time as the 3rd TE in the jumbo package....sorry the goal line offense....but has never shown that he could be a weapon in the offense. This is his last shot at playing too, but unlike Smelley, I don't think he'll find the field much. He lacks the size and power to be a TE and I don't know that he's ever shown the hands to be the HBack.
Brian Vogler- Vogler is best known up to now for getting p'wned by a DB at A-Day. Folks will know him better as the year goes on. Vogler is a big target and will replace Williams after graduation as the TE/run blocker for the Tide offense. This year, he probably will see more PT in spots but will be more of a mop up guy. I don't see him as the HBack because he's not natural in motion like they need to be. He is better coming off his hand and playing through. He loves to drive with his legs and move the pile a lot. If Bama has issues with the tackles, it won't surprise me if he and Williams don't see the field at the same time to shore up the edges.
Michael Williams- Williams has taken this offseason to find his hands. He is not going to be an issue blocking, he's a 6th lineman up front. He doesn't have bad hands, but he has never been allowed to get to a point where he can run more routes. He isn't going to just burn the field up or anything but he can get in the flat and move a few linebackers/safeties to the 1st down marker. I look for them to try and find ways to get him involved, but a lot of that will depend on how the 5 guys to his left do.
Who is Gone?
James Carpenter- I wish the guy I saw at the Senior Bowl had shown up the last 2 years. Carpenter was a guard playing tackle and he did the best he could, but it was rough some weeks to watch him struggle.
Brian Motley- Yep.
David Ross- Gonna wish he could have found a way on the roster this year just for insurance....
Preston Dial- Preston really was a surprise last year as far as how many looks he generated last year. He displayed a lot of ability to go from a pure blocker to a fully operation HBack. The team has a lot of guys who will step up and fill in his role, but I don't think they have one that is as well rounded and worked as hard as he does.
Aaron Douglas- Sadly, the demons that ran Douglas from UT caught up to him. The team had high hopes for him, but now a cabbie sits in a jail awaiting trial for Aaron's death.
Who is New?
Ryan Kelly- Kelly is a guy that the staff has high hopes on because he is a true center. Injuries have been an issue his last 2 seasons (HS and this summer) and he has to get to a point where they can practice him every day. He is a solid redshirt this fall.
Isaac Luatua- He too will redshirt, or should at least, and they will experiment with him at all 3 inside spots, but he is an ideal LG. Not too tall, but strong, mobile, and likes contact. All things, that will make me happy if he can translate to the college game.
Malcom Faciane- Williams 2.0 will probably get a little PT because they need depth for 2012, but I like how the guy plays and I think most fans will too when next year comes around.
Chris Jones- Jones has been a surprise this summer. He has been used in a variety of roles, but HBack seems to be his future for now. He has good hands and is athletic. He probably won't redshirt because his ability to play DB and size will probably earn him a role on special teams and blowout duty.
Harrison Jones- Harrison is going to push Smelley to perform. He won't get a lot of press and publicity, but that typically isn't a bad thing. I think you will see him in some variety each game whether at TE or HBack as they try to get him ready with Vogler and Faciane for next season. Jones has good hands for his size and is a good target because he squares up and shows his numbers to the QB. I like what I see of him and think we will see him a good bit, especially if Smelley wiffs a time or two this fall.
Cyrus Kouandijo- Never heard of this guy, don't know why they gave him a scholarship....just kidding. Cyrus has a lot of upside, and much like DJ, I stress patience from the recruitniks. The same principles apply to him that did to DJ. He's a little raw as a LT. He never played it in high school. I know some love to point to the all star game against Clowney, but he didn't exactly dominate that one, and I think that just being 2LT is great, but folks need to calm down about his future. I read too many fans posts speculating his future greatness when he has yet to play in front of a d-1 team. I do not think he redshirts, but I cannot see him beating out Barrett Jones nor do I think they want him to start just yet. I think they want to break him in slowly and use each outing to teach him how to play as opposed to throwing him out there and wishing for the best.
THE GOOD....
Experience is good
All 5 projected starters have starts under their belt. That always gives fans a good feeling. I think this season will be a back to basics season and with the experience, that will only set the bar higher and ask this OL unit to step up more. I like the Jones to LT move because he is one of the faster linemen they have. I think this 5 that is expected to start gives Bama a top 3 run blocking OL (Wisconsin and Nebraska always are my defacto best in the preseason because of track record).
New voice and new ideas are welcomed
I get a lot of complaints about my dislike of Pendry's style, but if you didn't get it after last year's debacle, I can't help you understand it. Stoutland is well respected, minus the U issue, and has produced a lot of great linemen over the years. He is more of the fundamentals coach where each guy puts a helmet on a guy than the zone blocking scheme that Pendry was. Stoutland should get through to a lot of these guys that we have all heard so much about in recruiting and if he can't get through to them, well, UAB is that way....
Depth continues to improve except at one spot....
Both guard and tackle spots have really improved to the point that for the most part you can plug and play these guys and not need a Depends change at half. That isn't to say if DJ Fluker got hurt, they wouldn't fall a notch or two, but with guys like Alfred and Austin and new guys like Cyrus in the mix, the fear of loss is not as much as it used to be.
TE depth also growing
They do have some graduation attrition after this year but Vogler, the 2 Joneses and Malcom in the middle of it all leaves them with a lot of talent at a position 3 years ago was pretty void of it.
THE BAD.....
While they all run block well, can they improve pass protection???
Let's be honest, they let McElroy get killed too much last year. The OL has to show that it can pass protect because they will have to throw some to win this fall. Outside of Jones, none of the others have great reps for being pass blockers. They as a whole have done ok outside of the SEC but in the SEC they have had some less than great moments. If Bama continues to have moments where they lose containment or miss assignments, it could equate to a lot of tense moments that didn't have to be such.
If they can't protect, the TEs can't contribute more
Every year we all sit and wish that Bama would use the TE more in passing situations. If Bama is still having issues protecting, they won't be able to put the TE into play again. While I hope it is just me being pessimistic, or realistic, I think this is going to be a reality yet again that the TE and HBack will have to shore up issues in the pass protection and effectively reduce options by one or 2 each passing down.
THE UGLY...
Backup Center Fail....epic
Now, before some of you get your tits twisted and want to fire off an epitat about how I don't know shit, let's be honest, can you say- with a straight face- that you are ok with Williams or Lindsay running the line? How a national program can be so weak at center, the most important position on the OL, is a mystery to me. If Vlachos gets hurt, it will more than likely throw things into a toss up as far as what they run with from there. If Jones goes to Center, can they play well enough to keep Steen or Warmack at guard? If not, what do you do there? If he does move there, can Cyrus or McCullough handle the rest of the year? Sure we can speculate, but I don't care to see that lineup against LSU or Florida.
The Bottom Line...
The bottom line is that this group will need to step it up from where they were last year if Bama wants to contend for the BCS. They need to gel quickly and stay healthy because a lot of rotation or mixing and experimenting in it will not be good as the season goes on. They need to be the physical and dominating force that they once were and can be again. If they can win the LOS battle and be able to supply Trent and Eddie with plenty of running room, things will be good for the Tide. If they have to pass block a lot and try to play catch up, they are still not a great OL, good but not a championship level team in that regard. So, the bottom line is that they need to take control and take the air out of the ball by winning up front and get downhill on opposing defensive lines.
At TE, I think they have the best group in the SEC. They are deep, versatile, and talented. However, their success is related to the OL's in that for them to contribute on the box score, they need the OL to play up to expectations. I really think if they can utilize Smelley and Williams into the passing game some, it will help the young QBs establish confidence because both can catch well.
Depth Chart
LT- Barrett Jones / CyKo or McCullough
LG- Warmack / McCullough / JMB
C- Vlachos / Jones / Williams or Lindsay
RG- Steen / JMB / Jones
RT- DJ Fluker / Shepherd / Arie K
Last Year
A year after dominating line after line, week after week, the return to the norm was not expected, but should have been. A lot of the blame fell on the QB because he is the visible target, but probably the most disappointing part of Bama's team was the OL. With 2 new starters, a rehabbed Center, and 2 returning starters not at Center, the expectations were higher than what should have been expected. While the running game averaged 5 yards a carry, there were a lot of games where the OL was not assertive. They also were not a very solid pass blocking core. McElroy took a lot of hits, some were his fault, but most weren't, and it derailed the flow of the offense way too often. For this unit to find dominance again, they have to find 5 guys that can be the run grade blockers that they can be.
At TE, it was a better year than normal for them. Michael Williams
(We take a moment here at the GBU to put this political disclaimer. RLB is a M Dub homer and is unapologetic about it. You can root for Will Lowery or Thomas Darrah, he will root for a guy who plays every down.)
had another solid blocking year as the lead blocking TE. Preston Dial was the H Back and the primary TE target in the passing game. He provided lead blocking from a fullback-esque manner, but was a nice safety valve for the QB. Smelley had the H Back role, wiffed his first block again and lost it again. The downside to the TE position was two part. Part one- they couldn't get more touches because they had to compensate for flaws in the OL too much. Part two- they couldn't build depth and haven't built any experienced depth there.
This Year
Who is Back?
John Michael Boswell- JMB is running and staying 2nd string. Much like McCullough, he's ok at a lot of spots, but not a starter anywhere. If he could snap the ball, I would let him work 2nd string at Center because one rollover Vlachos's knee, someone has to step up. As is, he's Steen's backup.
DJ Fluker- Fluker is a big and very solid RT. He was a lot like Jones was in 2009 in that you could see him grow as the season went on. That was evidenced by his abililty to take on Nick Fairley and beat him to the point, Auburn moved him away from DJ. Fluker is a great run blocking tackle who is at his best when he can go downhill. He is average as a pass blocker, but has a chance to continue growing there. His footwork is sporadic and to be a tackle you have to be steady with your step and form. I do think that they can pull TEs off of his side a little more and use them elsewhere. His ability to lock down the RT had a lot to do with the experiment of Jones at LT because Steen can be shadowed by DJ to the point that even the step down from Jones can be compensated from big guy's ability.
Barrett Jones- Jones is now the veteran and the best lineman they have. He probably was last year too. He played guard for 2 years, but has pulled a Carpenter and is the best LT they have at this time. It may not be popular with the recruitniks who want Cyrus Kouandijo there, but Jones is the best blind side blocker they have because he has experience, good footwork, and can get around fast enough to snare rush ends. Is he a LT in the NFL? Probably not, but he can be the LT of a championship team. The other secret out there, well it really isn't but kinda is, he's also the number 2 center if Vlachos gets hurt for the year. That really is a reflection of his ability and how morbidly bad a job has been done in developing centers.
Arie Kouandijo- AK47 had a good start to his career, but a lot like JMB, he seems to have peaked early. The good news is that he can change that, but the bouncing around from guard to tackle and back and forth has indicated that he is good but not good enough to start at any one spot. He is a good run blocker but the doghouse issue is more about his pass blocking. He has fallen to 3rd string at RT and they have tried him around some other spots, but the injury this summer has probably locked him down to 3RT. For Arie, it is more or less just a "when you want it" moment. When he does, he will push a lot of folks, perhaps even his brother, but he has to first.
Chad Lindsay- While I think he has the ability to be a good center, he's gotta make that transition from high school to college. The more I have watched his A Day game, the thing that made him stand out was he wasn't as bad as the other efforts at center, but his performance wasn't great either. Lindsay really needs to get used to the size and speed part of this level. I think he can get there but I don't like the thought of him having to start or play often unless it is in a blowout. He has a lot of technique issues that can be overlooked when the action gets away from his area, but when you focus, it is there. He needs to stay low, get his hands in faster and drive with his legs more and less with his arms. All fixable and all signs of a guy who didn't see as many bigguns back home.
Tyler Love- I could say I told you so, but I won't. He graduates eventually.
Alfred McCullough- I still say if Alfred were 3 inches higher, he'd be starting at tackle. AMC is probably my favorite lineman because he has done it all and has never complained about it. He just puts in the work and continues to find ways on the field. He is the number 6 lineman, and can play both guard and tackle positions. If Steen flounders, he will plug in at RG quickly.
Austin Shepherd- I thought Austin would compete in 2 or 3 years, but he's already winning the staff over. I don't know if he can start or outplay the starters, but I didn't think he'd be here, so what do I know? Shepherd is a big guy and is really quick off the snap. If Bama was a pass first offense, he'd be the starting RT or LT. That is his strength and he works real hard to stay in front of the defender. That was the impressive thing re-watching A Day was that he really glides out and doesn't get off balanced. He isn't the greatest run blocker alive, but with more work he should be able to tie that issue up. As is, he won't see a ton of time, but he should be the number 2 all year.
Anthony Steen- Steen has won over the new position coach with his work ethic and power. He probably fits in better with Stoutland's teachings more than Pendry's. Steen as a run blocker is a terror for defensive linemen and middle linebackers because if he gets his hands on you, he will beat you. As a pass blocker, he's improving, but he still plays stiff and slow. Steen has to grow in that area for Bama's offense to really be good. While he has Fluker to his right and Vlachos to his left to help compensate for things, there will be defenses that force him to step up. (Arkansas) I look for Bama to really focus on running the ball and that will help play to his strengths and I have always felt if your ran the ball well early, the OL gets confidence and pass blocks better.
William Vlachos- Nacho got off on the wrong foot last year with the injury and I don't know if he was in shape to start the year. It is always hard to get back in shape once the season starts because everyone is dinged by October. This year, he is healthy and we should see more of the 09 version of Vlachos. Vlachos is probably the key piece to Bama's success because there is 0 behind him right now that is ready to go anyways. His health and ability to lead the line will be crucial to their success and I think he will make a big difference from last season. Vlachos is a great run blocking center, and ok at the pass block. He has lapses in the snap control area but he hasn't dug turf as much over the last few games of 2010. He is very strong and really doesn't have to get help from either guard because he is so powerful off the snap. His issue comes when the assignment is just to fast for him and he can't get his hands on them in time. Look for him to be asked to shore up with Steen on passing situations and give better control of the middle of the pocket for the young QBs.
Chance Warmack- For all the hype about him and his rise to the starting lineup, he really struggled last year. There were good games for him, but there were some games he'd like back too. Warmack and Steen are a lot a like because they are strong but a little stiff and a little on the slow side. Warmack was supposed to be the pulling guard to replace Johnson, but he lacks the speed to jump off the snap and get in position to run the counter. Last season's running woes were partially because they could not run the counter to the right very often. In 09, they lived on that play and abused teams, but when you can't pull a guard or center, you will get exposed for it. Warmack is going to be pushed all season by a host of players- McCullough, Boswell, Arie K to name a few- to perform because he's the endangered species of the 5. They need him to lock down the spot and play it as well as Jones and Johnson did. If he can, then Bama is in great shape, if he can't, it may make for some nail biting afternoons.
Kellen Williams- I wish I could say this A Day was as good as the first one for him, but it wasn't. He is a guard playing center and plays like it. They lack depth at center and he's in the hunt because of that. I look for him to be 3C but moved back to Guard as soon as someone else shows they can handle it.
Brad Smelley- Smelley has not helped the Obama Stimulus losing his job twice. All kidding aside, this really is a big season for Smelley not just because it is his last, but because he really needs to show he is a player. As a receiving threat, he is as good an option as they have at HBack, but his blocking last year was just poor. He gets another shot to keep the job, and if he can hold it and block from it, then he is a really unsung weapon for this offense. They really need him to block and rub off the linebacker and open up in the flat to give the QB an nice checkdown target.
Chris Underwood- Underwood has found the field from time to time as the 3rd TE in the jumbo package....sorry the goal line offense....but has never shown that he could be a weapon in the offense. This is his last shot at playing too, but unlike Smelley, I don't think he'll find the field much. He lacks the size and power to be a TE and I don't know that he's ever shown the hands to be the HBack.
Brian Vogler- Vogler is best known up to now for getting p'wned by a DB at A-Day. Folks will know him better as the year goes on. Vogler is a big target and will replace Williams after graduation as the TE/run blocker for the Tide offense. This year, he probably will see more PT in spots but will be more of a mop up guy. I don't see him as the HBack because he's not natural in motion like they need to be. He is better coming off his hand and playing through. He loves to drive with his legs and move the pile a lot. If Bama has issues with the tackles, it won't surprise me if he and Williams don't see the field at the same time to shore up the edges.
Michael Williams- Williams has taken this offseason to find his hands. He is not going to be an issue blocking, he's a 6th lineman up front. He doesn't have bad hands, but he has never been allowed to get to a point where he can run more routes. He isn't going to just burn the field up or anything but he can get in the flat and move a few linebackers/safeties to the 1st down marker. I look for them to try and find ways to get him involved, but a lot of that will depend on how the 5 guys to his left do.
Who is Gone?
James Carpenter- I wish the guy I saw at the Senior Bowl had shown up the last 2 years. Carpenter was a guard playing tackle and he did the best he could, but it was rough some weeks to watch him struggle.
Brian Motley- Yep.
David Ross- Gonna wish he could have found a way on the roster this year just for insurance....
Preston Dial- Preston really was a surprise last year as far as how many looks he generated last year. He displayed a lot of ability to go from a pure blocker to a fully operation HBack. The team has a lot of guys who will step up and fill in his role, but I don't think they have one that is as well rounded and worked as hard as he does.
Aaron Douglas- Sadly, the demons that ran Douglas from UT caught up to him. The team had high hopes for him, but now a cabbie sits in a jail awaiting trial for Aaron's death.
Who is New?
Ryan Kelly- Kelly is a guy that the staff has high hopes on because he is a true center. Injuries have been an issue his last 2 seasons (HS and this summer) and he has to get to a point where they can practice him every day. He is a solid redshirt this fall.
Isaac Luatua- He too will redshirt, or should at least, and they will experiment with him at all 3 inside spots, but he is an ideal LG. Not too tall, but strong, mobile, and likes contact. All things, that will make me happy if he can translate to the college game.
Malcom Faciane- Williams 2.0 will probably get a little PT because they need depth for 2012, but I like how the guy plays and I think most fans will too when next year comes around.
Chris Jones- Jones has been a surprise this summer. He has been used in a variety of roles, but HBack seems to be his future for now. He has good hands and is athletic. He probably won't redshirt because his ability to play DB and size will probably earn him a role on special teams and blowout duty.
Harrison Jones- Harrison is going to push Smelley to perform. He won't get a lot of press and publicity, but that typically isn't a bad thing. I think you will see him in some variety each game whether at TE or HBack as they try to get him ready with Vogler and Faciane for next season. Jones has good hands for his size and is a good target because he squares up and shows his numbers to the QB. I like what I see of him and think we will see him a good bit, especially if Smelley wiffs a time or two this fall.
Cyrus Kouandijo- Never heard of this guy, don't know why they gave him a scholarship....just kidding. Cyrus has a lot of upside, and much like DJ, I stress patience from the recruitniks. The same principles apply to him that did to DJ. He's a little raw as a LT. He never played it in high school. I know some love to point to the all star game against Clowney, but he didn't exactly dominate that one, and I think that just being 2LT is great, but folks need to calm down about his future. I read too many fans posts speculating his future greatness when he has yet to play in front of a d-1 team. I do not think he redshirts, but I cannot see him beating out Barrett Jones nor do I think they want him to start just yet. I think they want to break him in slowly and use each outing to teach him how to play as opposed to throwing him out there and wishing for the best.
THE GOOD....
Experience is good
All 5 projected starters have starts under their belt. That always gives fans a good feeling. I think this season will be a back to basics season and with the experience, that will only set the bar higher and ask this OL unit to step up more. I like the Jones to LT move because he is one of the faster linemen they have. I think this 5 that is expected to start gives Bama a top 3 run blocking OL (Wisconsin and Nebraska always are my defacto best in the preseason because of track record).
New voice and new ideas are welcomed
I get a lot of complaints about my dislike of Pendry's style, but if you didn't get it after last year's debacle, I can't help you understand it. Stoutland is well respected, minus the U issue, and has produced a lot of great linemen over the years. He is more of the fundamentals coach where each guy puts a helmet on a guy than the zone blocking scheme that Pendry was. Stoutland should get through to a lot of these guys that we have all heard so much about in recruiting and if he can't get through to them, well, UAB is that way....
Depth continues to improve except at one spot....
Both guard and tackle spots have really improved to the point that for the most part you can plug and play these guys and not need a Depends change at half. That isn't to say if DJ Fluker got hurt, they wouldn't fall a notch or two, but with guys like Alfred and Austin and new guys like Cyrus in the mix, the fear of loss is not as much as it used to be.
TE depth also growing
They do have some graduation attrition after this year but Vogler, the 2 Joneses and Malcom in the middle of it all leaves them with a lot of talent at a position 3 years ago was pretty void of it.
THE BAD.....
While they all run block well, can they improve pass protection???
Let's be honest, they let McElroy get killed too much last year. The OL has to show that it can pass protect because they will have to throw some to win this fall. Outside of Jones, none of the others have great reps for being pass blockers. They as a whole have done ok outside of the SEC but in the SEC they have had some less than great moments. If Bama continues to have moments where they lose containment or miss assignments, it could equate to a lot of tense moments that didn't have to be such.
If they can't protect, the TEs can't contribute more
Every year we all sit and wish that Bama would use the TE more in passing situations. If Bama is still having issues protecting, they won't be able to put the TE into play again. While I hope it is just me being pessimistic, or realistic, I think this is going to be a reality yet again that the TE and HBack will have to shore up issues in the pass protection and effectively reduce options by one or 2 each passing down.
THE UGLY...
Backup Center Fail....epic
Now, before some of you get your tits twisted and want to fire off an epitat about how I don't know shit, let's be honest, can you say- with a straight face- that you are ok with Williams or Lindsay running the line? How a national program can be so weak at center, the most important position on the OL, is a mystery to me. If Vlachos gets hurt, it will more than likely throw things into a toss up as far as what they run with from there. If Jones goes to Center, can they play well enough to keep Steen or Warmack at guard? If not, what do you do there? If he does move there, can Cyrus or McCullough handle the rest of the year? Sure we can speculate, but I don't care to see that lineup against LSU or Florida.
The Bottom Line...
The bottom line is that this group will need to step it up from where they were last year if Bama wants to contend for the BCS. They need to gel quickly and stay healthy because a lot of rotation or mixing and experimenting in it will not be good as the season goes on. They need to be the physical and dominating force that they once were and can be again. If they can win the LOS battle and be able to supply Trent and Eddie with plenty of running room, things will be good for the Tide. If they have to pass block a lot and try to play catch up, they are still not a great OL, good but not a championship level team in that regard. So, the bottom line is that they need to take control and take the air out of the ball by winning up front and get downhill on opposing defensive lines.
At TE, I think they have the best group in the SEC. They are deep, versatile, and talented. However, their success is related to the OL's in that for them to contribute on the box score, they need the OL to play up to expectations. I really think if they can utilize Smelley and Williams into the passing game some, it will help the young QBs establish confidence because both can catch well.
Depth Chart
LT- Barrett Jones / CyKo or McCullough
LG- Warmack / McCullough / JMB
C- Vlachos / Jones / Williams or Lindsay
RG- Steen / JMB / Jones
RT- DJ Fluker / Shepherd / Arie K
August 23, 2011
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly- Running Backs
LAST YEAR RECAP
While 2009 was about as great a year for Bama running backs as there has been since the wishbone dominated football, 2010 was a lot less than desired. Between Ingram's injury, poor OL play week in and week out, and every team in the free world knowing that Bama won't pass out of the Wildcat, there was a lot going against Bama running backs last year. With that said, it wasn't exactly a terrible year for the running game. Bama still had a 5.1 per carry average and 5 100 yard performances, but they also had some really bad outings like South Carolina and Auburn. Ingram never really looked like he was game ready til the bowl game. He fooled us all with his first 2 games, but as the season wore on, he was not the same player that shouldered Bama to win after win. Richardson missed 2 games late but was much better when Ingram was out because he plays better with more carries. That should mean good things this fall. Lacy about dropped his chance to be the heir to the throne....literally. He recovered well late in the year and earned more PT thanks in part to Richardson's injury. He too is poised to have a better year with more touches.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is Back?
Jalston Fowler- Fowler is more of an H Back than a tailback in Bama's offense, but he will be the new Goode/Grant option that wallers out the 4th quarter in the blowouts and may be the short yardage option at times for Bama's running game. I use the word might because it isn't like Richardson and Lacy have any issues moving the pile. Fowler also has above average hands for a guy his size and that will benefit him as his role becomes more defined. Fowler has decent speed for a 240 pound guy, but he won't flip the field unless the line explodes a hole for him. He is a good lead blocker when asked to be and may be used more in that role if none of the other H's pick it up. This fall look for him to do mop up primarily as a runner and he should see more time in Bama's base formations as a blocker and safety valve check down. I think he gets more carries than expected simply because Hart is out and Grant left and also because B Sims is not big enough to be a full time back.
Eddie Lacy- With Eddie, it is all about which guy shows up on Saturday. Is it the guy who just dominates and seems to find open seams? Or is it the guy who muffs the ball at the goalline and finds the doghouse from time to time? To be fair, he didn't fumble in his last 7 appearances and he has all the natural skills to be special. Lacy likes contact and is just another cog in the Burton Burns Backfield of Doom. He fills the role that Coffee and Ingram have now vacated. His best strengths are that he does not go down easily and he is very determined. He needs to show that he can round out and be a full compliment and not just the 2nd runner. He needs to show he can block and catch a little better than he has in the past, but that comes with time as Ingram wasn't very good at it either his Freshman year. Lacy's primary function regardless is to keep Trent fresh and not force him to take more hits than needed. Trent will get his touches, more than he's ever shouldered at Bama, but Lacy needs to be there to get 100 to 130 touches this fall.
Trent Richardson- Bama fans finally get to see the most touted Bama runner in 20 years be the lead back full time. Richardson is a lot more rounded at this time than Ingram was. He is a good blocker for a back, and he catches the ball well, but his ability to cut and move and see the field is far ahead of Ingram at this point in his career. He just hasn't been able to showcase it fully. Bama fans have seen glimpses, but now it is his time to shine. Richardson should get 1000 yards and be a Heisman candidate as long as he stays healthy and keeps progressing. Richardson for all his moves and conditioning still has moments where he wants to just hit guys and allows himself to get gang tackled as opposed to making the guy miss and get the extra yards. That is a small issue to deal with when the other side of the coin is as bright as it is. Trent probably won't be doing as much of the Polecat....errr...I mean Wildcat this year and that will help him too. Richardson is at his best when he is behind the QB and sees the whole defense from his position than he is when having to check and collect the snap. I look for him to easily push the record books if healthy.
Who is Gone?
Demetrius Goode- Goode realized the depth chart was going to catch him and he wanted to showcase himself a little more. I can respect that. Goode is a solid runner, but he isn't a game changer per se. He probably could start for several schools and now will to finish his career.
Mark Ingram- Bama's first Heisman winner leaves as one of the school's most talented and decorated player. Mark had nothing left to prove. He had the ring the trophy, and the videos to prove that he was an NFL ready player. I just wish that he could have been healthy all year and displayed himself a little more.
Mike Marrow- Tweeners don't live long in the Saban era. Marrow just never picked it up and was already deep on the chart and getting deeper when he left.
Corey Grant- I wasn't all that enamored with him before he left, but I know some of the Internets best thinkers were in love with him. Grant isn't really a fit at Bama and after A Day and seeing the difference in him and Hart, it was clear he wasn't going to make an impact any time soon. With Sims and Hart both able to fill that scatback slot role, he was about to be pigeon holed as a return guy.
Who is new?
Dee Hart- Hart had all but won the 3rd string job before he got hurt during the summer. Hart before the injury was a great change of pace from Richardson and Lacy in that he was more speed with some tackle breaking abilities. He has the best hands of any back on the team and would have been a really good weapon for this offense and the young QBs to build rapport with. As is, he now sits out and rehabs to start his career next fall.
Brent Calloway- Thanks to a miriad of transfers and injuries, he gets to stay at tailback this fall. I don't foresee him playing unless injuries hit the team, but I can see him as a special teams guy. Bama will more than likely take another tailback this year in recruiting plus Hart is a freshman next year. I still don't look for him to stay at running back long, but he will give roster depth while he either redshirts or is a coverage guy for the special teams.
The Running Backs
The Good....
We all get to bear witness to Richardson's Rage
It isn't a secret that Trent likes to hit. It also isn't a secret that other teams don't like tackling him. They get 13 to 14 chances to avoid tackling him head on this fall and they get to do more of it than before! Richardson's success will only solidify that Bama is becoming Running Back U again.
It isn't hard to see why folks think Bama has one of the best backfields in America
Bama boasts Richardson and Lacy as their one two punch. That may be the best in the nation by a good mile or more. When you add Fowler, Sims, and Hart next year, you will see an even more talented and deep position.
I think I mention it every year but this is the best coached position on the team
Coach Burns is by far the best and most well rounded coach on the staff not named Saban. Where other positions got by on talent alone, and others never developed as far out as they should have, Burns has taken the best talents and found ways to grow and teach them. Ingram leaves Bama with a lot more upside and a better rounded game than what he had when he came in. Everything is smooth with him now, he doesn't miss holes, he shows patience and consistency now whereas he was a bit out of control as a runner his Fr year. With one full year to grow Coffee, he became an NFL caliber player. He continues to churn out great players and recruit great players.
The Bad....
The Depth that was once there isn't now
With Hart injured, Grant gone, Ingram in the pros, the program now is a little thin on quality depth. An injury to Eddie Lacy is huge at this point. Why? Well, the drop off in ability is pretty noticeable and when you have to let TR take a breather, and you have to hand it off to guys who are more situational or fill in type players, that is an issue. Bama needs its running game to churn out yards. The 2 young QBs need the running game hitting at a high level to take the pressure off them. The team needs them to be great to win a championship and quite honestly, if Richardson and/or Lacy get hurt, the odds of that (winning) happening are pretty well slim to none because I don't think Bama can pass its way to the BCS. It is easy to speculate and pish posh over such concerns, and I know some will try to postulate that Bama can throw and win, or point to the defense. Well, one makes the other. Don't believe it? Look back to last year. Bama the more they throw and the less balanced they were, the worse the defense was. South Carolina- couldn't run, got behind, and stunk it up. Granted, Bama's D dug a hole fast in that one, once Bama was throwing more, the defense wasn't able to get its legs under it for good. Same with LSU, Bama couldn't run the ball well, and the defense couldn't hold off LSU's lackluster offense. It is true that the defense is better, but it will be better only if the offense can sustain drives and keep them off the field.
The Ugly...
None.
The Bottom Line is....
At this point, Richardson and Lacy are going to be on track to carry the ball 250 to 300 times. Blake Sims will get a few looks in a variety of running roles and Fowler will get a few carries as well. As mentioned, with young quarterbacks, they will be a run first team and the pressure needs to be shifted to the running backs to carry the load and lead the offense. Bama's success this season is going to be heavily related to how well the running game goes. They need it to roll because the offense needs to be tougher than it was last year. The defense cannot be asked to stay out on the field as much as it did last year at times. The Saban system predicates that you run the ball and grind it out, take up lots of clock, and put the defense on an offensive position that allows them to attack more and keep the opponent in a situation where they feel pressured to score faster. That usually creates mistakes like the ones we all saw in 2009. So, the running game is a big part in the big picture. Richardson should have a big year, but they need Lacy to be right there with him. One injury to either guy could be a big issue. Both are durable guys and tough guys, so hopefully that holds up.
The Depth Chart
1st String- Richardson
2nd String- Lacy
3rd String- Fowler/Blake Sims
While 2009 was about as great a year for Bama running backs as there has been since the wishbone dominated football, 2010 was a lot less than desired. Between Ingram's injury, poor OL play week in and week out, and every team in the free world knowing that Bama won't pass out of the Wildcat, there was a lot going against Bama running backs last year. With that said, it wasn't exactly a terrible year for the running game. Bama still had a 5.1 per carry average and 5 100 yard performances, but they also had some really bad outings like South Carolina and Auburn. Ingram never really looked like he was game ready til the bowl game. He fooled us all with his first 2 games, but as the season wore on, he was not the same player that shouldered Bama to win after win. Richardson missed 2 games late but was much better when Ingram was out because he plays better with more carries. That should mean good things this fall. Lacy about dropped his chance to be the heir to the throne....literally. He recovered well late in the year and earned more PT thanks in part to Richardson's injury. He too is poised to have a better year with more touches.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is Back?
Jalston Fowler- Fowler is more of an H Back than a tailback in Bama's offense, but he will be the new Goode/Grant option that wallers out the 4th quarter in the blowouts and may be the short yardage option at times for Bama's running game. I use the word might because it isn't like Richardson and Lacy have any issues moving the pile. Fowler also has above average hands for a guy his size and that will benefit him as his role becomes more defined. Fowler has decent speed for a 240 pound guy, but he won't flip the field unless the line explodes a hole for him. He is a good lead blocker when asked to be and may be used more in that role if none of the other H's pick it up. This fall look for him to do mop up primarily as a runner and he should see more time in Bama's base formations as a blocker and safety valve check down. I think he gets more carries than expected simply because Hart is out and Grant left and also because B Sims is not big enough to be a full time back.
Eddie Lacy- With Eddie, it is all about which guy shows up on Saturday. Is it the guy who just dominates and seems to find open seams? Or is it the guy who muffs the ball at the goalline and finds the doghouse from time to time? To be fair, he didn't fumble in his last 7 appearances and he has all the natural skills to be special. Lacy likes contact and is just another cog in the Burton Burns Backfield of Doom. He fills the role that Coffee and Ingram have now vacated. His best strengths are that he does not go down easily and he is very determined. He needs to show that he can round out and be a full compliment and not just the 2nd runner. He needs to show he can block and catch a little better than he has in the past, but that comes with time as Ingram wasn't very good at it either his Freshman year. Lacy's primary function regardless is to keep Trent fresh and not force him to take more hits than needed. Trent will get his touches, more than he's ever shouldered at Bama, but Lacy needs to be there to get 100 to 130 touches this fall.
Trent Richardson- Bama fans finally get to see the most touted Bama runner in 20 years be the lead back full time. Richardson is a lot more rounded at this time than Ingram was. He is a good blocker for a back, and he catches the ball well, but his ability to cut and move and see the field is far ahead of Ingram at this point in his career. He just hasn't been able to showcase it fully. Bama fans have seen glimpses, but now it is his time to shine. Richardson should get 1000 yards and be a Heisman candidate as long as he stays healthy and keeps progressing. Richardson for all his moves and conditioning still has moments where he wants to just hit guys and allows himself to get gang tackled as opposed to making the guy miss and get the extra yards. That is a small issue to deal with when the other side of the coin is as bright as it is. Trent probably won't be doing as much of the Polecat....errr...I mean Wildcat this year and that will help him too. Richardson is at his best when he is behind the QB and sees the whole defense from his position than he is when having to check and collect the snap. I look for him to easily push the record books if healthy.
Who is Gone?
Demetrius Goode- Goode realized the depth chart was going to catch him and he wanted to showcase himself a little more. I can respect that. Goode is a solid runner, but he isn't a game changer per se. He probably could start for several schools and now will to finish his career.
Mark Ingram- Bama's first Heisman winner leaves as one of the school's most talented and decorated player. Mark had nothing left to prove. He had the ring the trophy, and the videos to prove that he was an NFL ready player. I just wish that he could have been healthy all year and displayed himself a little more.
Mike Marrow- Tweeners don't live long in the Saban era. Marrow just never picked it up and was already deep on the chart and getting deeper when he left.
Corey Grant- I wasn't all that enamored with him before he left, but I know some of the Internets best thinkers were in love with him. Grant isn't really a fit at Bama and after A Day and seeing the difference in him and Hart, it was clear he wasn't going to make an impact any time soon. With Sims and Hart both able to fill that scatback slot role, he was about to be pigeon holed as a return guy.
Who is new?
Dee Hart- Hart had all but won the 3rd string job before he got hurt during the summer. Hart before the injury was a great change of pace from Richardson and Lacy in that he was more speed with some tackle breaking abilities. He has the best hands of any back on the team and would have been a really good weapon for this offense and the young QBs to build rapport with. As is, he now sits out and rehabs to start his career next fall.
Brent Calloway- Thanks to a miriad of transfers and injuries, he gets to stay at tailback this fall. I don't foresee him playing unless injuries hit the team, but I can see him as a special teams guy. Bama will more than likely take another tailback this year in recruiting plus Hart is a freshman next year. I still don't look for him to stay at running back long, but he will give roster depth while he either redshirts or is a coverage guy for the special teams.
The Running Backs
The Good....
We all get to bear witness to Richardson's Rage
It isn't a secret that Trent likes to hit. It also isn't a secret that other teams don't like tackling him. They get 13 to 14 chances to avoid tackling him head on this fall and they get to do more of it than before! Richardson's success will only solidify that Bama is becoming Running Back U again.
It isn't hard to see why folks think Bama has one of the best backfields in America
Bama boasts Richardson and Lacy as their one two punch. That may be the best in the nation by a good mile or more. When you add Fowler, Sims, and Hart next year, you will see an even more talented and deep position.
I think I mention it every year but this is the best coached position on the team
Coach Burns is by far the best and most well rounded coach on the staff not named Saban. Where other positions got by on talent alone, and others never developed as far out as they should have, Burns has taken the best talents and found ways to grow and teach them. Ingram leaves Bama with a lot more upside and a better rounded game than what he had when he came in. Everything is smooth with him now, he doesn't miss holes, he shows patience and consistency now whereas he was a bit out of control as a runner his Fr year. With one full year to grow Coffee, he became an NFL caliber player. He continues to churn out great players and recruit great players.
The Bad....
The Depth that was once there isn't now
With Hart injured, Grant gone, Ingram in the pros, the program now is a little thin on quality depth. An injury to Eddie Lacy is huge at this point. Why? Well, the drop off in ability is pretty noticeable and when you have to let TR take a breather, and you have to hand it off to guys who are more situational or fill in type players, that is an issue. Bama needs its running game to churn out yards. The 2 young QBs need the running game hitting at a high level to take the pressure off them. The team needs them to be great to win a championship and quite honestly, if Richardson and/or Lacy get hurt, the odds of that (winning) happening are pretty well slim to none because I don't think Bama can pass its way to the BCS. It is easy to speculate and pish posh over such concerns, and I know some will try to postulate that Bama can throw and win, or point to the defense. Well, one makes the other. Don't believe it? Look back to last year. Bama the more they throw and the less balanced they were, the worse the defense was. South Carolina- couldn't run, got behind, and stunk it up. Granted, Bama's D dug a hole fast in that one, once Bama was throwing more, the defense wasn't able to get its legs under it for good. Same with LSU, Bama couldn't run the ball well, and the defense couldn't hold off LSU's lackluster offense. It is true that the defense is better, but it will be better only if the offense can sustain drives and keep them off the field.
The Ugly...
None.
The Bottom Line is....
At this point, Richardson and Lacy are going to be on track to carry the ball 250 to 300 times. Blake Sims will get a few looks in a variety of running roles and Fowler will get a few carries as well. As mentioned, with young quarterbacks, they will be a run first team and the pressure needs to be shifted to the running backs to carry the load and lead the offense. Bama's success this season is going to be heavily related to how well the running game goes. They need it to roll because the offense needs to be tougher than it was last year. The defense cannot be asked to stay out on the field as much as it did last year at times. The Saban system predicates that you run the ball and grind it out, take up lots of clock, and put the defense on an offensive position that allows them to attack more and keep the opponent in a situation where they feel pressured to score faster. That usually creates mistakes like the ones we all saw in 2009. So, the running game is a big part in the big picture. Richardson should have a big year, but they need Lacy to be right there with him. One injury to either guy could be a big issue. Both are durable guys and tough guys, so hopefully that holds up.
The Depth Chart
1st String- Richardson
2nd String- Lacy
3rd String- Fowler/Blake Sims
August 18, 2011
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- Quarterbacks 2011
FINALLY!!!! Football has returned to cure the summer stupid!!!!! Scream it from the balconies, leave all the grand schemes that summer creates, and focus on football. I have tried to enjoy message board life this summer, but never in my life have I loathed summer reading more than this summer.....
LAST YEAR RECAP
While it was easy to pick on the QB at times, and even benchwarming WRs did, the overall play at QB was better than the year before when it got down to it. Greg McElroy finished his career as Bama QB with a solid Win Loss record, and had one of his best games against Auburn until the staff took the air out of the ball. McElroy didn't have a great game each week, but he wasn't the weak point in the offense. With that said, you knew what you had in McElroy- a guy who won't make the big throws but won't cost you 14 points a game on silly interceptions. Greg was for the most part the protype of what Saban likes in a QB, but with his graduation, the model will more than likely change. While some will focus on the negatives, I will remember Greg for his leadership in the 2009 Auburn game where he led the team down the field and made all the right reads. I will remember him for out Tebowing Tebow in the 2009 SEC Championship Game.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
AJ McCarron- AJ is a 4 star QB that comes from a HS that is rich in college profile players. He also is the blank canvas for any fan who dreams of the Madden/ESPN SportsCenter highlight QB. He also is the presumtive starter to a degree. AJ has the time in the system, and he has actual PT- albeit mopup. He won't lack confidence in his arm or ability to throw, that is for sure. This spring he worked on his mastery of handling the huddle and playcalling. The problem for AJ and the 1 thing that could keep him from being the starter full time or beyond the early season, is maturity. While he has progressed from year to year, he still is stubborn and gets in the Saban doghouse about his desire to throw long. He is young, and has come a long way, but he's now the starter, or wants to be at least, and there is more to quarterback than trying to wing one out the stadium. That was always one of the things that kept Croyle from being great, but he never had a great QB coach. Coach Mac is a good QB coach- his resume says so- and that leaves it up to AJ to continue to listen and grow or dig his heels in the turf and find his tail slapped more than once.
Phillip Sims- Like AJ, Sims has the capacity to be a great QB at Alabama. He is as gifted a player as Alabama has had since Walter Lewis. He has a huge arm, but is freakishly accurate. He won the accuracy drills amongst his HS peers at about every camp he attended. He is mobile and built to take a hit, but he is a pocket passer. He will not run the option or be asked to tuck and run unless the play is breaking down. As far as long term upside, it is easy to see that Sims has the most of any QB in the SEC. However, Phillip lacks live testing. A Day is nice, but it isn't the same as unfriendly fire. He needs to display to the staff that in practice and scrimmages that he can handle the pressure they throw at him. The lack of real testing will be a hard thing to overcome until he plays a few games. I think he will get his looks, but starting will only happen if AJ demonstrates that he just can't be the guy for this team to win.
Who is gone?
Greg McElroy. McElroy was as efficient a passer as anyone I have ever seen. The term game manager got demented by some fans, but I liked that he was. I liked that you knew that he would not beat the team with silly plays. Short of one Julio drop, he would have been the single season record holder for yards in a season. While it will be different to see a lot more vertical in the offense, I will miss that feeling that I had the last 2 years of feeling like Greg had things under control when it really mattered.
Who is new?
Phillip Ely- I know that as soon as I say anything about him, the rally cry of fans who think every player is superbad will put a roll in their jorts and come a calling. Ely is like McElroy in that he was a consolation prize so to speak. He lacks size and a college level arm, but he can manage an offense and has a resume that says he knows how to win. The biggest perk to me is that he does know big football as his HS team has played a lot of bigger HS programs and he won't be as awed by the size of the SEC as some will. He is serviceable and will give them a depth chart that will be 4 deep, but here's the thing, if Bama signs 2 more QBs and it has been assumed that it will happen even after Winston didn't commit, he is not going to be apart of the future plans. If they do not, he gets to fight out for the 2 or 3 spot on the roster. Regardless, he is a lock to redshirt.
Blake Sims- Sims is the 3rd string guy heading into the summer, technically. He is very athletic and has speed to spare. He probably is going to find the field this fall in 2 ways- as the wildcat QB, and at HB with some flashes of end around passes and such. With Sims at QB, the threat to run and or throw is probably the best that they've had since adapting to the formation. Sims isn't really tall enough to be a pocket QB, but if thrown into action as a pure QB, the waggles and bootlegs will be in the offense because he does throw well on the run. Sims as a QB is best when moving becuase he gets respect for his speed and scrambling skills that he can freeze safeties and get open WR to throw to. His accuracy is not great, but most scrambling QBs don't throw 65 percent.
THE QUARTERBACKS
The Good…
Lots of Potential
The lack of experience is there, but there is more upside in the 2 deep and 3 deep here than there has been since the days of the Wishbone and Coach Bryant. Regardless of who starts or how they rotate, the quarterbacks will be able to expand the offense over time in ways that Wilson and McElroy couldn't. While the potential is there and the possibility of doing big things is there, as I continue to harp, the expectation for both guys should not be higher than McElroy 2009esque levels.
The schedule is not going to knock the green off too fast...
While they do go to Happy Valley, I think we as fans all know what we should see there. To me, the QBs should not get put into a real tough spot until Arkansas or Florida, if then. It really depends on which Arkansas defense appears this fall. Will Bama see the one that flustered Alabama for 3 quarters and the defense that clogged aTm up all night or will Bama see the one that got ripped alive by Auburn and flopped against Ohio State? Florida's defense will be good as always but with new staff and philosophy they may not be on pace by the time Bama gets them. They get LSU at home so no shock and awe of Death Valley. The QB race should be over, hopefully, by the time MSU and Auburn welcome the Tide, but that really is where the rubber meets road to me.
If Bama goes 2 QB, they will have more options to use
As I have stated numerous times, I hate the 2 QB system, but I think regardless it is coming. As such, this can be a positive because both McCarron and Sims can bring some different options to the huddle. If you want a guy who can grind it out and mix it up, Sims is the guy that seems to be most suited to play it tight and lull teams in only to put one over the top of the defense. If you want a guy who can stretch the field both vertically and sideline to sideline, AJ is that guy. Also, conversely, if you throw Blake Sims into the game you get another wrinkle to use as he can create mismatches through a variety of formations and the fact there aren't many LB or SS on the schedule that can match up 1 on 1 with Sims.
If this is the big position battle, things are gonna be ok....
Here is the thing about this race, it isn't as huge as some other battles will be. Whether it is AJ or Phillip won't make Bama more of a BCS contender over the other one. Those honors go to the LT job, the D Line replacements, and the secondary's growth. So, there will be pressure for the starter, it comes with the job, but their success is not THE key to the championship.
The Bad...
For all the potential, nobody and I mean NO BODY can say what they will finally get....
What that means is in spite of what you read or hear, none of us know how these guys will really look once Saturdays come. I would love to tell you that I know for a fact one of the 3 guys would be a sure bet. If I could, I would, but then I would focus on lotto numbers and such. There are concerns with both AJ and Phillip and those won't go away after Kent State. To be honest, nobody has really witnessed how they handle a true adverse moment in a game. Will throwing an INT or two during a game make either of them crack? Will the fear of losing the job cause these guys to choke or play tighter than they would otherwise?
Two Quarterback Systems Rarely Work
Especially when they aren't complimentary to each other. If one of the two was the option/running QB, it would be one thing, but both AJ and Phillp are pocket QBs that played in pass happy offenses. This isn't Tebow and Leak or Watts and Zow. This is more like Randall and Russell, and that wasn't a great year for Saban. The system often creates more issues than it solves, but given they cannot commit to either really, it is the best option they have. My hope is that one separates himself early and the audition does not linger through October.
Can they win?
Sure, the team can win, and they should win a lot, but if called upon, can either QB step up his game and be the leader of the winning drive? For all the shortfalls Bama fans put on McElroy, he seemed to always come through when you needed him. Until they are asked to step up and win with their arms, this is a question and a concern. Some will act like that is stupid and they can do everything- including fart fire- but the bottom line is that we don't know.
The Ugly....
Can the staff really pick one and can the fans accept it?
I think there is some concern internally about naming a starter for good. How they handle this will go a long ways towards the overall success of the team. The distraction and/or dissension that can come from this can easily make for 1 or 2 losses. Remember, the 2000 team, and yes I know this isn't Dubose at the helm it is the anti-Dubose, fell apart from the issue amongst other things. The bigger issue is can the fans accept it? There is a heavy Mobile contingent on Message Boards and they won't be willing to accept that AJ is not the answer, if that is the case. I think you would find that the bulk of his pushers last year were from the area, if the truth be told.
The Bottom Line is....
Bama will be hard pressed to pick a true starter for a while. The schedule works out well to allow time to take course on the issue. I almost disqualify any person who quotes a player about the issue because it isn't a secret what is the difference between the 2 starters. One is taking them to parties and getting them access to the QB life. The other is more introverted to that life and is more of a huddle pusher. In the end, I don't know who will win, but I do believe that AJ starts the first drive and Sims backs him up and plays about every 3 series or so. Blake Sims will be the 3rd QB because Ely will redshirt. Sims, however, will be more of a running back than a QB when called upon.
DEPTH CHART
Starter- McCarron- Experience is always a trump card for Saban.
2nd String- Phillip Sims- The co-starter will get plenty of chances to win the job.
3rd String- Blake Sims/Phillip Ely- Both are too short to be starters, but both are servicable and can play a role.
LAST YEAR RECAP
While it was easy to pick on the QB at times, and even benchwarming WRs did, the overall play at QB was better than the year before when it got down to it. Greg McElroy finished his career as Bama QB with a solid Win Loss record, and had one of his best games against Auburn until the staff took the air out of the ball. McElroy didn't have a great game each week, but he wasn't the weak point in the offense. With that said, you knew what you had in McElroy- a guy who won't make the big throws but won't cost you 14 points a game on silly interceptions. Greg was for the most part the protype of what Saban likes in a QB, but with his graduation, the model will more than likely change. While some will focus on the negatives, I will remember Greg for his leadership in the 2009 Auburn game where he led the team down the field and made all the right reads. I will remember him for out Tebowing Tebow in the 2009 SEC Championship Game.
THIS OFFSEASON
Who is back?
AJ McCarron- AJ is a 4 star QB that comes from a HS that is rich in college profile players. He also is the blank canvas for any fan who dreams of the Madden/ESPN SportsCenter highlight QB. He also is the presumtive starter to a degree. AJ has the time in the system, and he has actual PT- albeit mopup. He won't lack confidence in his arm or ability to throw, that is for sure. This spring he worked on his mastery of handling the huddle and playcalling. The problem for AJ and the 1 thing that could keep him from being the starter full time or beyond the early season, is maturity. While he has progressed from year to year, he still is stubborn and gets in the Saban doghouse about his desire to throw long. He is young, and has come a long way, but he's now the starter, or wants to be at least, and there is more to quarterback than trying to wing one out the stadium. That was always one of the things that kept Croyle from being great, but he never had a great QB coach. Coach Mac is a good QB coach- his resume says so- and that leaves it up to AJ to continue to listen and grow or dig his heels in the turf and find his tail slapped more than once.
Phillip Sims- Like AJ, Sims has the capacity to be a great QB at Alabama. He is as gifted a player as Alabama has had since Walter Lewis. He has a huge arm, but is freakishly accurate. He won the accuracy drills amongst his HS peers at about every camp he attended. He is mobile and built to take a hit, but he is a pocket passer. He will not run the option or be asked to tuck and run unless the play is breaking down. As far as long term upside, it is easy to see that Sims has the most of any QB in the SEC. However, Phillip lacks live testing. A Day is nice, but it isn't the same as unfriendly fire. He needs to display to the staff that in practice and scrimmages that he can handle the pressure they throw at him. The lack of real testing will be a hard thing to overcome until he plays a few games. I think he will get his looks, but starting will only happen if AJ demonstrates that he just can't be the guy for this team to win.
Who is gone?
Greg McElroy. McElroy was as efficient a passer as anyone I have ever seen. The term game manager got demented by some fans, but I liked that he was. I liked that you knew that he would not beat the team with silly plays. Short of one Julio drop, he would have been the single season record holder for yards in a season. While it will be different to see a lot more vertical in the offense, I will miss that feeling that I had the last 2 years of feeling like Greg had things under control when it really mattered.
Who is new?
Phillip Ely- I know that as soon as I say anything about him, the rally cry of fans who think every player is superbad will put a roll in their jorts and come a calling. Ely is like McElroy in that he was a consolation prize so to speak. He lacks size and a college level arm, but he can manage an offense and has a resume that says he knows how to win. The biggest perk to me is that he does know big football as his HS team has played a lot of bigger HS programs and he won't be as awed by the size of the SEC as some will. He is serviceable and will give them a depth chart that will be 4 deep, but here's the thing, if Bama signs 2 more QBs and it has been assumed that it will happen even after Winston didn't commit, he is not going to be apart of the future plans. If they do not, he gets to fight out for the 2 or 3 spot on the roster. Regardless, he is a lock to redshirt.
Blake Sims- Sims is the 3rd string guy heading into the summer, technically. He is very athletic and has speed to spare. He probably is going to find the field this fall in 2 ways- as the wildcat QB, and at HB with some flashes of end around passes and such. With Sims at QB, the threat to run and or throw is probably the best that they've had since adapting to the formation. Sims isn't really tall enough to be a pocket QB, but if thrown into action as a pure QB, the waggles and bootlegs will be in the offense because he does throw well on the run. Sims as a QB is best when moving becuase he gets respect for his speed and scrambling skills that he can freeze safeties and get open WR to throw to. His accuracy is not great, but most scrambling QBs don't throw 65 percent.
THE QUARTERBACKS
The Good…
Lots of Potential
The lack of experience is there, but there is more upside in the 2 deep and 3 deep here than there has been since the days of the Wishbone and Coach Bryant. Regardless of who starts or how they rotate, the quarterbacks will be able to expand the offense over time in ways that Wilson and McElroy couldn't. While the potential is there and the possibility of doing big things is there, as I continue to harp, the expectation for both guys should not be higher than McElroy 2009esque levels.
The schedule is not going to knock the green off too fast...
While they do go to Happy Valley, I think we as fans all know what we should see there. To me, the QBs should not get put into a real tough spot until Arkansas or Florida, if then. It really depends on which Arkansas defense appears this fall. Will Bama see the one that flustered Alabama for 3 quarters and the defense that clogged aTm up all night or will Bama see the one that got ripped alive by Auburn and flopped against Ohio State? Florida's defense will be good as always but with new staff and philosophy they may not be on pace by the time Bama gets them. They get LSU at home so no shock and awe of Death Valley. The QB race should be over, hopefully, by the time MSU and Auburn welcome the Tide, but that really is where the rubber meets road to me.
If Bama goes 2 QB, they will have more options to use
As I have stated numerous times, I hate the 2 QB system, but I think regardless it is coming. As such, this can be a positive because both McCarron and Sims can bring some different options to the huddle. If you want a guy who can grind it out and mix it up, Sims is the guy that seems to be most suited to play it tight and lull teams in only to put one over the top of the defense. If you want a guy who can stretch the field both vertically and sideline to sideline, AJ is that guy. Also, conversely, if you throw Blake Sims into the game you get another wrinkle to use as he can create mismatches through a variety of formations and the fact there aren't many LB or SS on the schedule that can match up 1 on 1 with Sims.
If this is the big position battle, things are gonna be ok....
Here is the thing about this race, it isn't as huge as some other battles will be. Whether it is AJ or Phillip won't make Bama more of a BCS contender over the other one. Those honors go to the LT job, the D Line replacements, and the secondary's growth. So, there will be pressure for the starter, it comes with the job, but their success is not THE key to the championship.
The Bad...
For all the potential, nobody and I mean NO BODY can say what they will finally get....
What that means is in spite of what you read or hear, none of us know how these guys will really look once Saturdays come. I would love to tell you that I know for a fact one of the 3 guys would be a sure bet. If I could, I would, but then I would focus on lotto numbers and such. There are concerns with both AJ and Phillip and those won't go away after Kent State. To be honest, nobody has really witnessed how they handle a true adverse moment in a game. Will throwing an INT or two during a game make either of them crack? Will the fear of losing the job cause these guys to choke or play tighter than they would otherwise?
Two Quarterback Systems Rarely Work
Especially when they aren't complimentary to each other. If one of the two was the option/running QB, it would be one thing, but both AJ and Phillp are pocket QBs that played in pass happy offenses. This isn't Tebow and Leak or Watts and Zow. This is more like Randall and Russell, and that wasn't a great year for Saban. The system often creates more issues than it solves, but given they cannot commit to either really, it is the best option they have. My hope is that one separates himself early and the audition does not linger through October.
Can they win?
Sure, the team can win, and they should win a lot, but if called upon, can either QB step up his game and be the leader of the winning drive? For all the shortfalls Bama fans put on McElroy, he seemed to always come through when you needed him. Until they are asked to step up and win with their arms, this is a question and a concern. Some will act like that is stupid and they can do everything- including fart fire- but the bottom line is that we don't know.
The Ugly....
Can the staff really pick one and can the fans accept it?
I think there is some concern internally about naming a starter for good. How they handle this will go a long ways towards the overall success of the team. The distraction and/or dissension that can come from this can easily make for 1 or 2 losses. Remember, the 2000 team, and yes I know this isn't Dubose at the helm it is the anti-Dubose, fell apart from the issue amongst other things. The bigger issue is can the fans accept it? There is a heavy Mobile contingent on Message Boards and they won't be willing to accept that AJ is not the answer, if that is the case. I think you would find that the bulk of his pushers last year were from the area, if the truth be told.
The Bottom Line is....
Bama will be hard pressed to pick a true starter for a while. The schedule works out well to allow time to take course on the issue. I almost disqualify any person who quotes a player about the issue because it isn't a secret what is the difference between the 2 starters. One is taking them to parties and getting them access to the QB life. The other is more introverted to that life and is more of a huddle pusher. In the end, I don't know who will win, but I do believe that AJ starts the first drive and Sims backs him up and plays about every 3 series or so. Blake Sims will be the 3rd QB because Ely will redshirt. Sims, however, will be more of a running back than a QB when called upon.
DEPTH CHART
Starter- McCarron- Experience is always a trump card for Saban.
2nd String- Phillip Sims- The co-starter will get plenty of chances to win the job.
3rd String- Blake Sims/Phillip Ely- Both are too short to be starters, but both are servicable and can play a role.
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