Post by Thomas on Aug 2, 2013 20:12:39 GMT -5
We’re going to go through the starting line-up, find the holes and the strong points. There’s a lot to look forward to this season, but there’s always the danger of over confidence and lack of experience. I’ll give a little detail to each position, some are returners and so there isn’t much explaining needed. I’m looking forward to this season, there’s a lot of exciting players on offense and defense and even if the entire team isn’t up to par those bright lights will bring thrills to the game.
Quarter Back: A.J. McCarron
Nothing new here, he’s gotten better and better since his freshman year. He went two hundred passes without an interception last year. That’s the kind of efficiency Alabama had been missing before Greg McElroy turned us around. McCarron won’t be inspiring anyone with fancy footwork, but he’s been an excellent game manager and efficient passer. He’ll be the star of the offense this next year and with some holes on the offensive line he’ll need to be the best man on the field if we’re going to be an offensive power house.
Running Backs: T. J. Yeldon and Jalston Fowler(?)
For the past seven years Alabama has run with a two back system. They’ve always had two backs each with their own special talents and virtues. This year may be the first year that there’s not a definite number 2 back. T. J. Yeldon has shown us that he is just as dominate as those who’ve come before him and may even be better than Edie Lacy. I’ve been really excited about Jalston Fowler ever since he came to Alabama three years ago. However because of injuries he wasn’t able to play this past year. He’s been a sensational back the few plays he got in his freshman year. The only question is will he come out of this season long injury stronger or will he come out flat and scared. There are several good replacements for Fowler, but having a rotation of three or more running backs may not be the best idea, just ask LSU.
Wide Receiver: Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell, and Kevin Norwood
There’s no lack of talent at wide receiver this season. This time last season we were wondering how good Cooper and Bell would be. Turns out, they are fantastic. With a year of experience under their belt they can only come out better. Cooper has speed, Bell has hands, and Norwood has the height. Everyone has been all gung ho about Amari Cooper and for a good reason, he’s got good hands, quick feet and a good head. I’ve been equally impressed with Norwood, while he’s a senior and hasn’t had as big of an impact as the other two young receivers, he has come through when the game matters. He helped up through the LSU game last season and made several key plays. He does tend to fade away during the game at times. With a few weaknesses at running back and O-line this year you may be seeing much more of these three.
Tight End: Brian Volger and Harrison Jones
Volger got quite a few good plays in last season as did Jones. They are both mainly blocking tight ends and don’t do too much receiving. Thankfully with all the talent at WR there isn’t too much need for the tight ends to do any receiving other than dump-off plays. They’re both very big, strong men and will bolster the outside of the offensive line.
Offensive Line: C. Kouandjio, A. Kouandjio, Ryan Kelly, Anthony Steen, Austin Shepherd
Here’s the most likely layout for the 2013 season. They are lined out like they will be on the line with C.Kouandjio on the left side of the line, Ryan Kelly starting as nose guard, and Austin Shepherd on the right. The Kouandjio brothers will do a good job of holding down the left side of the line and Anthony Steen is a complete monster on the right. Last season Steen did not give up a single sack and didn’t commit any penalties. The new snapper Kelly, was all-freshman last year and while he may not live up to Jone’s legacy he’ll only get better as the season goes on. The biggest concern for the Alabama line is Austin Shepherd. He’s been with the team for a while and gotten in on a few plays. However he’s not been anyone of consequence. His big contender for the spot on the right side of the line is Brandon Green. Another new comer who has done little of consequence, it’ll be interesting to see how the battle for that position plays out this season.
Okay so I was going to do the same with the defense, but lets be honest, Alabama hasn't had a standard defense in years. So while I could give you a probable starting 11 for a 3-4,4-4,5-3,5-2,Bear,Dime,Nickle,ect. It's probably going to be different line, backers, and DBs for each formation. So instead I'll be highlighting key players in each position. It'll be up in a few days so look forward to it! Roll Tide!
Quarter Back: A.J. McCarron
Nothing new here, he’s gotten better and better since his freshman year. He went two hundred passes without an interception last year. That’s the kind of efficiency Alabama had been missing before Greg McElroy turned us around. McCarron won’t be inspiring anyone with fancy footwork, but he’s been an excellent game manager and efficient passer. He’ll be the star of the offense this next year and with some holes on the offensive line he’ll need to be the best man on the field if we’re going to be an offensive power house.
Running Backs: T. J. Yeldon and Jalston Fowler(?)
For the past seven years Alabama has run with a two back system. They’ve always had two backs each with their own special talents and virtues. This year may be the first year that there’s not a definite number 2 back. T. J. Yeldon has shown us that he is just as dominate as those who’ve come before him and may even be better than Edie Lacy. I’ve been really excited about Jalston Fowler ever since he came to Alabama three years ago. However because of injuries he wasn’t able to play this past year. He’s been a sensational back the few plays he got in his freshman year. The only question is will he come out of this season long injury stronger or will he come out flat and scared. There are several good replacements for Fowler, but having a rotation of three or more running backs may not be the best idea, just ask LSU.
Wide Receiver: Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell, and Kevin Norwood
There’s no lack of talent at wide receiver this season. This time last season we were wondering how good Cooper and Bell would be. Turns out, they are fantastic. With a year of experience under their belt they can only come out better. Cooper has speed, Bell has hands, and Norwood has the height. Everyone has been all gung ho about Amari Cooper and for a good reason, he’s got good hands, quick feet and a good head. I’ve been equally impressed with Norwood, while he’s a senior and hasn’t had as big of an impact as the other two young receivers, he has come through when the game matters. He helped up through the LSU game last season and made several key plays. He does tend to fade away during the game at times. With a few weaknesses at running back and O-line this year you may be seeing much more of these three.
Tight End: Brian Volger and Harrison Jones
Volger got quite a few good plays in last season as did Jones. They are both mainly blocking tight ends and don’t do too much receiving. Thankfully with all the talent at WR there isn’t too much need for the tight ends to do any receiving other than dump-off plays. They’re both very big, strong men and will bolster the outside of the offensive line.
Offensive Line: C. Kouandjio, A. Kouandjio, Ryan Kelly, Anthony Steen, Austin Shepherd
Here’s the most likely layout for the 2013 season. They are lined out like they will be on the line with C.Kouandjio on the left side of the line, Ryan Kelly starting as nose guard, and Austin Shepherd on the right. The Kouandjio brothers will do a good job of holding down the left side of the line and Anthony Steen is a complete monster on the right. Last season Steen did not give up a single sack and didn’t commit any penalties. The new snapper Kelly, was all-freshman last year and while he may not live up to Jone’s legacy he’ll only get better as the season goes on. The biggest concern for the Alabama line is Austin Shepherd. He’s been with the team for a while and gotten in on a few plays. However he’s not been anyone of consequence. His big contender for the spot on the right side of the line is Brandon Green. Another new comer who has done little of consequence, it’ll be interesting to see how the battle for that position plays out this season.
Okay so I was going to do the same with the defense, but lets be honest, Alabama hasn't had a standard defense in years. So while I could give you a probable starting 11 for a 3-4,4-4,5-3,5-2,Bear,Dime,Nickle,ect. It's probably going to be different line, backers, and DBs for each formation. So instead I'll be highlighting key players in each position. It'll be up in a few days so look forward to it! Roll Tide!