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2004 RECRUITING WRAPUP:
BAMA FILLS MOST NEEDS
DEFENSIVE LINE
by Jess Nicholas
February 9, 2004

Six months ago, when Alabama coaches were about to embark on their first recruiting season as a group, few Alabama fans believed the Tide’s final haul would resemble anything other than what its last two seasons had looked like – a lot of solid players surrounded by a host of lesser-known prospects who would need substantial coaching to reach their college potential.

Instead, Mike Shula delivered a class that ranks solidly within the nation’s top 15 recruiting classes, and fills most of the needs from which probation-riddled Alabama suffers. Grouping the signees by their positions, we take a look at how the Tide fared in the 2003-04 recruiting game.

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DEFENSIVE LINE

Defensive line:
DE Jeramie Holifield
DE Brandon Fanney
DE Kevin Hamilton
DT Chris Turner (JUCO)
DT Lorenzo Washington

Overall talent level: A-
Success in filling needs: C+

Most of Alabama’s qualifying question marks lie here, as three players are expected to begin their careers in junior college or prep school. But Alabama did manage to secure the signature of one of America’s top junior college players, as well as a top prospect from neighboring Georgia.

Chris Turner comes to Alabama from Northwest Mississippi Community College and will probably be a starter in the season’s first game. While Turner can play defensive end – making many observers have visions of Kindal Moorehead dance throughout their heads – Alabama’s most immediate needs are inside, where Alabama got a less than spectacular performance last year. Turner is explosively quick, strong, instinctive and plays with a mean attitude. Having him beside the nose-tacklish Anthony Bryant should make both players better.

Lorenzo Washington is the other qualifier in this group and will probably play as a true freshman. Like Turner, he can go inside or outside but will probably settle in as a tackle. With Turner and Washington on board, and Bryant returning for his senior year, Alabama appears well stocked with interior linemen.

That isn’t the case, however, at defensive end. Unless Turner slides out to end to start, Alabama will be relying on Mark Anderson and oft-injured Todd Bates to carry the load, with redshirt freshmen providing depth. That’s because none of the three defensive end recruits are expected to qualify.

Brandon Fanney is probably the top name among this bunch. He has the best frame and has a powerful first step. He could also move to defensive tackle if needed. Kevin Hamilton may have the most upside of the three. He is still growing and will likely eventually play at around 270 pounds. Jeramie Holifield is the best pure pass rusher of the bunch, but may have already tapped out his growth potential. He’ll also need to improve against the run and against stronger offensive tackles.

The overall impression here is that Alabama got good players, but not nearly enough of them due to qualifying issues. Defensive line will be a top priority in 2004-05.

MORE RECRUITING ANALYSIS (CLICK LINKS)