I found myself questioning John Fulton’s development last year. Wondered if he would ever get meaningful playing time at Alabama.
It hit me yesterday – he had some pretty big time talent in front of him.
He was an early enrollee for the 2010 class. When he got to campus, Dee Milliner came with him. Dre Kirkpatrick waited on both of them after getting minimal playing time during his freshman year but had a year of coaching and high praise from scouts. Phelon Jones waited on Fulton and Milliner, too; he had 3 years of SEC football. DQ Menzie signed his LOI on signing day after being named a Second Team JUCO All-American in his second year of JUCO.
Going into the 2010 season, many fans knew/expected Dre to have one CB spot. That left two spots open since CNS rarely plays more than three CBs. The other two spots could be filled by Fulton, Milliner, Jones or Menzie, who was recovering from a torn Achilles. Coaches liked what they saw in Dee more, so he got the second spot. Somehow, Menzie recovered well enough to take the third spot.
The preparation of the 2010 season caused Fulton to look like a “bust” or a guy not living up to his hype/potential. In reality, he was behind quality player. The players were so good that CNS even said he had 4 starters at CB this year if need be.
Fast forward to 2012 spring practice. Fulton out did expectations and ended up starting for the White (#1 defense).
John Futon came to Alabama highly touted (#4 by ESPNU, #5 by Rivals and #6 by Scout) but didn’t play as soon as many thought. Looks like he’s getting that chance now. He’s the perfect example of the talent Nick Saban and his staff have brought to Alabama. No worse than the sixth best corner in his class, and he has to wait two years to get meaningful playing time.
It hit me yesterday – he had some pretty big time talent in front of him.
He was an early enrollee for the 2010 class. When he got to campus, Dee Milliner came with him. Dre Kirkpatrick waited on both of them after getting minimal playing time during his freshman year but had a year of coaching and high praise from scouts. Phelon Jones waited on Fulton and Milliner, too; he had 3 years of SEC football. DQ Menzie signed his LOI on signing day after being named a Second Team JUCO All-American in his second year of JUCO.
Going into the 2010 season, many fans knew/expected Dre to have one CB spot. That left two spots open since CNS rarely plays more than three CBs. The other two spots could be filled by Fulton, Milliner, Jones or Menzie, who was recovering from a torn Achilles. Coaches liked what they saw in Dee more, so he got the second spot. Somehow, Menzie recovered well enough to take the third spot.
The preparation of the 2010 season caused Fulton to look like a “bust” or a guy not living up to his hype/potential. In reality, he was behind quality player. The players were so good that CNS even said he had 4 starters at CB this year if need be.
Fast forward to 2012 spring practice. Fulton out did expectations and ended up starting for the White (#1 defense).
John Futon came to Alabama highly touted (#4 by ESPNU, #5 by Rivals and #6 by Scout) but didn’t play as soon as many thought. Looks like he’s getting that chance now. He’s the perfect example of the talent Nick Saban and his staff have brought to Alabama. No worse than the sixth best corner in his class, and he has to wait two years to get meaningful playing time.
