Really nice piece. I know that took some time and effort. Here's some of my thoughts on the article and just spring in general.
-I think a renewed hunger will do wonders for the team this year. Although there were some personnel issues last year, complacency is what ultimately did us in IMO.
-I do think you're underestimating the Barn a little bit when you call them a team of questionable talent. Chizik was a terrible coach, but his last year (3-9) was the result of a team that quit, not one that wasn't talented. AU has recruited well the past few years and should continue to do so.
-One issue that contributed to our struggles on D last year was the drop-off at corner. We just didn't have the production there that we are used to under Saban. We never developed a guy to compliment Belue, and I think this prevented us from utilizing some of our more complicated blitz packages.
-Going into spring, I think our best options are Eddie Jackson and Bradley Sylve. However, competition should be WIDE OPEN.
-I've heard Ardarius Stewart will be moved to safety and Denzel Devall may get a look at inside backer. Possibly making room for Pettway at JACK?
-The OLINE never gelled last year. I thought, midseason, maybe they were there, but that proved incorrect at the end of the year. We couldn't gain a yard when we needed it against AU and struggled in pass protection against Oklahoma.
-We have to develop cohesiveness there this year. The OLINE is the key to a good offense, especially this year when we are breaking in a new QB and don't have AJ to carry us.
-I think Yeldon's fumbles have made people forget how good he really is. Guy ran for 1200 yards last year while splitting carries; just has to fix the fumbling issue.
-Three headed monster at RB this year with Yeldon/Henry/Drake. It should be interesting to see what the split is.
-As far as QBs go, I think the main contenders are Sims, Morris, Bateman, and Coker. Cornwell is extremely talented, and I've heard some good things about him already but he is coming off an ACL and is rather raw anyways. Probably redshirt this season.
-If the light comes on for Bateman, watch out.
-I think Coker will win the job because I don't think he was brought in to just sit the bench. Hopefully, he is everything he is supposed to be.