Questions to answer this spring

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Questions to answer this spring
Optimism balanced by several key holes
By Jess Nicholas
TideFans.com Editor-In-Chief
March 7, 2008

With spring practice at Alabama just around the corner, the ever-optimistic Crimson Tide fan base would love to move up the timetable for rebuilding by a year or two.

Most experts have pegged the 2009 or 2010 team as Alabama’s first legitimate title contender in several years. But with a veteran quarterback, good offensive skill talent and the wave of insanity that always seems to overcome Alabama followers in the preseason, 2008 has suddenly become a possible title year in many fans’ minds.

As Alabama starts spring training, however, it is necessary to note that several positions suffer from a lack of depth, and some even from a lack of a clear starter. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of Alabama’s football team as Spring Football 2008 arrives.

QUARTERBACK
Returning starter: John Parker Wilson (Sr.)
Backups: Greg McElroy (So.), Nick Fanuzzi (RFr.), Thomas Darrah (RFr.), Ross Applegate (So.)
Incoming signees: Star Jackson
Analysis: Wilson is poised to break most of the school’s passing records in 2008, particularly if new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain introduces elements of the pro-spread attack popularized by the New England Patriots, which is one of the offseason’s hottest rumors. The biggest question here is probably whether Wilson is good enough to hold onto the job. Wilson’s 2007 season was a disappointment, even though his numbers were decent. He regressed from a technical standpoint and was too easily flustered under pressure and when things didn’t go Alabama’s way. McElroy hardly played, and after the opener against Western Carolina, never threw a pass again all season. He’s expected to get a fight for the backup job from redshirt freshman Nick Fanuzzi, who’s the best athlete on the quarterback depth chart. Walk-ons Thomas Darrah and Ross Applegate are both better than the usual walk-on, although Darrah missed the bowl game for disciplinary reasons. Both have good arms (Darrah’s looked better in the fall) and good size, but it would be a major upset if either passed McElroy or Fanuzzi on the depth chart. In the fall, Star Jackson is scheduled to arrive, and once that happens everyone will have an eye cast over his shoulder.
Prediction: Wilson will get every chance to keep his job, and if McElwain is as good as advertised, Wilson could be a surprise breakout player in the SEC. Fresno State’s Tom Brandstater went from awful to awesome in one season under McElwain’s tutelage. But if Wilson is still making basic errors once fall rolls around, all bets are off.

FULLBACK
Returning starter: Baron Huber (So.)
Backups: Jeramie Griffin (RFr.), Patrick Hanrahan (So.), Jacob Vane (So.), Joe Robinson (Jr.)
Incoming signees: Brad Smelley
Analysis: For the most part, Baron Huber handled his assignments well in 2007, but as the season wore on, he played less and less in favor of Ace package looks or three-wide sets. Huber caught a pass in the opener and didn’t touch the ball again in 2007. Alabama never played a backup at his position, and sometimes slid tight end Travis McCall into that slot. McElwain likes to use tight ends and fullbacks more so than did Major Applewhite, so whoever gets the starting job here can expect a few touches. The player to watch is Jeramie Griffin, who can play either fullback or running back and, while not as big as Huber, brings increased athleticism to the picture. The fight between those two players should be spirited throughout the fall. Patrick Hanrahan adds depth; he had a good spring in 2007 but never saw game action at the position. Joe Robinson made the active roster for a couple of games down the stretch and could also be a possibility, especially on special teams. As for incoming signee Brad Smelley, he may yet end up at quarterback, tight end, receiver or linebacker. A H-back-style fullback would seem to fit his skill set nicely.
Prediction: If Huber is to hold onto this position, he’s got to show more than he did down the stretch in 2007. His play in the Mississippi State game was particularly troubling. But Huber is one of the hardest workers on the team and won’t just fold up. Look for Huber and Griffin to at least split the position, with Griffin probably getting a majority of the work.

RUNNING BACK
Returning starter: Terry Grant (So.)
Backups: Glen Coffee (Jr.), Roy Upchurch (Jr.), Demetrius Goode (RFr.)
Incoming signees: Chris Jordan, Ivan Matchett, Jermaine Preyear, Mark Ingram
Analysis: No position elicits such differing perspectives from the fan base as running back. Some look at Terry Grant’s 2007 stats and see a Warrick Dunn in the making; others look at his size and see trouble. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle; Alabama’s running backs are neither as talented as their worshippers say or as bad as their critics allege. One thing is clear: If any of the holdovers intend to grab the starting job in 2008, he better do it quickly this spring, because there’s a lot of talent coming to campus in August. Alabama will go to spring camp with three established players and a redshirt freshman, Demetrius Goode. Had Goode not blown out his knee in fall practice, it’s almost a certainty he would have played in 2007 and it’s a possibility he could have started at some point. As it is, Goode is still recovering from surgery to repair his ACL, but is expected to practice. Grant and Glen Coffee are known quantities; Grant is shifty and dangerous in space, but is a below-average inside runner. Coffee is good between the tackles but lacks breakaway speed in the open field. Many fans keep waiting for Roy Upchurch to finally put it all together. Upchurch is probably the best pure talent of the four running backs already on campus, but injuries and off-field issues have held him back. Once fall gets here, Alabama will get an infusion of talent that figures to reshuffle the deck. Chris Jordan is a power back with good speed, but might go to linebacker. Ivan Matchett is an inside banger with better speed than Coffee. Preyear has good outside speed but looks better inside than Grant. Ingram, some say, is the best running back Alabama has signed since Shaun Alexander. Jordan and Preyear have grade issues, however. Whatever happens, expect Alabama to have much better depth and be more dangerous than in 2007.
Prediction: The keys in the spring are Grant and Upchurch. With Goode still a little hampered by his injury, Grant figures to have the best shot for the job if he himself is healthy. This is do-or-die time for Upchurch. Coffee didn’t show enough in 2007 and had ball security issues at times. Look for Grant or Upchurch to be the starter heading into fall, and then duke it out with Goode, Matchett and Ingram for the position at that time.

WIDE RECEIVER
Returning starters: None
Backups: Mike McCoy (Jr.), Will Oakley (Sr.), Earl Alexander (So.), Nikita Stover (Sr.), Darius Hanks (RFr.), Brandon Gibson (RFr.), Travis Sikes (So.), Marquis Maze (RFr.), Chris Jackson (Fr.), Jonathan Lowe (Sr.), Kyle Pennington (RFr.)
Incoming signees: Julio Jones, DeVonta Bolton, Melvin Ray, B.J. Scott, Chris Jackson (spring-eligible), Destin Hood
Analysis: Although D.J. Hall and Matt Caddell were officially the starters from last year who are now gone, Mike McCoy and Nikita Stover both had starting experience. Will Oakley and Earl Alexander have experience as well, and Jonathan Lowe, who spent the fall at running back out of necessity, was a slot receiver last spring. Darius Hanks played briefly but will apparently take a medical redshirt. Travis Sikes played mostly on special teams, while highly-touted Brandon Gibson and Marquis Maze redshirted. Kyle Pennington is a walk-on who opened eyes with his athleticism in the fall. Chris Jackson, who signed in the 2007-08 class, was a midterm high school graduate and will be on campus for spring. Of this group, however, no one has really stepped up. McCoy has potential and is a good blocker, but was ineffective beyond 10 yards from scrimmage for most of 2007. Stover is the most proven player, but still drops too many passes. Oakley hasn’t been healthy enough at any point in his career and is in danger of getting passed for good this spring. Alexander has the look of a dominating receiver but is still raw. The best player here may be Hanks, who figures to be the early favorite to grab a starting position opposite Stover – unless he moves to defense and competes at cornerback. Gibson and Maze have potential; Maze figures to get a look returning kicks while Gibson could be Alabama’s possession receiver in 2008, replacing Caddell. Fans and coaches alike will be keen on Jackson’s progress in the spring; his high-school films reveal a physical receiver with great running skills after the catch. The overriding theme here is that any number of players could win starting jobs, but Alabama doesn’t have anyone who has yet shown he can dominate a game like Hall did. As for the incoming signees, it’s a who’s who of talent, headlined by Jones, Scott and Ray. Any of that bunch could play early and compete for starting jobs.
Predictions: If Hanks stays on offense, look for him to grab a starting spot opposite Stover with McCoy, Alexander, Maze and either Gibson or Jackson the top six after the spring. But once the recruiting booty arrives in August, all bets are off. It wouldn’t be a surprise for Jones or Ray to displace one or both of the spring starters. Scott will play situationally and might compete for a starting job himself. Alabama will be green and drop a lot of passes, but depth actually improves over last year’s veteran group.

TIGHT END
Returning starter: Nick Walker (Sr.)
Backups: Travis McCall (Sr.), Preston Dial (So.), Charles Hoke (Sr.), Chris Underwood (RFr.), Colin Peek (So.)
Incoming signees: Michael Williams
Analysis: Most Alabama fans count this as a strong point for the team, but this is probably the most overrated position group on campus. Nick Walker improved by leaps and bounds in 2007 but still wasn’t a factor in every game, and was often sloppy carrying the ball after a catch. Travis McCall is an excellent blocker, but isn’t a true threat as a receiver and his height and size limit him. Preston Dial had a great spring as a H-back hybrid, but it didn’t translate to the fall. He had only one catch on the year, and missed key blocks in a handful of key situations. Hoke was injured for most of the year and wasn’t a factor. He’s got great size but needs to make a move very early in the spring or he might not be back. Colin Peek, a transfer from Georgia Tech, may be the best of the lot but probably won’t be eligible in 2008. He’s applying for a hardship waiver on his transfer, but he’s not likely to get it and in all honestly, shouldn’t. If Peek’s waiver is approved, there would be no justification for stopping any transfer from playing immediately. Coaches are high on Chris Underwood’s talent and if he can display some consistency this spring, could fly up the depth chart. Michael Williams was slated to start out at tight end in the fall but with the dismissal of defensive end Jeremy Elder, Williams could begin his career on defense instead. What Alabama is lacking is a single tight end that can do it all. Even Peek is more a receiver than blocker. Walker and Underwood have the greatest potential to have a breakout year. New offensive coordinator Jim McElwain loves to use his tight ends.
Prediction: Look for Walker to hold onto his job and McCall to retain a frequent role in the fall. Underwood should have no problem staying ahead of Hoke on the depth chart and stands a very good chance of supplanting Dial as the third tight end. Williams is physically ready to play but unless he comes to campus dominating the position from day one, there’s no reason to waste his redshirt year.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning starters: Michael Johnson (Jr.), Andre Smith (Jr.)
Backups: Drew Davis (So.)
Incoming signees: Tyler Love
Analysis: The first thing that jumps out is a major depth issue. Unless Taylor Pharr moves to right tackle from guard in the spring, Alabama won’t even have enough tackles to split up the squad for A-Day. B.J. Stabler and Cody Davis are both gone, victims of recurring injuries. Stabler’s loss was particularly bothersome given the fact he had greatly improved under Joe Pendry’s tutelage. What’s left is a dominating left tackle (Smith), a talented-but-inconsistent right tackle (Johnson) who might be better off at guard, and a little-used reserve (Davis) who is well behind the other two in terms of strength and size. Of Alabama’s signees, only Tyler Love is projected as a pure tackle. He’ll likely play as a true freshman out of necessity. John Michael Boswell and Barrett Jones both project as guards although either could play tackle in a pinch. Kerry Murphy, who played tackle in prep school, may start out on defense instead. Alabama coaches and fans alike will be crossing their collective fingers all season, hoping the injury bug leaves this position group alone. Smith must also pay more attention to his conditioning in-season; his weight appeared to balloon last season and affect his play.
Predictions: It’s pretty clear what will happen since the scenarios are so limited. Smith will start at left tackle, and Johnson will start at right tackle unless Love or one of the other freshmen proves to be special. True freshmen aren’t the best option for offensive lines in the SEC.

OFFENSIVE GUARD
Returning starters: Antoine Caldwell (Sr.), Marlon Davis (Sr.)
Backups: Patrick Crump (RFr.), Scott Deaton (Jr.), Taylor Pharr (So.), David Ross (So.)
Incoming signees: John Michael Boswell, Barrett Jones
Analysis: A lot depends on where Antoine Caldwell ends up playing. Caldwell could play guard or center, or even tackle. But he’s expected to stay inside somewhere, as tackle is his least effective position. If Caldwell goes to center, Patrick Crump will probably compete for the left guard job with David Ross, William Vlachos and Evan Cardwell, the latter two who are currently working at center. Coaches and fans alike should hope that Davis finally plays up to potential at right guard, because when he is able to do so, he’s unbeatable – perhaps the Tide’s most purely talented lineman, including Andre Smith. Caldwell is equally effective at left guard and center. As for the backups, Crump and Ross are far ahead of Pharr and Deaton; Deaton, for that matter, doesn’t even appear on some rosters. A couple of names to watch from defense are Brian Motley, who originally started out at center, and Alfred McCullough. Both have been rumored to be coming across for a look-see in the spring. Even without them, this position is very deep for Alabama and the talent level is high.
Predictions: Look for Davis to put on a show for NFL scouts. If he does, Alabama’s inside running game will be something to behold. Caldwell moving to center is a 50/50 proposition at worst, so it appears the Tide will have a redshirt freshman starting at left guard, whether it’s Crump or Vlachos. Both players have drawn rave reviews, however, so expect this position group to be a key strength of the 2008 team.

CENTER
Returning starter: Evan Cardwell (Jr.)
Backups: William Vlachos (RFr.)
Incoming signees: None
Analysis: The depth chart looks thin until you consider Antoine Caldwell might move back, and then Alabama has three true centers to choose from, a rarity in the SEC. Assuming Caldwell stays at guard, the battle will come down to the undersized-but-experienced Cardwell and Vlachos, a redshirt freshman who some observers believe to be the best center prospect Alabama has signed in decades. If the battle comes down to just these two, expect Vlachos to take it. David Ross and Scott Deaton are other players who could play the position in a pinch.
Prediction: It all depends on Caldwell. If Caldwell moves to center, he will start, period. If he stays at guard, look for Vlachos to be Alabama’s lone freshman starter on the offensive line.

DEFENSIVE END
Returning starters: Brandon Deaderick (Jr.)
Backups: Bobby Greenwood (Sr.), Luther Davis (So.), Milton Talbert (So.), Nick Gentry (RFr.), Brandon Fanney (Jr.)
Incoming signees: Courtney Upshaw, Michael Williams, Glenn Harbin, Brandon Lewis
Analysis: Sources close to the program say this is the group that most worries the defensive coaches. The loss of Wallace Gilberry to graduation and the NFL robbed Alabama of its only proven pass rusher. Then, redshirt freshman Jeremy Elder, who was expected to step in at Gilberry’s strongside end position, was kicked off the team following an arrest for allegedly holding up two students while using a pellet gun. Uncertainty now abounds. Brandon Deaderick will start somewhere, and he’s got the raw tools to be the pass rusher Alabama needs. He has yet to show consistency in that department, however. Perhaps no player was more negatively affected the last two years by the move from a four-man to a three-man front than Bobby Greenwood. Greenwood was a rising star when Alabama was still committed to a 4-3 look, but neither the 3-3-5 Joe Kines used in 2006 nor the 3-1-3 used by Nick Saban has seemed to suit him. His work ethic and experience, though, will likely guarantee him playing time if not a starting job. Luther Davis and Milton Talbert are the only other true ends on campus. Davis is cut from Deaderick’s mold, not so much an end as he is a small tackle. Talbert, like Greenwood, is now a man without a position. Talbert is too small to play even partially inside, and this defense often requires the weakside end to slide to a tackle position. Nick Gentry, who was a tackle last year, might be an option at weakside end given the logjam of depth at tackle and Gentry’s smaller size. Brandon Fanney was a Jack linebacker last year, but he was obviously playing there out of necessity of depth. Unless Fanney has seriously picked up his speed over the offseason, he won’t be able to help unless he moves to end full-time. Of the signees, Michael Williams will probably play tight end, but Elder’s arrest and ejection from the team might change plans. Courtney Upshaw figures to get his first look at outside linebacker or Jack. Glenn Harbin probably needs a redshirt year to build bulk. Brandon Lewis, however, has the physique to play now. An early commitment to Alabama in 2007, Lewis was forgotten by many, but had a solid senior season and appears to have all the tools to be a star.
Predictions: Strongside end figures to be a problem spot for Alabama and could be one all year long, for that matter. Deaderick is more suited to weakside end but may end up playing strongside out of necessity. Look for Deaderick and Greenwood to be the early starters, with Luther Davis and Brandon Lewis the first players off the bench. The coaches like Gentry’s motor, but it’s not clear whether he can be effective at end. Talbert might be used situationally, but that’s about it.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning starter: Lorenzo Washington (Jr.)
Backups: Brian Motley (So.), Josh Chapman (RFr.), Alfred McCullough (RFr.), Juan Garnier (Jr.)
Incoming signees: Terrance Cody (JUCO), Undra Billingsley, Damion Square, Kerry Murphy, Marcel Dareus
Analysis: Brian Motley had won the job last spring, but a broken bone in his foot sidelined him for the first few games on the 2007 season. That gave Lorenzo Washington a second shot at the job, and he made good on his chance. Washington grabbed the position and kept it all year, and aside from a few rough spots, was probably the biggest pleasant surprise of the returning players in 2007. Washington gave Alabama a decent pass rush push from the middle, something the Tide had been lacking for some time. If Washington improves as much from 2007 to 2008 as he did from 2006 to 2007, this position will be solid. Depth is good, as both Motley and Josh Chapman showed promise last year. Alfred McCullough might be moved to offensive guard. Walk-on Juan Garnier did not play in 2007. The signing class was good to Alabama, as the Tide got a JUCO signee, Terrance Cody, and an infusion of talent from freshmen Undra Billingsley, Damion Square, Kerry Murphy and Marcel Dareus. Murphy might start out at offensive tackle, however, and Dareus could also play defensive end. Whether or not Cody is the real deal, he’s a mortal lock to be the most-watched. At 6’5” and 400 pounds, he’ll set all kind of size records for the school as soon as he gets in a game. Billingsley and Square will probably need redshirt years. Murphy will probably play if left on the defensive side of the ball. Dareus is probably the most advanced and versatile of the signees, and certainly has the biggest upside. His season will depend on, first, whether he qualifies, and then once he reports, whether he can display the speed and moves he’ll need to play end. Otherwise, he’ll likely end up redshirting to build bulk. All this depth has caused more than a few people to wonder aloud whether Alabama wouldn’t be better off going to a traditional 4-3 front.
Prediction: Look for Washington to hold onto the job, with Motley, Chapman and Cody the most likely to see playing time. Murphy is the wild card in this discussion, as he has the potential to not only play, but to dominate. And he’s a year older than the other freshmen, having played in prep school last year. Having better depth will allow Alabama to experiment with different fronts in 2008.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER/JACK
Returning starters: Ezekial Knight (Sr.)
Backups: Chavis Williams (So.), Alex Watkins (RFr.), Charlie Higgenbotham (So.), Eryk Anders (Jr.)
Incoming signees: None
Analysis: To talk about this position, you have to start with the signees first, and realize that there might actually be new players who project at this position even though they weren’t necessarily listed there in recruiting wrap-ups. Those names are Jerrell Harris, Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw. Another face that might be new to the position is Rolando McClain, who played inside last year. Whatever shakes out among that group will be crucial, because the Jack position is wide-open and outside linebacker also up in the air depending on the status of Ezekial Knight, who has congenital health issues that might result in him having to give up the game. Alabama is hoping for good news there, because Knight is the only proven pass rusher on the team and is also deadly in coverage. Assuming Knight is back, the only issue will be Jack linebacker, and it will probably come down to a three-way battle between Chavis Williams, Alex Watkins and freshman Courtney Upshaw. Williams was Knight’s primary backup last year, but his frame lends itself more to a linebacker/end combo position, which Jack is. Watkins is an intriguing prospect who was signed for his pass rushing ability, but he’ll need to improve against the run first. Upshaw could end up being the guy. He was lethal off the corner in high school and followed that up with eye-popping performances in postseason all-star events. Charlie Higgenbotham might find himself moving inside, while Eryk Anders has yet to find his best position. But if Knight is out, all bets are off. Williams would almost certainly draw the starting spot at outside linebacker, which might prompt coaches to move McClain to Jack to stabilize the situation. Another name to watch is Brandon Fanney, who was Keith Saunders’ primary backup at Jack last year, but who appears much better suited to defensive end. This may or may not prove to be the Achilles heel of the 2008 defense.
Predictions: If Knight is back, look for Chavis Williams to win the Jack job and split it with Upshaw. Upshaw and Williams would probably also combine to spell Knight when he needs a breather. Alex Watkins might play situationally. One of the other freshmen, either Harris or Hightower, figures to play somewhere, with Harris appearing more ready at this point. If Knight is out, Williams will probably start at outside linebacker ahead of Harris, while Upshaw and Watkins split Jack duties.

INSIDE LINEBACKER
Returning starters: Rolando McClain (So.)
Backups: Cory Reamer (Jr.), Charlie Kirschman (So.), Jennings Hester (RFr.), Jimmy Johns (Sr.), Alex Benson (Jr.), Michael DeJohn (RFr.), Drew Bullard (So.)
Incoming signees: Jerrell Harris, Dont’a Hightower
Analysis: The loss of Prince Hall to an indefinite suspension a couple of weeks ago opens up a job for a career backup or a newcomer, and if McClain has to be moved to Jack to shore up that position, both jobs will be filled by players unfamiliar to many Alabama fans. If McClain stays at inside linebacker, he figures to be the best at the position Alabama has had since Keith McCants. McClain dominated at times last year, particularly down the stretch against Auburn and Colorado. Positioning is still an issue for him at times, but greatness awaits. As for the other spot, hold your breath. Cory Reamer has the most field experience, but is a little light for linebacker. Jennings Hester has the potential to be a solid, if unspectacular player. Alex Benson, Michael DeJohn and Drew Bullard are walk-ons, with DeJohn probably the most likely to ever play. Charlie Kirschman has struggled to fit the defense after the previous coaching regime exited. Jimmy Johns is the most intriguing name, if for no other reason than some fans have been clamoring to see him at linebacker ever since he came to campus. He switched over from running back during bowl practice and according to his teammates, made an impression. Another name to remember is Charlie Higgenbotham, who backed up the outside positions last year and is considered by some to be a better option than Reamer or Hester. Alabama signed two new players in recruiting, three if you count running back Chris Jordan. Jerrell Harris and Dont’a Hightower might get their first looks at outside linebacker and Jack, respectively, but either can play inside. Jordan, if he gets pushed out of the crowded picture at running back, has the physique and instincts to play linebacker. A real darkhorse for the position would be Jeramie Griffin, who could win the fullback job. Reserve fullback Joe Robinson started out at linebacker last year and could move back. Basically, Alabama will have tons of options to sift through in both the spring and the fall, but there is no one proven at the moment.
Predictions: Assuming Prince Hall doesn’t come back in the fall – or even if he does – look for Reamer, Higgenbotham and Hester to fight for this job along with possibly Johns and one of the signees. If McClain moves to Jack, Jerrell Harris figures to take his place alongside the other position, which might turn into linebacker-by-committee. Higgenbotham has the best instincts of that bunch and plays with a mean streak, but is small. Reamer has the most experience and Hester the best build. Johns is the best athlete, but he’ll have to learn linebacker on the fly, as he never played the position prior to December 2007. Higgenbotham or Reamer in some kind of combination (Reamer’s background as a safety make him valuable in pass coverage situations) seems to make the best sense.

CORNERBACK
Returning starters: Kareem Jackson (So.)
Backups: Lionel Mitchell (Sr.), Marquis Johnson (Jr.), Tyrone King Jr. (Sr.), Tremayne Coger (So.), Chris Lett (RFr.)
Incoming signees: Alonzo Lawrence, Robby Green
Analysis: Kareem Jackson is already one of the SEC’s best cornerbacks despite having only one year under his belt. Jackson proved to be a terror as both a cover corner and a run-stopper in his true freshman season at Alabama. Unfortunately, the good news ends there. Lionel Mitchell has had two cracks at a starting job before – Jackson supplanted him early in the 2007 season – and unless Mitchell has improved greatly over the winter, his third crack at the job might never come. Marquis Johnson started one game last year, Florida State, but didn’t impress. Still, Johnson and Mitchell are the two most likely players to land the slot unless Darius Hanks comes over from wide receiver, which has been raised as a possibility. Tyrone King Jr. is a walk-on who can play situationally, but isn’t an every-down SEC corner. Tremayne Coger has yet to play. Chris Lett could be the answer if he can get his diabetes under control, which unfortunately is threatening his career. If Hanks stays put and Lett can’t go, Johnson looks like the best of the lot at the moment.
Predictions: Unless Hanks moves over from offense and shows out, whoever wins the position will hold it until all of about three days into fall camp, when Alonzo Lawrence will probably snatch it for good. Lawrence has a ridiculously strong reputation coming in, and if recent news reports are to be believed, is now academically qualified. Fellow signee Robby Green is also highly-touted, but not to the extent Lawrence is. Signee B.J. Scott will probably stay on offense. If Lawrence is all that people say he is, Alabama will be fine at corner, as Mitchell and Johnson will be able to give the Tide quality play off the bench.

SAFETY
Returning starters: Rashad Johnson (Sr.)
Backups: Ali Sharrief (Jr.), Javier Arenas (Jr.), Chris Rogers (Jr.), Justin Woodall (Jr.), Sam Burnthall (Jr.), Hampton Gray (Jr.), Tarence Farmer (RFr.), Rajiv Lundy (Jr.)
Incoming signees: Mark Barron, Robert Lester, Wesley Neighbors
Analysis: For two years now, Alabama has basically operated with one safety. Two years ago, it was Jeffrey Dukes. In 2007, Rashad Johnson stepped in and became a force. Marcus Carter, who graduated following the 2007 season, wasn’t the answer and was playing out of necessity only. His departure leaves a hole that may very well be filled by a freshman, Mark Barron. Barron is one of the most highly-touted safety prospects to come down the pike in years. Of the players currently on campus, Ali Sharrief and Javier Arenas were the nickel and dime backs for the second half of 2007. Sharrief is a big hitter against the run and a smart, tough player, but a variety of nagging injuries raise questions about his durability. Arenas’ value as a kick returner is enough to give defensive coaches pause about using him in the defensive backfield. Justin Woodall started to play more at the end of the year and physique-wise, looks like a NFL all-star. But he has yet to break through. Chris Rogers is a special teams maven who has the build for safety, but hasn’t shown the instincts yet. Sam Burnthall played under the previous regime but was buried on the depth chart in 2007. Hampton Gray and Rajiv Lundy are walk-ons who are yet to see the field. A name to watch in the spring will be redshirt freshman Tarence Farmer, who could also project at cornerback. In addition to Barron, Alabama signed Robert Lester and Wesley Neighbors. Neighbors will need a redshirt year to build bulk, but Lester appears game-ready now from a physical standpoint. Still, a redshirt year would do him good, and Alabama has the depth to allow that to happen.
Predictions: Johnson will hold onto his job and probably finish up the year all-SEC. As for the other slot, unless Sharrief, Rogers, Woodall or Farmer catches fire in the spring, Alabama will have two true freshmen starting in the secondary from day one when Mark Barron shows up in the fall and takes strong safety for himself. Of the four current players listed above, Sharrief has the most experience, but Rogers and Woodall have better upside. Expect a wide-open battle this spring and lots of movement up and down the depth chart. But Barron will play in the fall.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Returning starters: Leigh Tiffin (Jr.), P.J. Fitzgerald (Jr.)
Backups: Andrew Friedman (Jr.), Colin Gallagher (RFr.), Heath Thomas (Jr.), Sam Snider (RFr.)
Incoming signees: Corey Smith (spring-eligible)
Analysis: Both Leigh Tiffin and P.J. Fitzgerald will be looking over their shoulders at Corey Smith, a punter/placekicker with a booming leg and a good prep reputation. Tiffin probably saved his job down the stretch last year; he opened the season with questionable accuracy but grew into one of the conference’s best kickers as the year went along. As for punter P.J. Fitzgerald, though, the season wasn’t as kind. Fitzgerald did a great job as a holder – which will guarantee him at least some degree of playing time in 2008 – but was too erratic as a punter and struggled in long punting situations. Smith can do either job, and he can also kick off. As for the rest, Andrew Friedman has game experience and gives Alabama the option of redshirting Smith, so long as Fitzgerald improves as a punter. If he doesn’t, Smith has a straight path to playing time simply by being an average punter. Gallagher, Thomas and Snider are walk-ons who offer depth, but none of them seem likely to threaten the starters. Gallagher is a kicker; Snider and Thomas are punters.
Predictions: Look for Tiffin to retain the placekicking job, while Smith beats out Fitzgerald for the punting job and serves as kickoff specialist.