JessN: Now that the previews are done ... here is what I'll call the "Pitfall Post" ... (What I'm most worried about)

[JessN]

Publisher note: I have added the links to each individual article for convenience. Just click on the position heading.
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Rather than write an actual article about this I'm just going to do it here. This is what I'm most worried about in each position group:

Quarterbacks: Whether Mack or Russell eventually become the guy or not, neither has any experience. So either Simpson being hit with a major injury -- or simply not panning out -- could end the talk of contention before it really begins. I think if he stays healthy, Simpson has a chance to be not just good, but special. But you just never know.

Running backs: Right now, the only guy who has a body of work is Miller, and what we saw last year isn't what we're accustomed to having at Bama. Someone has to step up and take the job, whether that's Miller or someone else. Based on what I'm hearing, it could either be Hill or, as a longshot, Young, but Miller is going to get touches regardless. Hill is a big kid and can catch the ball, but I fear people are putting too much on him right now. There was a thread on another site a month ago discussing Hill and a couple of posters started talking about him being "the next Derrick Henry." We've got to slow-roll that kind of talk, because it sets expectations at a ridiculous level. However, it's not too much to ask for better play from this group as a whole.

Wide receivers/tight ends: Not worried about the wideouts. Tight ends, that's another story. We've added so many guys I'm not sure if we can figure out who needs to play and how much before the season starts. Obviously Cuevas is the guy they really like but can he play Y? If he can't then you've got a logjam at the spot with 5-6 guys rotating. The real quality is in the freshman class but how much will they play?

Offensive line: Lots to fret about here, even though all signs are pointing in the direction of improvement. Proctor didn't lose weight, but did he convert bad weight to good weight? Is Formby ready to be the guy at right tackle? Can Roberts stay healthy? Can we find some backup tackles just in case?

Defensive line: Already talked about this in the positional preview but we only have two known quantities at defensive tackle, Smith and Keenan. There's a lot of guys behind them but DL development has come under fire from a few people in recent years who usually know what they're talking about, so I'm going to reserve judgment. We're embarking on a great experiment concerning DT size (no more Terrence Codys, apparently) and only time will tell whether they're right or wrong about that.

Linebackers: Wolf LB is thinner than I'd like, with few proven players. Russaw does a ton of things well but I wouldn't consider him an elite pass rusher. We need one of the bench guys to become Tim Williams -- a guy you can bring in when the situation is right and take the leash off. I'm not worried about ILB aside maybe from how ready Lawson is when the season starts. All three positions are basically a case of proven starters, unknown backups.

Defensive backs: We have only five scholarshipped guys at corner, although DaShawn Jones could easily move back there if needed. We also will likely have a walk-on in the depth chart at safety (Peavy). The secondary is top-notch; every guy out there can play. But as we saw last year, we ask a lot of our DBs in this defense and several guys got hurt and it almost turned into a crisis.

Special teams: We just don't really know what we have at any of the spots until we see it under live fire. We didn't profile kick and punt returners because there's about 30 guys that can do the job, but aside from Cole Adams as a returner and a holder, I'm not sure anyone was "proven" last year. I don't like Ryan Williams exposed returning kicks or punts. I feel that's the one place Jaylen Mbakwe could make a real contribution this year, or Adams again if he can take the hits. As for the kickers, I thought Talty looked like a different guy this spring, but Doud wasn't quite up to the level I expected after seeing his tape. I think any of the three longsnappers can get the job done.



JessN's SEC Previews:

• 2025 SEC Preview: Rating The Units
• 2025 College Football Previews: SEC Tier IV
• 2025 College Football Previews: Tier III
• 2025 College Football Preview: SEC Tier II
• 2025 College Football Previews: SEC Tier I
• Now that the previews are done ... here is what I'll call the "Pitfall Post" ... (What I'm most worried about)

 

[CoolBreeze]

Good stuff Jess. I am mainly worried about the trenches on both sides. Get solid play there and we will be dangerous.

 

[Power Eye]

Is Mbakwe exclusively at receiver now? I fear that he will get buried on the depth chart there, but I also think he's too talented to not be on the field. I know we have Lee and Calhoun as corners behind Jackson and Brown, but I guess I thought Mbakwe would get reps on offense and defense.

Also, Proctor looked less soft in the face at Media Days than last season. I think he said he was at about 369 and would probably be around 360 at that start of the season.

 

[colbysullivan]

Many outlets expect us to have the best OL in the country. Are they wrong, or are we underselling them?

 

[arthurdawg]

Many outlets expect us to have the best OL in the country. Are they wrong, or are we underselling them?

The problem I've heard is that nobody has a great OL out of the gates this year... But it really just depends on how our top 7-8 guys play out.

Same with DL... solid starters, but we need some development quickly for depth. And we aren't big for the most part.

 

[JessN]

Is Mbakwe exclusively at receiver now? I fear that he will get buried on the depth chart there, but I also think he's too talented to not be on the field. I know we have Lee and Calhoun as corners behind Jackson and Brown, but I guess I thought Mbakwe would get reps on offense and defense.

Mbakwe is pretty much all receiver right now. There's a chance he could go back over but it will require injuries, plural. I thought he was fine last year as a developmental guy -- remember that he played virtually nothing of significance but QB in high school and isn't a natural corner -- but he still came out of fall camp ahead of Zavier Mincey and DaShawn Jones initially. What he didn't do from that point forward was improve at the rate the others did, and then I think he saw the writing on the wall and wanted to try his hand at an offensive position.

Also, they list him at 5-11, 190 but I think that's generous in both directions. We also seem to prioritize height at corner now.

The popular comparison to make is B.J. Scott but I'm hoping he can be better than that. I think he's a more natural football player right now than Scott was but he needs polish. He also doesn't need to be trying to learn two positions until he can learn the first one.

Many outlets expect us to have the best OL in the country. Are they wrong, or are we underselling them?

I'm not sure I get the justification behind calling us tops overall. I do think we have the best center in the country, and he's proved it. But the left tackle has been hurt and out of shape for two years, the left guard is new (and both of the top candidates are transfers, one of which -- VanDeMark -- was more of a swing guy for us last year), the right guard is coming off an injury and the presumptive right tackle at one point got benched last year in favor of a guy who put up terrible numbers and wasn't great in the locker room, either. At least we don't have to worry about the latter anymore with Formby.

So, could we have the best OL in the country? Yeah, but we could also have something a lot worse. I just don't think we know enough yet.

 

[dvldog]

I just hope we at least look like we know what we are trying to do on O. Last year was painfully embarrassing.

 

[colbysullivan]

Mbakwe is pretty much all receiver right now. There's a chance he could go back over but it will require injuries, plural. I thought he was fine last year as a developmental guy -- remember that he played virtually nothing of significance but QB in high school and isn't a natural corner -- but he still came out of fall camp ahead of Zavier Mincey and DaShawn Jones initially. What he didn't do from that point forward was improve at the rate the others did, and then I think he saw the writing on the wall and wanted to try his hand at an offensive position.

Also, they list him at 5-11, 190 but I think that's generous in both directions. We also seem to prioritize height at corner now.

The popular comparison to make is B.J. Scott but I'm hoping he can be better than that. I think he's a more natural football player right now than Scott was but he needs polish. He also doesn't need to be trying to learn two positions until he can learn the first one.



I'm not sure I get the justification behind calling us tops overall. I do think we have the best center in the country, and he's proved it. But the left tackle has been hurt and out of shape for two years, the left guard is new (and both of the top candidates are transfers, one of which -- VanDeMark -- was more of a swing guy for us last year), the right guard is coming off an injury and the presumptive right tackle at one point got benched last year in favor of a guy who put up terrible numbers and wasn't great in the locker room, either. At least we don't have to worry about the latter anymore with Formby.

So, could we have the best OL in the country? Yeah, but we could also have something a lot worse. I just don't think we know enough yet.

Proctor had one bad game against Texas in ‘23, but has improved immensely since then. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I’m still of the opinion the QB made the OL look way worse than what it actually was. There are so many instances when He Who Shall Not Be Named would hold the ball too long and just stand there taking sacks, or worse…running into them. He also threw multiple INTs when he had clean pockets. People look at the sack totals last year and assume it’s all on the OL, but the film simply doesn’t support that.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Nice write up. Not sure I agree with blaming Miller and the running backs on a dismal run game in recent years. I think defenses have been geared to stop one Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young in his second year as starter. I think that had a lot to do with the run game numbers. In their effort to stop Milroe, they also stopped Miller and Co. A lot of blitzing and loading the box. I think we see improvement this year.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

Defensive backs: We have only five scholarshipped guys at corner, although DaShawn Jones could easily move back there if needed. We also will likely have a walk-on in the depth chart at safety (Peavy). The secondary is top-notch; every guy out there can play. But as we saw last year, we ask a lot of our DBs in this defense and several guys got hurt and it almost turned into a crisis.

I'm confused.

I thought we have six scholarship?

1. Domani Jackson & Zabien Brown
2. Cam Calhoun & Dijon Lee Jr.
3. DaShawn Jones & Chuck McDonald

I thought safety Husky was essentially a third CB slot that can play safety position?

Safety - Husky
1. DaShawn Jones
2. Red Morgan / Zavier Mincey

I just feel like they're interwined with each other. Not only that I also thought they cross train CB and safety?

 

[Coach D]

Proctor had one bad game against Texas in ‘23, but has improved immensely since then. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I’m still of the opinion the QB made the OL look way worse than what it actually was. There are so many instances when He Who Shall Not Be Named would hold the ball too long and just stand there taking sacks, or worse…running into them. He also threw multiple INTs when he had clean pockets. People look at the sack totals last year and assume it’s all on the OL, but the film simply doesn’t support that.

Proctor has been avg most games with a few good and bad some. The way he has played he should be an RT but issue is we have not had anyone better. He needs to be quicker and tougher as an LT and due to injury and things only progressed a little. Milroe definitely didn’t help him but he has underperformed at this point but to be fair only a few line guys since 2020 have been good. I don’t think coaching has helped him either. To me oline is a weakness until proven based on the last 4 years.

 

[Rocky Mtn Bob]

Thanks, Jess. Can't wait to see what the coaches do with this squad!

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

Nice write up. Not sure I agree with blaming Miller and the running backs on a dismal run game in recent years. I think defenses have been geared to stop one Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young in his second year as starter. I think that had a lot to do with the run game numbers. In their effort to stop Milroe, they also stopped Miller and Co. A lot of blitzing and loading the box. I think we see improvement this year.

Remember that Milroe was tipping the play calls to the defense. It's hard to run the ball against a defense when they know what is coming.

 

[mlh]

My "pitfall post" is really short - QB and OL.

Our defense will be fine.

Our WRs are talented enough to catch the ball and make big plays after the catch if the QB can get the ball to them.

Our RBs are talented enough to make big plays if the OL gives them room to run.

But if the OL can't pass block and Ty is running for his life, or if they can't run block and give our backs holes to hit, our offense will struggle.

And if Ty gets hurt or simply doesn't play up to his potential, for whatever reason, we're in trouble. I don't think either of our backup QBs are ready to take the reins and run CKD's offense.

I THINK Ty will have a good year and our offense will be hard to stop. But I have no idea what he will do when the pressure is on and he has to lead the team simply because he hasn't had to do that yet. Some guys step up when faced with a challenge. Some guys fold like a house of cards. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

RTR

 

[tusks_n_raider]

My "pitfall post" is really short - QB and OL.

Our defense will be fine.

Our WRs are talented enough to catch the ball and make big plays after the catch if the QB can get the ball to them.

Our RBs are talented enough to make big plays if the OL gives them room to run.

But if the OL can't pass block and Ty is running for his life, or if they can't run block and give our backs holes to hit, our offense will struggle.

And if Ty gets hurt or simply doesn't play up to his potential, for whatever reason, we're in trouble. I don't think either of our backup QBs are ready to take the reins and run CKD's offense.

I THINK Ty will have a good year and our offense will be hard to stop. But I have no idea what he will do when the pressure is on and he has to lead the team simply because he hasn't had to do that yet. Some guys step up when faced with a challenge. Some guys fold like a house of cards. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

RTR

He led the '23 team to a win vs USF when the OL was taking a dive.

I'm not the least bit worried about his ability to win or lead in the face of extreme adversity.

Honestly Ty and Roydell should both have their prints in cement because of that game and not any of the guys in '24.

In any event with all the on and off the field adversity swirling through this locker room for 2+ years and with the existence of the Portal, I'd say Ty has stepped up to a challenge already by continuing to compete and put himself in a position to earn the QB1 job.

Plenty of other players would have long sense folded and Ty has not and that to me speaks volumes about his internal mettle.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Remember that Milroe was tipping the play calls to the defense. It's hard to run the ball against a defense when they know what is coming.

That too, especially in the later games. Still my point remains, that a lot may not have been the running back's fault.

 

[spidermayin]

Jam Miller is a talented running back. There's something about him that leads me to believe there's a really high ceiling to reach.

 

[Scobaman]

Publisher note: I have added the links to each individual article for convenience. Just click on the position heading.
------

Rather than write an actual article about this I'm just going to do it here. This is what I'm most worried about in each position group:

Quarterbacks: Whether Mack or Russell eventually become the guy or not, neither has any experience. So either Simpson being hit with a major injury -- or simply not panning out -- could end the talk of contention before it really begins. I think if he stays healthy, Simpson has a chance to be not just good, but special. But you just never know.

Running backs: Right now, the only guy who has a body of work is Miller, and what we saw last year isn't what we're accustomed to having at Bama. Someone has to step up and take the job, whether that's Miller or someone else. Based on what I'm hearing, it could either be Hill or, as a longshot, Young, but Miller is going to get touches regardless. Hill is a big kid and can catch the ball, but I fear people are putting too much on him right now. There was a thread on another site a month ago discussing Hill and a couple of posters started talking about him being "the next Derrick Henry." We've got to slow-roll that kind of talk, because it sets expectations at a ridiculous level. However, it's not too much to ask for better play from this group as a whole.

Wide receivers/tight ends: Not worried about the wideouts. Tight ends, that's another story. We've added so many guys I'm not sure if we can figure out who needs to play and how much before the season starts. Obviously Cuevas is the guy they really like but can he play Y? If he can't then you've got a logjam at the spot with 5-6 guys rotating. The real quality is in the freshman class but how much will they play?

Offensive line: Lots to fret about here, even though all signs are pointing in the direction of improvement. Proctor didn't lose weight, but did he convert bad weight to good weight? Is Formby ready to be the guy at right tackle? Can Roberts stay healthy? Can we find some backup tackles just in case?

Defensive line: Already talked about this in the positional preview but we only have two known quantities at defensive tackle, Smith and Keenan. There's a lot of guys behind them but DL development has come under fire from a few people in recent years who usually know what they're talking about, so I'm going to reserve judgment. We're embarking on a great experiment concerning DT size (no more Terrence Codys, apparently) and only time will tell whether they're right or wrong about that.

Linebackers: Wolf LB is thinner than I'd like, with few proven players. Russaw does a ton of things well but I wouldn't consider him an elite pass rusher. We need one of the bench guys to become Tim Williams -- a guy you can bring in when the situation is right and take the leash off. I'm not worried about ILB aside maybe from how ready Lawson is when the season starts. All three positions are basically a case of proven starters, unknown backups.

Defensive backs: We have only five scholarshipped guys at corner, although DaShawn Jones could easily move back there if needed. We also will likely have a walk-on in the depth chart at safety (Peavy). The secondary is top-notch; every guy out there can play. But as we saw last year, we ask a lot of our DBs in this defense and several guys got hurt and it almost turned into a crisis.

Special teams: We just don't really know what we have at any of the spots until we see it under live fire. We didn't profile kick and punt returners because there's about 30 guys that can do the job, but aside from Cole Adams as a returner and a holder, I'm not sure anyone was "proven" last year. I don't like Ryan Williams exposed returning kicks or punts. I feel that's the one place Jaylen Mbakwe could make a real contribution this year, or Adams again if he can take the hits. As for the kickers, I thought Talty looked like a different guy this spring, but Doud wasn't quite up to the level I expected after seeing his tape. I think any of the three longsnappers can get the job done.

How many times did our quarterback look downfield for an open receiver last year when he was running along the line of scrimmage to the sideline?

 

[arthurdawg]

How many times did our quarterback look downfield for an open receiver last year when he was running along the line of scrimmage to the sideline?

We had open receivers everywhere all year long. Jalen was unable to find them...

 

[BigGunn9595]

My "pitfall post" is really short - QB and OL.

Our defense will be fine.

Our WRs are talented enough to catch the ball and make big plays after the catch if the QB can get the ball to them.

Our RBs are talented enough to make big plays if the OL gives them room to run.

But if the OL can't pass block and Ty is running for his life, or if they can't run block and give our backs holes to hit, our offense will struggle.

And if Ty gets hurt or simply doesn't play up to his potential, for whatever reason, we're in trouble. I don't think either of our backup QBs are ready to take the reins and run CKD's offense.

I THINK Ty will have a good year and our offense will be hard to stop. But I have no idea what he will do when the pressure is on and he has to lead the team simply because he hasn't had to do that yet. Some guys step up when faced with a challenge. Some guys fold like a house of cards. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

RTR

Our WRs are talented enough to catch the ball and make big plays after the catch if the QB can get the ball to them.

Our RBs are talented enough to make big plays if the OL gives them room to run.

But if the OL can't pass block and Ty is running for his life, or if they can't run block and give our backs holes to hit, our offense will struggle. ...This! I think 80 % failure to RTB was solely failure of OL.