2026 Alabama Roster Rundown: Special Teams

[JessN]

TideFans.com | By the Fans, For the Fans. - 2026 Alabama Roster Rundown: Special Teams

Winding down our look at the 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide, we present an analysis of the special teams units. As stated in previous articles in this series, in recent years, we’ve waited until f…

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[arthurdawg]

Obviously... You have to go with the guy who is best for the slot and injury concerns can't always be the deciding factor... But the thought of our extremely thin WR group being exposed out there returning kicks is concerning. I hope they have some options.

I mean heck... I rarely thought CNS made bad decisions, but Henry on punt return coverage in 2015 and the Slim Reaper on KOR coverage in 2020 seemed like a bad idea. If we'd had more capable backups less of an issue, but both seasons needed those guys.

 

[JDCrimson]

Obviously... You have to go with the guy who is best for the slot and injury concerns can't always be the deciding factor... But the thought of our extremely thin WR group being exposed out there returning kicks is concerning. I hope they have some options.

I mean heck... I rarely thought CNS made bad decisions, but Henry on punt return coverage in 2015 and the Slim Reaper on KOR coverage in 2020 seemed like a bad idea. If we'd had more capable backups less of an issue, but both seasons needed those guys.

I would sacrifice the yardage not to expose my 1st string skill guys to unnecessary contact. Fair catch and you get the ball at the 25 and you lower the penalty risk. It will take someone with elite speed to catch it at the goal line to advance it much further than that.

 

[arthurdawg]

I would sacrifice the yardage not to expose my 1st string skill guys to unnecessary contact. Fair catch and you get the ball at the 25 and you lower the penalty risk. It will take someone with elite speed to catch it at the goal line to advance it much further than that.

100%... I know they want to play... And if you have some solid back ups... But no need to play the critical position players on ST when you lack depth.

 

[bamamc1]

100%... I know they want to play... And if you have some solid back ups... But no need to play the critical position players on ST when you lack depth.

I remember Eddie Jackson breaking his arm on a special teams play. Thank goodness he was back for the kick return TD against Clemson.

 

[edwd58]

I remember Eddie Jackson breaking his arm on a special teams play. Thank goodness he was back for the kick return TD against Clemson.

wasn't that Kenyan Drake, but the point is still valid...

 

[UAH]

wasn't that Kenyan Drake, but the point is still valid...

Eddie Jackson leg was broken on a punt return against TAMU and Keyan Drake broke his arm while attempting to make a tackle on a punt return against Missippi State. Didn't he make a heck of a comback againgst Clemson in the NC.

 

[bamamc1]

wasn't that Kenyan Drake, but the point is still valid...

You're correct but both injuries happened on special teams to two very important players.

 

[Con]

You're correct but both injuries happened on special teams to two very important players.

And I dare say that if we would have had Eddie Jackson, we would have won another title in 2016. He was a baller.

 

[arthurdawg]

I mean... on special teams you are often running downfield full speed and running into other people...

Obviously the best options need to play, but dang, there are always a few critical players I would prefer not to be exposed. Starting WRs this year for sure.

 

[denverexpat]

Special teams plays are where the biggest swings in momentum happen. They are also key to winning close games. Why coaches dont have the best FG kicker, the best punter, best snapper etc in the country on their roster I dont understand...these should not be walk on's or marginal scholarship players. They can literally save your job or win a national title for you. Same with defending them...block a punt, a FG and it changes the game or pinning them deep inside their 20...win special teams every game...leave no doubt...yet I dont think we put enough emphasis on them

 

[arthurdawg]

Special teams plays are where the biggest swings in momentum happen. They are also key to winning close games. Why coaches dont have the best FG kicker, the best punter, best snapper etc in the country on their roster I dont understand...these should not be walk on's or marginal scholarship players. They can literally save your job or win a national title for you. Same with defending them...block a punt, a FG and it changes the game or pinning them deep inside their 20...win special teams every game...leave no doubt...yet I dont think we put enough emphasis on them

Man... imagine if we had Will and Scott next year... That is 1-2 wins right there...