News Article: Battles to watch as spring practice nears
- Thread starter JessN
- Start date
Honestly, I have a hard time seeing Saban doing something like that. But if one of those guys leaves, a major title contender immediately becomes an also-ran with any significant injury to the starting QB.
Hopefully both guys perform very well and legitimately push each other throughout the offseason.
I also don't like the assumption that the guy who loses the QB battle will transfer. I've seen this posted quite a bit and it irks me. Personally, if McCarron wins the job as expected, I think Sims stays because we are one play away from having a backup in the game. If anything, they might rotate him in at certain points of the game to keep him happy. Seeing all this transfer talk just really bothers me and Sims father came out publicly saying that Phillip was happy at Alabama. He'd be smart to stay.
If an assumption is coming from lots of knowledgable people, including moderators on this board who have a proven track record, well, it ceases to be an assumption.
Re: JessN
Jess you mention something here that as gone unnoticed really... DQ is expected to be 100% this coming year, something we didn't see last year. Should be really interesting with the DB battles.
Re: JessN
Jess,
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Noseguard position. I believe we have another year with Chapman but will Jesse Williams push him for the starting position? Or do you believe Coach Saban will choose to rotate them the way he did with Chapman & Cody two years ago?
Jess,
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Noseguard position. I believe we have another year with Chapman but will Jesse Williams push him for the starting position? Or do you believe Coach Saban will choose to rotate them the way he did with Chapman & Cody two years ago?
Re: JessN
IMHO, Jesse Williams may be the most important recruit that we signed this year. If he can step in and have the same impact that Cody had 3 years ago then our defense will instantly be improved over last year. You will see an improved pass rush, linebackers can move around better since they aren't having to fight off blockers, etc. due to a single guy requiring at least two blockers. As far as rotating, I think Cody had to rotate out due to fatigue. Had he been in better condition he might not have rotated out as much but I think it is always good to keep fresh bodies in the game and to develop as much experienced depth as you can. Williams may be able to put in more minutes than Cody because he looks like he is in better physical condition.
IMHO, Jesse Williams may be the most important recruit that we signed this year. If he can step in and have the same impact that Cody had 3 years ago then our defense will instantly be improved over last year. You will see an improved pass rush, linebackers can move around better since they aren't having to fight off blockers, etc. due to a single guy requiring at least two blockers. As far as rotating, I think Cody had to rotate out due to fatigue. Had he been in better condition he might not have rotated out as much but I think it is always good to keep fresh bodies in the game and to develop as much experienced depth as you can. Williams may be able to put in more minutes than Cody because he looks like he is in better physical condition.
I agree. I would hate for either young man to leave and either have to leave D1 competition to play next year or have to sit out a year when as backup you are one play from getting into the game. The winner of the spring will not have a proven track record which means neither will have a firm grip going into the fall. So leaving in the summer might be a foolhardy thing to do for either young man.
I believe Sims stays if AJ wins. If Sims beats out AJ, I think AJ transfers. $.02
Re: JessN
One of Menzie's biggest strengths is that he's a vocal leader. He wants to shoulder responsibility. That was a trait in short supply on last year's defense following the departure of McClain, Arenas, Reamer and even guys like Sharrief and Chris Rogers from a year before. I think if there's a "tie" between Menzie and Green, the advantage goes to Menzie as a result of leadership skills. Not saying Green can't lead, but Menzie absolutely can.
One of Menzie's biggest strengths is that he's a vocal leader. He wants to shoulder responsibility. That was a trait in short supply on last year's defense following the departure of McClain, Arenas, Reamer and even guys like Sharrief and Chris Rogers from a year before. I think if there's a "tie" between Menzie and Green, the advantage goes to Menzie as a result of leadership skills. Not saying Green can't lead, but Menzie absolutely can.
Re: JessN
There was a 3-man rotation at NG two years ago: Chapman, Cody and Dareus on certain downs/packages. Last year, it started out as a two-man rotation (Chapman/Murphy) but Nick Gentry played his way into things down the stretch when he proved he was the only NG who could consistently move a pass pocket.
I'm going to be surprised, frankly, if Chapman holds onto the starting job. He's going to have to improve significantly this spring and/or summer in order to do it. Typically, we see one or two seniors have a breakout senior season (the most famous, arguably, was the transformation Marcus Spencer underwent from his junior to senior years); perhaps this is Chapman's year.
Without Dareus to slide inside, either Gentry is going to continue to play on passing downs or Williams will have to do it. I can see some kind of three-man rotation developing, but unless Chapman ups his game, I believe they'll want to see Williams win the job. Option #4 is Quinton Dial, who I look to start out at weakside end. The smaller guys like Square and Sentimore could play nose in situations when we know the other team is absolutely going to throw the ball, but only then.
There was a 3-man rotation at NG two years ago: Chapman, Cody and Dareus on certain downs/packages. Last year, it started out as a two-man rotation (Chapman/Murphy) but Nick Gentry played his way into things down the stretch when he proved he was the only NG who could consistently move a pass pocket.
I'm going to be surprised, frankly, if Chapman holds onto the starting job. He's going to have to improve significantly this spring and/or summer in order to do it. Typically, we see one or two seniors have a breakout senior season (the most famous, arguably, was the transformation Marcus Spencer underwent from his junior to senior years); perhaps this is Chapman's year.
Without Dareus to slide inside, either Gentry is going to continue to play on passing downs or Williams will have to do it. I can see some kind of three-man rotation developing, but unless Chapman ups his game, I believe they'll want to see Williams win the job. Option #4 is Quinton Dial, who I look to start out at weakside end. The smaller guys like Square and Sentimore could play nose in situations when we know the other team is absolutely going to throw the ball, but only then.
Re: JessN
Jess, as far as returners, do you think experienced guys like Maze and Richardson do the job or will we see someone like Sylve get a chance?
Jess, as far as returners, do you think experienced guys like Maze and Richardson do the job or will we see someone like Sylve get a chance?
Re: JessN
Julio Jones is less than 6'3". How tall (really) are some of the bigger guys considered as possible replacement WR's?
Julio Jones is less than 6'3". How tall (really) are some of the bigger guys considered as possible replacement WR's?
Re: JessN
Would love to see what Dre Kirkpatrick would look like at this stage with someone on the field lighting a fire under his butt. Kid has enormous talent as it is.
Would love to see what Dre Kirkpatrick would look like at this stage with someone on the field lighting a fire under his butt. Kid has enormous talent as it is.
Re: JessN
Great article, JessN! Personally, I would love to see our JUCO guys break in immediately as impact performers (Douglas at LT, Williams at NG and Dial at DE). I think if we are able to hoist the crystal trophy at seasons end it will be in large part to the production of these three guys! Also, to touch on the QB issue - McCarron or Simms either one will do a great job, I just hope CNS chooses the player who performs the best in the spring and not just go with the default (AJ) option because of a small (largely unimpressive) amount of game time last year. My previous statement notwithstanding - if AJ outperforms Philip then he should be the guy. (And vice versa)
Great article, JessN! Personally, I would love to see our JUCO guys break in immediately as impact performers (Douglas at LT, Williams at NG and Dial at DE). I think if we are able to hoist the crystal trophy at seasons end it will be in large part to the production of these three guys! Also, to touch on the QB issue - McCarron or Simms either one will do a great job, I just hope CNS chooses the player who performs the best in the spring and not just go with the default (AJ) option because of a small (largely unimpressive) amount of game time last year. My previous statement notwithstanding - if AJ outperforms Philip then he should be the guy. (And vice versa)
Re: JessN
I think Maze will remain as punt returner and maybe on KOs. I think Richardson comes off the KOR team. I realize Saban likes to play some of his top guys on special teams but even he probably realizes we can't afford to have Richardson get knocked out on a return this year. I would look for Corey Grant, Blake Sims, Kenny Bell, Keiwone Malone or maybe Demetrius Goode back there. Perhaps even Milliner now that there's a surplus of DBs.
I think Maze will remain as punt returner and maybe on KOs. I think Richardson comes off the KOR team. I realize Saban likes to play some of his top guys on special teams but even he probably realizes we can't afford to have Richardson get knocked out on a return this year. I would look for Corey Grant, Blake Sims, Kenny Bell, Keiwone Malone or maybe Demetrius Goode back there. Perhaps even Milliner now that there's a surplus of DBs.
Re: JessN
Well, if you adjust for roster "fudging," give that Julio was listed at 6'4" or 6'5" on most rosters, that would make the next tallest guy around 6'0" flat (Norwood). Norwood is generally held to be about 6'2" using "inflated" numbers. Bowman is listed at 6'5" but may start out at TE, while Kendall Kelly was 6'4" or 6'5" but is at DB.
It's not just pure height, though. Pure height with no bulk doesn't get you much other than the odd stationary jump ball, which happens infrequently. What this team badly needs is someone who is buck strong in addition to being tall.
We're all about to find out just how unique and irreplaceable Julio Jones was/is.
Well, if you adjust for roster "fudging," give that Julio was listed at 6'4" or 6'5" on most rosters, that would make the next tallest guy around 6'0" flat (Norwood). Norwood is generally held to be about 6'2" using "inflated" numbers. Bowman is listed at 6'5" but may start out at TE, while Kendall Kelly was 6'4" or 6'5" but is at DB.
It's not just pure height, though. Pure height with no bulk doesn't get you much other than the odd stationary jump ball, which happens infrequently. What this team badly needs is someone who is buck strong in addition to being tall.
We're all about to find out just how unique and irreplaceable Julio Jones was/is.
That would probably be the most likely scenario. Sims would know he is just one play away from starting and still have, at least, a year to start after AJ departs. AJ would also be one play away from starting but would use up his eligibility before Sims leaves. We need both QB's to bring in #14, I hope they both stick it out and push each other to be the very best they can be.
With 2 very good competitive QB's the starter for game 1 isn't guaranteed to remain there.
Re: JessN
Norwood HAS to be at least 6'2.. but I guess I would have said Julio HAS to be 6'4 also... since I've stood next to both of them... and I'm 6'1.
Hopefully Danny Woodson can be that bulky guy that will eventually replace Julio..
Norwood HAS to be at least 6'2.. but I guess I would have said Julio HAS to be 6'4 also... since I've stood next to both of them... and I'm 6'1.
Hopefully Danny Woodson can be that bulky guy that will eventually replace Julio..
Re: JessN
Thanks. This is in line with what I was thinking. I used the term "bigger guys" to refer to overall size and not height knowing that a little extra height and length can come in handy.
Interesting that I here Julio Jones getting praise from NFL scouts for his blocking ability along with the "regular" list of receiver attributes.
Thanks. This is in line with what I was thinking. I used the term "bigger guys" to refer to overall size and not height knowing that a little extra height and length can come in handy.
Interesting that I here Julio Jones getting praise from NFL scouts for his blocking ability along with the "regular" list of receiver attributes.
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