Re: Did anyone else her Beano Cook on Colin Cowherd's show?
I think we'll be worse off next year. We likely won't have big Andre, Antoine, RJ, and will be breaking in a new QB in the SEC...not a good equation for success---however, with this coaching staff anything's possible!
I disagree. I just don't get why people think we will take a step backward next year. I think we most likely will be MUCH STRONGER next year. Here is why:
1) The defense comes back largely intact. Most all our D-Linemen return, and if Cody comes back, we should be stronger up front on D, and have more depth because we have young guys who are redshirting this year. Also, all of our LBs return, plus, we will add a few guys like Nico Johnson. Not to mention that the young true freshmen this year will have some experience and be that much stronger next year. In my opinion, we could have the strongest front 7 on defense that we've had since the early to mid 90's, and that is saying something. Also, our defensive backfield will be very strong. We only lose Rashad Johnson. Most of our other guys are fairly young, or Juniors at the most. We'll likely add tremendous players in recruiting also that will make us that much better. A strong defense is the most important ingredient to winning championships, we all saw that in 92.
2) We only lose 9 scholarship Seniors. We have the fewest scholarship Seniors of any team in the country.
3) Our RB Corp will return intact, and not only that, we will possibly add Trent Richardson to the stable. Not to mention that Matchett and Preyear will be available after a likely redshirt this season.
4) WR position should be very strong. We don't lose much here. Our major contributors all return.
5) Losing Andre Smith and Caldwell up front will be a big loss, but I don't think the loss will be as substantial as in past years, simply because Coach Saban has recruited well, and even with the loss of those two great players, we are going to have better depth along the offensive line than we've had in years. We'll be fine here.
6) Replacing a Senior QB is always a challenge, but I think for the first time in a while we will actually have some quality depth here next season. McElroy is not exactly chopped liver, and Star Jackson should be ready to compete for the position as well. I look for us to possibly be better off at QB next year than we are this year. Star Jackson could add a special combination of throwing ability and athleticism that we haven't had in a very long time. McElroy knows this offense well, so we'll have capable players.
7) Overall depth. We will have the best depth situation we've had in probably 10-15 years. Alot of it will be young, but we will still be deeper and much more talented next year overall than this year. Remember, it will be year 3 under Nick Saban.
8) Special teams should be especially strong. Tiffin and Javier Arenas should both be back. Coverage teams should even be better next year because our overall depth and maturity will be better.
9) Our schedule is more favorable. We will have LSU and UT at home.
