Incoming Freshmen O-Lineman

[bamabryan]

I realize this is a little early, but assuming all the o-lineman that have comitted to Bama do sign with us, which ones will play their first year and which ones will redshirt?

This is a difficult question particularly considering the o-line is probably the most difficult position for a true freshman to come in a play immediately.

Also, if we get Andre Smith (we really, really need him) will he play guard?

Will David Ross play center or guard?

Anyone have any insight?

 

[Love the Ping]

I think the only offensive lineman that plays as a true freshman is Andre, if he commits. The rest could use the redshirt to develop, but physically Stadler is probably the next closest guy to ready. Still, I don't think he will play and hope he can redshirt.

Andre Smith will play tackle in college. He is listed as a guard in the databases, but he is just too skilled and physically gifted to play guard. That might not make sense, but he really is. My guess is left tackle.

David Ross could play any position on the line, but my guess is he will be a guard.

 

[bamahippie]

I was going to say, I think we are solid on interior o-linemen. We need some quality play at tackle, and I think that is where Dre would make a home, if he so chooses.

 

[crimsoncolored]

Evem though Andre will be agreat it appears, I don't think they will pencil him in until he gets down there and competes. Who knows, one of the redshirts this year or another incoming recruit could battle him and force a redshirt. I thought Roy Upchurch would play this year, but even before the injury, Coffee beat him out.

 

[five0]

imo

i believe andre will battle marlon davis for caldwell's spot as he has moved to center. michael johnson will win out over capps and the rest will stay the same. :biggrin2:

 

[Love the Ping]

I thought Roy Upchurch would play this year as well, but I think that the injury played a part in Roy's performance in the fall. That said, everyone who follows recruiting says Andre is the kind of talent that comes along once every five to ten years.

 

[tusctider]

Caldwell might move back.

Cardwell at center is a possability. I just like that we now have options that can be considered.

 

[runtheoption22]

Stadler could play guard or tackle. He moves well, which bodes for a pulling guard, but he's 6'6", which is tackle height.
Ross will be a guard, IMO, if Caldwell stays at center, which I think he will.
Pharr will be a tackle.
Smith will be a tackle.

 

[Crimson Crony]

Any idea as to how many O line commits the staff had as a goal for this class? Has those goals changed during the recruiting process?

 

[bamabryan]

Any idea as to how many O line commits the staff had as a goal for this class? Has those goals changed during the recruiting process?

I've read that Andre Smith is probably the only other o-lineman the Bama coaches will take this year.

I don't think the coaching staff will turn Jacques McClendon away if he wanted to come to Bama, but it appears he is headed to Tennessee. He has been comitted to Tennessee for a while, but was considered a soft verbal. I don't think we have a chance for McClendon.

 

[jcabama]

Don't think we should forget the youngsters we recruited last year on the O-line that have had a redshirt year to develop. While this is a great looking cast of O-linemen we are bringing in, don't think we should overlook what a year in the weight room and on the scout team can do for last year's group and how they may play in the future.

 

[crimsoncolored]

I do follow recruiting, and I know the big Andre is predicted to be a great one, but I wouldn't pencil him in until he gets to campus and competes. I hope he's the next Samuels, I was just throwing some different angles into the Andre Smith story.
I think the returning lineman and redshirted lineman will have a great off season and next fall will produce some great competition. Shula has always said good competition make players better.