Next Year - returning players (watch the teasers)

[Roll Tide Roll 17]

9 Amari Cooper | 6-1, 202
2 DeAndrew White | 6-0, 190
80 Raheem Falkins | 6-4, 203

84 Brian Vogler | 6-7, 260
88 O.J. Howard | 6-6, 237
89 Brandon Greene | 6-5, 307

64 Grant Hill | 6-6, 301

77 Arie Kouandjio | 6-5, 315
68 Issac Luatua | 6-2, 313

70 Ryan Kelly | 6-5, 290
78 Chad Lindsay | 6-2, 302

50 Alphonse Taylor | 6-5, 335

79 Austin Shepherd | 6-5, 315
72 Leon Brown | 6-6, 313

82 Harrison Jones | 6-4, 241, JR

8 Robert Foster | 6-3, 187, FR
22 Christion Jones
5 Chris Black

6 Blake Sims | 6-0, 202, JR
You name him

4 T.J. Yeldon | 6-2, 218
17 Kenyan Drake
27 Derrick Henry | 6-3, 238

54 Dalvin Tomlinson | 6-2, 287
93 Jonathan Allen | 6-3, 264

86 A'Shawn Robinson | 6-4, 320
44 LaMichael Fanning | 6-7, 270

99 Brandon Ivory | 6-4, 310
95 Darren Lake | 6-3, 324
85 Korren Kirven | 6-5, 281

25 Dillon Lee | 6-4, 242, SO

47 Xzavier Dickson | 6-3, 265, JR
30 Denzel Devall | 6-2, 250, SO

33 Trey DePriest | 6-2, 245
9 Reuben Foster | 6-1, 244

18 Reggie Ragland | 6-2, 259

5 Cyrus Jones | 5-10, 196
21 Maurice Smith | 6-0, 180

16 Bradley Sylve | 5-11, 180

3 Vinnie Sunseri | 6-0, 210
26 Landon Collins | 6-0, 215
20 Jarrick Williams | 6-1, 210

55 Cole Mazza | 6-1, 246, FR

99 Adam Griffith | 5-10, 187


I know it's way to early but looks like a playoff team to me. I know I left a few off.

 

[B1GTide]

Re: Next Year

Drake ?

 

[bamabelle1991]

Re: Next Year

Drake needs to go in in place of Dee Hart. No offense to Dee. It's crazy that you only had to go 3 deep in most positions but could have gone further. That is a GOOD problem to have!

ETA: Dee Liner?

 

[bigjue24]

Re: Next Year

I agree next years team looks good on paper. I think it will be the best Dline in Saban's tenure. I'm not concerned about the secondary. It has been shown over time that players make a big jump in their second year performing as CBs in CNS's defense. All this team will need is some above average QB play. They don't need AJ. Just GMac. Both handled the offense well, and there are guys on the bench and one coming in with more raw potential than either one. One of these guys will need to separate himself. Like AJ did in 2011. The oline should be better. We will lose two but with Hill and then Robinson coming in things look solid. Lindsay might be a good fit at the guard position as well. I think next years team will be a hungry and mad bunch. I'm excited already. RTR.

 

[rgw]

Re: Next Year

A lot leans on the QB position. The SEC as a whole is going to be down at the QB position assuming Manziel declares. Nick Marshall and Dak Prescott could legitimately be the two best returning QBs in the conference. Replacing CJ Mosley will be important but the aforementioned QB dearth should allow us to field a pretty dominant appearing defense most of the season.

 

[257WBY]

Re: Next Year

Some think that the playoffs were designed to keep the SEC and Alabama out. I see it as a better chance for Alabama to get in. Looks like a playoff team to me, too.

 

[JIB]

Re: Next Year

QB and secondary will be questions but that's about as good a squad as any. I think our nickel package will be excellent.

Im going to be positive and hope Cyrus Jones improved like so many of our DBS have under Saban. I still think Eddie Jackson will turn out to be a shut down corner when it's all said and done.

 

[rgw]

Re: Next Year

We only really lose Belue as a regular CB contributor and a lot of young guys got experience this season. We relied on a lot of first-time contributors there. Furthermore the safety position should be quite strong still even with HCD all but gone. Sunseri, Jarrick Williams, Nick Perry return with Landon Collins seeming to be the next big star. I hope that we can get back to using a true corner at Star instead of a safety-leaning DB. Safeties isolated on slot receivers hasn't been my favorite thing with the defenses the last two seasons.

The big question is who takes over for CJ Mosley at ILB. We're going to be incredibly veteran in the defensive front overall with only really losing Stinson and CJ. If DePriest can take over the captain role and a guy like Ragland or Ru. Foster can handle Will LB, then I think we should be pretty salty. I'd watch for what Hubbard decides to do with the draft. He dabbled last year and kinda underperformed this season, wonder if he's antsy to jump? Dillion Lee seems to be the next man up at Sam LB. He's been a headhunter on special teams. Overall, I have optimism for what kind of defense 2014 can be.

Offensively, I think it comes down to getting more physical up-front than this year's unit. We're going to need the OL to dictate the game better because I don't think we will be putting the game on the QB's shoulders much especially early in the season. The WR corp is still going to be incredibly deep. The tailback position is unreal. If the offensive line can establish a better "mauler attitude" in 2014, I think this offense is in decent shape.

Like I've pointed out, the SEC is going to be in a couple of seasons of rebuilding amongst the usual threats. The QB position is basically a question mark for the entire conference. Auburn is the prohibitive favorite in the division and conference to be quite honest.

 

[mgebama]

QB is the key. Schedule is similar to this year. Really like how Jonathan Allen is coming on as pass rusher too.

 

[RTR91]

Re: Next Year

We only really lose Belue as a regular CB contributor and a lot of young guys got experience this season. We relied on a lot of first-time contributors there. Furthermore the safety position should be quite strong still even with HCD all but gone. Sunseri, Jarrick Williams, Nick Perry return with Landon Collins seeming to be the next big star. I hope that we can get back to using a true corner at Star instead of a safety-leaning DB. Safeties isolated on slot receivers hasn't been my favorite thing with the defenses the last two seasons.

The secondary got PLENTY of experience this year and performed better than many expected. I do not want to get too confident about the group, but I don't expect it to be a weakness in 2014. Maurice and Geno Smith, Eddie Jackson, Cyrus Jones, and Bradley Sylve all have significant playing time at CB. Not to mention Jonathan Cook (CB) and Anthony Averett (S) redshirted this season.

The big question is who takes over for CJ Mosley at ILB. We're going to be incredibly veteran in the defensive front overall with only really losing Stinson and CJ. If DePriest can take over the captain role and a guy like Ragland or Ru. Foster can handle Will LB, then I think we should be pretty salty. I'd watch for what Hubbard decides to do with the draft. He dabbled last year and kinda underperformed this season, wonder if he's antsy to jump? Dillion Lee seems to be the next man up at Sam LB. He's been a headhunter on special teams. Overall, I have optimism for what kind of defense 2014 can be.

Technically, DePriest can leave if he wants. I don't think he will, though. I expected Hubbard to leave, but his draft grade may cause him to rethink the decision. Jonathan Allen's performance yesterday was a bright spot and indicates he'll be a contributor next season.

Offensively, I think it comes down to getting more physical up-front than this year's unit. We're going to need the OL to dictate the game better because I don't think we will be putting the game on the QB's shoulders much especially early in the season. The WR corp is still going to be incredibly deep. The tailback position is unreal. If the offensive line can establish a better "mauler attitude" in 2014, I think this offense is in decent shape.

The 2013 OL gets the description of not being as physical as previous OLs. Is that because of the players or the scheme? Just something I've wondered.

Whoever takes over at QB has major shoes to fill but also has plenty of weapons that should make things much easier. AJ didn't really have the proven weapons in 2011 that next season's QB will have.

Like I've pointed out, the SEC is going to be in a couple of seasons of rebuilding amongst the usual threats. The QB position is basically a question mark for the entire conference. Auburn is the prohibitive favorite in the division and conference to be quite honest.

Thanks for reminding me about this. I thought about starting a thread about it.

 

[rgw]

Re: Next Year

This year's line struggled with pulling guard plays for whatever reason and they were far better at creasing fronts with the inside and outside zone. We're a big zone run team but we've usually had strong-side power as short yardage option. If you review our missed 3rd/4th and short conversions from LSU through Auburn, it was either a zone run against bad fronts to try to crease teams or a completely botched attempt to pull a guard and power run.


We've gotta get better with that in 2014 because the quarterback is going to need to be lifted up by a dominant any-down running attack. AJ McCarron and our deep WR corp did more than people could imagine for our run game this year because we were a very simple running offense compared to past teams.

 

[tmv85]

Re: Next Year

In a thread a few weeks back, the discussion about possible QB transfers came up. If any of them decided to transfer, when would they likely do that? End of the semester? End of the year?

 

[JIB]

Re: Next Year

This year's line struggled with pulling guard plays for whatever reason and they were far better at creasing fronts with the inside and outside zone. We're a big zone run team but we've usually had strong-side power as short yardage option. If you review our missed 3rd/4th and short conversions from LSU through Auburn, it was either a zone run against bad fronts to try to crease teams or a completely botched attempt to pull a guard and power run.


We've gotta get better with that in 2014 because the quarterback is going to need to be lifted up by a dominant any-down running attack. AJ McCarron and our deep WR corp did more than people could imagine for our run game this year because we were a very simple running offense compared to past teams.

Do you know where I can find some easy explanations of line terminology like that? I get the terminology for skill guys since I did that in HS but when I hear A gaps, 2 gap responsibility, creases, etc I get a little lost.

 

[rgw]

Re: Next Year

Here is an image demonstrating the gaps of the offensive front:

2-gap defensive responsibility states that the defensive linemen is responsible for the runs to two gaps. For example, our nose tackle plays over the center to effectively takeaway the two A-gaps from the offense.

I am probably not the best at explaining zone running but here is a simple explanation.

 

[rgw]

That article indirectly explains why we struggled to run it against LSU, MSU, and Auburn in short yardage. Effective zone running relies on a linemen being uncovered so he can work up the field to get on a linebacker or safety. When teams are putting a guy over the top of every linemen and TE then it effectively turns the run call into a straight up man on man blocking scheme which removes any of the movement zone blocking can create for the runner.

 

[bama579]

Re: Next Year

We only really lose Belue as a regular CB contributor and a lot of young guys got experience this season. We relied on a lot of first-time contributors there. Furthermore the safety position should be quite strong still even with HCD all but gone. Sunseri, Jarrick Williams, Nick Perry return with Landon Collins seeming to be the next big star. I hope that we can get back to using a true corner at Star instead of a safety-leaning DB. Safeties isolated on slot receivers hasn't been my favorite thing with the defenses the last two seasons.

The big question is who takes over for CJ Mosley at ILB. We're going to be incredibly veteran in the defensive front overall with only really losing Stinson and CJ. If DePriest can take over the captain role and a guy like Ragland or Ru. Foster can handle Will LB, then I think we should be pretty salty. I'd watch for what Hubbard decides to do with the draft. He dabbled last year and kinda underperformed this season, wonder if he's antsy to jump? Dillion Lee seems to be the next man up at Sam LB. He's been a headhunter on special teams. Overall, I have optimism for what kind of defense 2014 can be.

Offensively, I think it comes down to getting more physical up-front than this year's unit. We're going to need the OL to dictate the game better because I don't think we will be putting the game on the QB's shoulders much especially early in the season. The WR corp is still going to be incredibly deep. The tailback position is unreal. If the offensive line can establish a better "mauler attitude" in 2014, I think this offense is in decent shape.

Like I've pointed out, the SEC is going to be in a couple of seasons of rebuilding amongst the usual threats. The QB position is basically a question mark for the entire conference. Auburn is the prohibitive favorite in the division and conference to be quite honest.

Obviously, you put some thought into this. Think Nick Perry is gone after this season, though.

 

[TideMom2Boys]

Can I just say how happy I am that Vinnie will be back! We need his leadership since CJ and Haha will be gone. Having his knowledge and Landon's athleticism will make them a dangerous safety pair.


I wonder if someone else will step up as well for CJ's leadership. DePriest?

 

[rgw]

Re: Next Year

I think he's medical hardship eligible.

 

[BigBama76]

Re: Next Year

This year's line struggled with pulling guard plays for whatever reason and they were far better at creasing fronts with the inside and outside zone. We're a big zone run team but we've usually had strong-side power as short yardage option. If you review our missed 3rd/4th and short conversions from LSU through Auburn, it was either a zone run against bad fronts to try to crease teams or a completely botched attempt to pull a guard and power run.

We've gotta get better with that in 2014 because the quarterback is going to need to be lifted up by a dominant any-down running attack. AJ McCarron and our deep WR corp did more than people could imagine for our run game this year because we were a very simple running offense compared to past teams.

Power running should be a major focus for next year. We had several short yardage situations Saturday that last years team made routinely. If we make the 3rd or 4th and 1 at the 13 in the 4th Qtr we most likely win going away.

 

[JessN]

Responses to several things (will be covered in an article after the bowl game)...

QB: Depth chart for now is Sims-Del Rio with the others being behind by a fair bit. The only thing I see changing that is is Jakob Coker transfers in from Florida State. I think it's going to happen, and if it does, I would put him atop the prospective depth chart. If he doesn't, it's basically a two-man race unless Cooper Bateman gets a lot better quickly.

TE: Don't count out Malcolm Faciane. He was in line for a lot more playing time this year before his suspension put him behind. Otherwise it's Vogler/Howard/Fowler again at Y and H. Better blocking is needed from everyone involved, which is why Faciane becomes a possibility.

OL: I would not be surprised to see Shepherd move to RG. Leon Brown improved a lot in fall practice. Unless Alabama hits paydirt from the JUCO ranks at left tackle in recruiting, I think your starting lineup (l-r) will be: L.Brown-Kouandjio-Kelly-Shepherd-G.Hill.

WR: Biggest surprise, if you can call it that, is that Robert Foster might jump one of the vets and start. He has absolutely torn it up the last few weeks.

DL: We might see a big change here. Good chance either Lake or Ivory goes to DE and a JUCO or freshman starts in the middle. For all the talk about "spread defenses," Alabama is recruiting big and bigger in the middle. When Ivory is healthy and not tired, he's a great nose but he seems to have less stamina than Williams or Cody did.

LB: Scares me. Hubbard will go, Dickson has gotten really big. I think DePriest comes back, although he played about as well as anyone in the second half. Foster is an impressive physical specimen but UA will miss Mosley's knowledge in the middle by a ton. Oddly enough, one of the most overlooked losses will be Tana Patrick. While he didn't play much until this year, had Mosley gotten hurt, Patrick was way ahead of anyone else at that position. Reggie Ragland needs to stop growing or he's going to have to go OLB. Dillon Lee might end up being the starter next to DePriest, and will start if DePriest goes.

DB: Even with Belue gone, I think DB will be the strength of the defense. The CB situation will have a year to get fixed, and I think it will. HCD is gone but Sunseri is back. J.Williams coming back helps a lot. Nick Perry is taking a medical. He did not go through Senior Day. But honestly, he's really blocked for PT right now anyway.

ST: The new punter is still in high school. Griffith will probably be the best all-around kicker Saban has had here.