Question: what freshman coming in gets a starting job

[gamersfuel]

I know it is unlikely but,
I was hoping against hope that DJ could come in, and despite only one year on O, have enough raw ability to start the first game.

From the rumors and "first hand reports" I've seen it is even more unlikely than I had hoped.
Rumor says a shoulder injury has kept him from doing any lifting;
(anyone know if there is truth to this?)

"First hand reports" have him up to 375 or better, which is too much even for this giant to handle.
I remember the Army Allstar game, he was said to be 340, - but he did say he wanted to get to 370, which I thought was ridiculous - I really thought
he could have stood some loose some then at 340.

Still I hope against hope, over rumor and "first hand reports", cause the O-line is point #1 on my concern list.

T7

you have to remember though that Fluker is not your typical 350 pounder. His frame can handle 350 easily as crazy as that sounds.

 

[TheCrimsonLiver]

Coming in I'd say one of the receivers has the best chance, but I fully expect Trent to be the starter by year's end. He'll probably get the job by week 3.

BINGO! Thats what I was thinking exactly. Nothing has been sured up except JJ. A frosh could come in and win the slot too but I'm hoping Maze figures it out. He could be a serious gamebreaker.

 

[TommyMac]

I hope to see Dre earn an early spot. We get killed in the passing game some of our DB's never turn to look for the ball and they get burned for it.

With James Carpenter in with the experiance he has at LT I think it would be hard for them not to redshirt Fluke this year. Give him some time under Coach Pendry then turn him loose at LT he will be another first rounder.

It would also be stupid to RS him, it would just deprive us of his services for a year before he enters the draft.

 

[Harmost]

I'm tempted to say Fluker. Just consider how quickly Carpenter came in and wrapped up a starting line spot... no offense to him, but Fluker's talent is on a different level.

Really though, it's nearly impossible to tell. There are only a few in this class that don't really have first-year starting potential...

 

[rolltide0692]

I think an offensive skill player will get a starting job, either Trent at running back or one of the receivers especially. I think it will be Norwood or Bowman, if he qualifies, because they are big guys that can be used to take some pressure of Julio.

If Hightower makes the permanent move to Jack then obviously Nico has a wide open shot at Will. I think Nico's performance in fall will determine if Hightower can make the move for good.

Dre has a good shot just with his potential. There is a safety spot open, but Robby Green has stepped up there. And then there's Star, which we had a little trouble with last year. But we all know how difficult Saban's playbook is, so if Dre can get it down in fall he has a chance to see PT soon.

 

[bamacpa]

The good news is that we're progressing to the point where we don't need so much immediate help.

I don't see any freshmen starting unless we have some injuries.

 

[M2J]

Tough to say this year who'll break into the traditional 11. However, there are 4-5 that I think could make a quick starter like impact and earn a lot of rotation time.

I think Nico has an opportunity to make a huge impact. IF he can come in and make a Rolando or Dont'a like impact as a frosh (or better) I could see him either playing outside and taking Reamer's spot OR allowing Dont'a to move to Jack to use his pass rushing and versatility there fulltime and have Nico at Will. He's so versatile that it gives him a lot of options to potentially start. Regardless of starting though, I think he'll be a great difference maker as a backup.

And without totally repeating myself, Tana has the same opportunity as Nico as he's extremely versatile himself as to which position he could play and has the tools to play early.

Dre I don't see moving KJ or JA, BUT he has a great opportunity to play as our 3rd CB in Nickel situations...whether that be at star or having Javier play star in those situations and playing wide. And I think we all know that if you have our 3rd CB spot, you are essentially a starter as we play our extra DB packages a lot. But he'll have more than just Marquis to battle for that position with Zo and Burton looking too.

Trent will arguably be the most talented back on campus, but I don't see him passing up Mark, at least not as a freshman. However, its no secret we run a lot and in our system the 2nd or 3rd running back is extremely important and can make a starter like impact each and every game.

Truth be told, while its sorta unlikely (at least early on) I think DJ may have the best opportunity to start out of this class the way things look now. If he can come in and pick things up early its possible we can use his run blockign ability somewhere on the line early on.

 

[Alasippi]

I honestly don't think any of them will start because there's no need for them to. Thank goodness we're finally getting to a point where our incoming recruits aren't forced into early action. Plus, our returning players aren't exactly chopped liver and I don't see anyone coming in being so superior that they simply must replace them.

 

[Gallowglas]

It's a sign of a healthy program when you don't have to rely on true freshmen. This years class will add much needed depth across the board. Nico Johnson will be dominant and should start sometime early this fall. Trent and the young receivers will see plenty of action as well.

Sometimes it also showcases what a healthy recruiting program you have too. Granted, you don't necessarily want a lot of inexperienced players hitting the field, but if someone is so crazy talented that their raw talent makes up for their lack of experience, then keeping them off the field just because they're a little green would be silly.

My short answer to all of this is that I believe that any of the 5-stars has a chance at early PT. CNS has demonstrated that he'll play whoever is most qualified. I think Trent, DJ, Nico, and Dre all show a lot of promise and if they can get their heads around the schemes, their raw talent will make up for a whole lot.

 

[BAMA NUT]

Rod Woodson is a headhunter and I look for him to start on special teams.

 

[BamasTide]

Rod Woodson is a headhunter and I look for him to start on special teams.

I agree and I smile when i think of some of the BIGTIME hitters that very well could be starting on STs. Like Tana Patrick, Atchison, Petey Smith, Nico Johnson, Rod Woodson even guys like Kelly, Norwood, Bowman, Kirkpatrick could make a real impact as gunners in the punting game. This season is going to be fun to watch!:BigA:RTR!:BigA:

 

[crimson_blood]

"First hand reports" have him up to 375 or better, which is too much even for this giant to handle.
T7

That's consistent with what I've heard as well...DJ's between 375-380 right now...

I think he'll shed a little bit of that with the conditioning program this summer...but it looks like he'll go into the season around 360 or so. That's a large human being...

 

[bamachile]

The fewer the better, except Special Teams. I lean toward Nico as the best bet, but obviously I'm going on what I've heard here rather than first-hand views. Traditionally, good RB's have a decent shot at starting early, but TR has a full stable to beat out. If we have to start DJ early, we may be in for a long year.

TIDE-HSV, I just wish I knew what you know...

 

[BAMA504]

My head says TR but my heart says Nico, someone stated before that Hightower is fully ready to take the Jack position and fully agree with that and Nico could easily slide into the Wil on talent alone, with LB's being especially well coached and CNS not afraid to stick a freshmen in the inside spot I would look for Nico to take the Wil and Hightower to move to Jack which would improve our rush tremenously.......

1. Nico = reasons stated above.

2. TR = No back in my memory of BAMA FB has ever looked this good coming right out of HS but fall camp will determine if it is hype or not witht he front 7 we have TR will have to prove he can handle the load.....

3. DJ = Given he is a beast I do not believe he is a AS clone and is behind in the pass blocking technique. New QB and a LT who does not have the skills yet scares the heck out of me... Honestly J. Carpenter looks slow off the snap in A-Day game but the possiblity of DJ taking the spot and moving JC into the RG spot is always there or I have heard DJ might get a shot at RG as well so who knows... ALOT of ???? in the OL but tons of talent will make for a great fall camp so its anyones guess who the starting 5 will be...

4. Dre = Surgery will not help his conditioning but if he uses the down time to learn CNS's scheme then he could make it very interesting battling KJ for a starting spot because honestly KJ gets turned around way way way too much in coverage and does not turn to look for the ball over half the time something utah and A-Day seemed to highlite again.... Will be a hard battle to get him out of there but Dre looks like he will be either Star or slide JA into the Star and take the CB spot while JA plays Star... Money says he plays the Star and JA stays put..

5. Bowman, Kelly or Norwood have the easiest road to playing time IMO.. Not much can be said they double JJ and someone = anyone else needs to get open from man coverage and make plays... Not hard to see that if JJ is out there and I personally love Maze his playmaking ability should land him a starting spot cause the guy is good but the open spot leaves room for one of these top flight WR's to step in and take it from opening day... Again JJ makes it easier for all of the rest so get out there and get open then of course it would help if they actually catch the ball.............

6. Rod Woodson = With the emergence of Green at the open safety spot vacated by a very good player there is a shot here for RW to come in and turn some heads. Special teams might be a given for this kid cause if you have not seem him lay the lumber on his hits he is the type of kid who does not hit you once in a while he hits you every play and not for the faint of heart he brings it........ I like his style but will he be able to catch up and pass Green it remains to be seen but you have to love his hitting now the BIG ???? is can he cover and play pass defense and the answer is yes he can but will he beat out Green probably not so look for him to get in there and get a look but starting is probably not going to happen......

7. My last prediction would be ANY of the OL recruits you name one and there is a open spot for one of them and all of them to come in and take it. Whether it is RG, C, LT or even RT there is playing time to be had but I would take a long hard look at Anthony Steen the kid is a weight room warrior and he is as strong as anyone we have right now except maybe 2-3 guys... I would say he will get a long look at RG because he has good feet and the strength to give it a go so we shall see. As far as that goes like I said pick any of the OL we have and they have as good of shot as anyone to make an impact.........

Overall the defense will be the hardest to crack the starting line-up but there are some really good spots half open like CB, Safety and should Hightower land the Jack position (which I would love to see) there is a spot for Nico, Petey and TP to step in and start... Other than that the defense will be very very solid and the only other way I could see a Freshman breaking in wuld be a DE who has the pass rush ability that we desperately need so there is a chance one of them could start but it would be for teams who throw a ton or one of them could be a 3rd down pass rush specialist which is very likely too happen........

Offensively and this scares the heck out of me but the OL is as open for PT as you can get and 2 spots at WR although Maze SHOULD be out there on playmaking ability alone so lets say one spot open there... TE is another but we have 2 really good ones and are sorta deep there and the biggest battle other than OL will and should be at RB where crown jewel TR could step in and be the next JJ for BAMA which I really hope happens cause Ingram is good but having a homerun threat back there along with Ingram just plowing guys over will make us even better running than we were last year if and that is one HUGE IF the OL can get 5 guys to give him a chance...

Just my 2 cents but from what I see and hear it looks pretty accurate but then again CNS might start 12 of them and shut us all up so who knows.... Just beat money that CNS will have the very best 11 out there on both sides of the ball and we will all find out very quickly on Sept 5th just how ready we are to play next year~!~:cool2:

 

[Fury]

Richardson.
Do we have any walk-on freshman Punter's?

If Hightower makes the permanent move to Jack then obviously Nico has a wide open shot at Will. I think Nico's performance in fall will determine if Hightower can make the move for good.

I think Nico has an opportunity to make a huge impact. IF he can come in and make a Rolando or Dont'a like impact as a frosh (or better) I could see him either playing outside and taking Reamer's spot OR allowing Dont'a to move to Jack to use his pass rushing and versatility there fulltime and have Nico at Will. He's so versatile that it gives him a lot of options to potentially start. Regardless of starting though, I think he'll be a great difference maker as a backup.

My head says TR but my heart says Nico, someone stated before that Hightower is fully ready to take the Jack position and fully agree with that and Nico could easily slide into the Wil on talent alone, with LB's being especially well coached and CNS not afraid to stick a freshmen in the inside spot I would look for Nico to take the Wil and Hightower to move to Jack which would improve our rush tremenously.....

-Some thoughts about that:

Saban is gonna want to use the best combo, that gets the best players on the field. So, it's not just a matter of Hightower moving to Jack. It's all four spots (well, 3 since McClain has a lock on Mike).

Remember that last year, Cory Reamer was moved from Will to Sam, and Hightower stepped-up into the Will spot. So, if Hightower moves... there's always a possibility of Reamer moving back to Will, and having a new starter at Sam in J. Harris. And honestly, I like the idea of Reamer at Will, better than him at Sam.

It's very hard to predict. And don't forget about guys like Anders (who's a real wild card), Upshaw & the rest of the crew. In any case, we are very deep, and I think Nico will get serious playing time in the deep rotation.

-Another thing on my mind is McClain, he has the talent to turn pro after the season, if he chooses. And to me, going into a new season with a new MLB, is the defensive version of having a new QB. Does, Chris Jordan (currently listed as our #2 Mike on Rivals depth chart) or another player step up into the leadership role? Or do we specifically start grooming Nico for the position right away?

 

[BAMA504]

LB is stacked deep with tons of talent so even if RM goes pro next year we will have enough talent to fill the gap...... I think we will see a heavy rotation in games where we get a nice lead if that happens which it should but the cart never goes before the horse~!~:redface:

 

[BoomShakaLaka]

I honestly don't think any of them will start because there's no need for them to. Thank goodness we're finally getting to a point where our incoming recruits aren't forced into early action.

Exactly my thoughts. However, I will say that I'm actually more excited about Trent Richardson than I was this time last year about Julio. I absolutely feel that we are about to witness something truly special with that young man. He's got the speed, competitive desire, and ridiculous strength to go along with a relentless work ethic. 325 lb clean and jerk as a high school senior in the 219 lb weight class? Are you kidding me?!! Stiff-armed humiliation is in store for many an opponent over the next few years.

 

[drjohn432]

DJ will

 

[M2J]

-Some thoughts about that:

Saban is gonna want to use the best combo, that gets the best players on the field. So, it's not just a matter of Hightower moving to Jack. It's all four spots (well, 3 since McClain has a lock on Mike).

Remember that last year, Cory Reamer was moved from Will to Sam, and Hightower stepped-up into the Will spot. So, if Hightower moves... there's always a possibility of Reamer moving back to Will, and having a new starter at Sam in J. Harris. And honestly, I like the idea of Reamer at Will, better than him at Sam.

It's very hard to predict. And don't forget about guys like Anders (who's a real wild card), Upshaw & the rest of the crew. In any case, we are very deep, and I think Nico will get serious playing time in the deep rotation.

-Another thing on my mind is McClain, he has the talent to turn pro after the season, if he chooses. And to me, going into a new season with a new MLB, is the defensive version of having a new QB. Does, Chris Jordan (currently listed as our #2 Mike on Rivals depth chart) or another player step up into the leadership role? Or do we specifically start grooming Nico for the position right away?

It is hard to predict, but the beauty of guys like Nico and Tana is they have the talent to be able to play possibly all 4 of the positions. I know our staff is extremely excited about Nico. I also feel that Nico or Tana or for that matter could possibly push Reamer for the Sam spot, and I don't know quite how good I'd feel with REamer in at the Will. I just think that if he was that good at it, we would've put him on the field there when we went to extra DBs and took the Sam off the field and still getting killed over the middle by our ILBs who struggled in pass coverage all year.

Im still unsure about whether a frosh will break into the STARTING LB corp, but there's a great shot at it IMO and Dont'a along with the freshmen's versatility makes it even more likely.

 

[ROLLTIDEFANATIC]

i would probably say either offensive lineman or WR, or nico or tana.