With the 2008 season coming fast, the Crimson Tide prepare for a tough schedule, with games on the road against Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and Clemson in Atlanta.
Alabama's success will be built on locking down at least two of these games. Clemson in Week 1 will be a huge task, with young talent and a Clemson team picked by most to be the best in the ACC.
Coming off of a great recruiting class from top to bottom, Alabama hopes they can add some competition with the youth. Players that normally only come in every few years at Alabama were in abundance in this last class. Names that come to mind over the years are Andre Smith and Rolando McClain.
With the 2008 class, Alabama brings in names that meet those same expectations like Julio Jones, Burton Scott, Mark Barron, Tyler Love, Jerrell Harris, Alonzo Lawerence and Star Jackson along with many more. A few of these players will be asked to make immediate impacts.
Whether it is lack of depth like the LB position or sheer talent level difference like WR, these freshman will have the opportunity to make impacts.
Here are two players to watch as they step into playmaking roles:
Justin Woodall (6-foot-2, 224 pounds, Safety)
This four star recruit is a very talented player. With the size and athletic ability to make an impact, look for Woodall to fill the role. Watch for Mark Barron to get a look at starting his career at safety. Barron could fill a void behind both Woodall and Rashad Johnson.
Darius Hanks (6-foot, 190 pounds, Wide Receiver)
Hanks might not start for the Crimson Tide with Nikita Stover, Mike McCoy and Earl Alexander battling, as well as Julio showing up on June 1, but he will be asked to make an impact at the slot position. Hanks is a versatile WR who will produce well in the slot. He will also have to fight off true freshman Burton Scott and Chris Jackson for playing time as well.
With Alabama continuing to build depth and adding size to a defense who has played nearly every game undersized, look for the Crimson Tide to go 8-3 this year. I see Alabama losing games to Georgia, Auburn and either Clemson or LSU.
The recruits will continue to come and soon the Crimson Tide will be fielding some of the best players in the SEC and hopefully one of the best teams in the country.
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4 months ago
That's all? Keep it coming man! I need me some more Alabama preview!!!
BTW - I'll take 8-3 right now! Give it to me!
4 months ago
That is just a basic preview. Yeah I would be pumped with 8-3 as well. We do have a tough schedule but that is everyone in the SEC. What Freshman do you think will make the largest impact this year?
from 4 months ago
Of course Julio should. I look for him to even start against Clemson. I think he will probably have numbers equaling or better than any other WR by the season's end, he really just that good.
I think Tyler Love will have as big a freshman year as Andre did, and balance a line that has had holes and a lack of depth the past few years.
Terrence Cody and Glenn Harbin are too huge studs to fill the lack of depth on the defensive line as well. I'm not sure if they will be redshirted (I'm guessing they will not), but they could have immediate impact in a huge way!
from 4 months ago
Nice profile pic. Repping your boys Tim and Simeon. Not many people are good friends with NFL players. You are my hero, seriously. : )
4 months ago
Good stuff dude. I think 8-3 is very possible.
4 months ago
With the road schedule, 8-3 is going to be tough. I think it's doable, but Alabama will have to play their best ball, and catch a few breaks.
As for the incoming freshman who will make the biggest impact? I look for Mark Ingram (RB from Michigan) to do some very good things before the year is out.
from 4 months ago
Yeah AL will have to play well for sure. 8-3 is with them staying healthy etc. all the things we don't know right now.
I agree that Mark Ingram will be a great RB. Seems like it will be hard to fit him in with the rotation of Coffee, Upchurch, and Grant right off the bat. His size and speed should make for a great RB in the near future. I could see Saban playing those Freshman early and often though because he is going to play the best player no matter class.
4 months ago
Alabama can't possibly go 8-3 this season. They play 12 games, not 11.
from 4 months ago
Tommy I meant to say 9-3. In a bit of a hurry finishing it up.
4 months ago
No problem. :)
4 months ago
It'll be 9-3 at worse. Bama beats au & LSU. Niether has a quarterback with any experience. Look at history when teams meet with a senior versus a newcomer.
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