Alabama's Scout Team From Hell

Facing UT Chattanooga this week it should afford the fans a chance to look at some younger players.   What you won't be seeing are many members of the number one rated 2009 recruiting class.

Most are on schedule to red shirt.   The scout team gets no press but their hard work has been crucial to Alabama's 10-0 start.  So lets take a look at the newest members of the Scout Team From Hell.

When they line up there is one guy that “literally” stands out.

OL DJ Fluker 6' 6” 350lbs: According to Internet chatter the mammoth five star prospect from Foley pancaked a few experienced players in practice this fall.  The problem with Fluker is technique and footwork.  He's massive and he needs that to pass block in the SEC.  

Fluker only played offensive line his senior year in high school so he is still learning the position.  Recent reports indicate his weight has been dropping and his technique improving. its highly likely he will be in the thick of the battle for the right tackle spot that will be vacated by Drew Davis at the end of this year.

OL Anthony Steen 6' 4” 295

Steen was not the highest rated prospect by recruiting services but once he hit campus he quickly made himself a contender on the offensive line.  At times he had climbed as high as 2nd string on the line but eventually fell back to take a red shirt. 

OL Brandon Moore 6' 5” 313

Moore was a highly touted recruit out of Montgomery.  When he signed nobody really knew if he would be on offense or defense.  Its possible that question hasn't been answered yet.  Moore is very athletic and could end up almost anywhere. 

Wide Receivers:
Kevin Norwood 6' 3” 180
Kendell Kelly 6' 4” 210
Kenny Bell 6' 1” 160
Michael Bowman 6' 4” 206

All four of these guys had their moments in the fall camp.  Only one or possibly two were ever going to see the field this year and it was up and down all fall as to who might get the shot.  Eventually Michael Bowman won out.  

Bowman after playing some early has been hurt several times.  If we don't see him on the field Saturday against the Mocs its a good chance that he will apply for and get a medical red shirt for 2009.  Bowman is a physical beast of a receiver and looked very good in limited playing time.

RB Eddie Lacy 5' 11” 210

Lacy actually had the best run I saw at the open practice this fall.  He arrived late this summer due to qualification issues and it put him behind.  He's currently the scout team running back and may take more lumps than any starter in the SEC. 

Lacy wasn't as prepared for playing time as Richardson but the talent level between the two may be closer than many realize.  His running style is different, more elusive and fluid compared to Richardson raw power.   

RB Mike Marrow 6' 2” 240

Marrow is a big bruising fullback/Hback.  After a year in the weight room look for him to have a roll going forward.

QB AJ McCarron 6' 4” 189

McCarron had the most live arm I saw this fall.  His main weakness was experience and size.  He needs to mature physically if he's going to play quarterback in the SEC. 

McCarron has the skills and has recently been promoted from the scout team according to published reports.  He won't win the starting job in 2010 as long as Greg McElroy is around but he could take the number two job which will put him in front for 2011.

DL Darrington Sentimore 6' 3” 265

Sentimore was probably closer to playing time than the other freshman defensive lineman.  At many schools he would have got that time,  but Alabama is so deep on the defensive line he had little chance without multiple injuries.   Alabama graduates all three starting defensive lineman this year so the opportunities will be there.

DL William Ming 6' 4” 265

After Sentimore Ming probably made the most noise.  Ming didn't pass the eye test but he is a high motor guy.  Many of the NFL's best pass rushers don't look so freakish in street cloths.  Its a gift,  Ming may have it.

DL  Chris Bonds 6' 4” 262:  Another highly rated defensive end prospect from South Carolina. 

LB Jonathan Atchinson 6' 3” 215:  Atchinson looked a little skinny to me in recruiting photo's but he bulked up nicely by time he showed up for fall practice. 

LB Tana Patrick 6' 3” 215

Atchinson and Patricks both pushed hard for playing time this fall and again at mid season when it was clear another linebacker was needed to replace Danta Hightower.  Nico Johnson won that battle and is a starter but I don't think Patrick and Atchinson were far behind.

LB Pete Smith 6' 0” 230

Smith is a battering ram.  He is not the sexy pick, you won't see him on many magazine covers, but this guy can level you.  It was obvious in high school all star games what Saban saw in Smith.  For his style of game he needed a year to work out.

LB Ed Stinson 6' 4” 227

Stinson is the prototypical Jack linebacker.  He needed to add some muscle to handle that job and I'm sure will be getting it.  I've read conflicting reports on Stinsons weight.  Some said he reported to campus closer to 250 but so far the rosters don't reflect that.

There are some greyshirts out there. Defensive lineman Anthony Orr and offensive lineman Kellen Williams and Darius McKeller all greyshirted and should be available this spring.   By greyshirt they will become part of the 2010 class. 

Also this spring Jalston Fowler should arrive.   Fowler is a brutish 6' 0” 245 running back from Prichard Al.  He was past the age limit to play high school football as a senior so he had to sit the year out.  He will graduate and be on campus this spring. 

With Fowler offensive lineman Chad Lindsay from woodlands Texas plans to enroll and be availble for spring.

One position you didn't see in my list was defensive back.  Alabama only inked two DB's in 2009 and both have been playing in mop up duty and on special teams.  

Alabama will graduate six experienced defensive backs this year,  another, Kareem Jackson could take a peek at the NFL draft.  Saban did not have the luxury of redshirting either Rod Woodson or Dre Kirkpatrick.    In fact Look for some of the 2010 signees to get a serious look come fall.

Alabama won't start every year out 10-0 but the raw talent coming down the line is significantly greater than what is leaving.  Thats bad news for the rest of the SEC West.