Alabama Fall Position Preview: Running Backs and Half Backs.

. Ingram signed with Alabama this past February, and while he has yet to put on the pads, he has the athletic ability to contribute right away. Ingram possesses a great mixture of power, size, and speed. He is physically mature for an incoming freshman, and brings unlimited potential with him to the Capstone. He torched defenses at a senior in high school, and also showed off his athleticism by excelling on the track, where he ran a 10.6 in the 100 meters and a 21.8 in the 200 meters. Expect Ingram to get some carries with the first team offense during fall camp. The young back will have his chance to be the feature back in the Tide’s offense. Regardless, Ingram will have a role, as he’s just too talented to keep on the bench for long.

This time last year, Alabama fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of then true freshman Demetrius Goode (5-10, 197) to the backfield. Goode came to Tuscaloosa with high expectations, and the Tide staff was counting on him to add some depth and crack the playing rotation. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending knee injury in one of the first practices of fall camp and never got a chance to showcase his ability. Goode spent the season rehabbing his knee (torn ACL) while he redshirted, and worked hard in an effort to participate in spring practices. While he didn’t appear to be 100% healthy, he was cleared to resume playing, and was finally able to get in some valuable work on the field. This fall, expect Goode to be fully healthy and getting some carries. It is unclear just how he will respond now that he’s completely healthy again, but he brings a physical presence to the backfield and fits the bill as an all-purpose back.

One player that Tide fans are looking forward to seeing on the field is redshirt freshman Jeramie Griffin (6-0, 225). Griffin was originally signed in 2007 to play fullback, but also got practice time at tailback last season. Griffin is a bruising runner and good blocker who will likely be utilized in goal line and short yardage situations as a lead blocker and occasional ball carrier. He is the top fullback on the roster, and will get his name called when the Tide utilizes the position on game days.

One running back that Tide fans will remember from last year is senior Jonathan Lowe (5-7, 184). Lowe saw action in 10 games last year, splitting time between running back and a kick returner. He earned most of his carries late in the season when injuries started to mount on some of the other backs. He filled the void by rushing for 99 yards on 24 attempts (4.1 average), and catching 5 passes for 19 yards. Lowe is more of a situational back where he can use his speed and quickness out in space. He is not an every down back who can get the tough yards between the tackles against SEC defenses. Look for Lowe to continue his role as a back-up, but he will not be relied upon heavily unless injuries make their way through the depth chart.

Besides Mark Ingram, Alabama has two other 2008 signees that will be adding depth to the stable of backs, Ivan Matchett (5-10, 210) and Jeramaine Preyear (5-11, 212), both out of Mobile, AL. More than likely, both of these players are headed for a redshirt season barring anything unforeseen. However, of the two, Matchett is probably more ready to step in and play if needed. He is a physical back who runs with good power and will pick up yards after contact. He was also a very good blocker in high school and should perform that task well in college too.

Jermaine Preyear can do a little bit of everything as a running back. He has the power to run between the tackles, the speed to get outside, and good hands as a receiver out of the backfield. Preyear will almost certainly serve an important role in the seasons ahead, but a year in the strength and conditioning program while redshirting would benefit him and pay dividends down the road.

There are three other names that could be called upon should they be needed to add depth during the season, junior Baron Huber (6-3, 242), sophomore Patrick Hanrahan (6-0, 232), and incoming true freshman Chris Jordan (6-2, 213). Huber had spent his entire college career at full back until this past spring when coaches moved him to defense shore up the inside linebacker position. It remains unclear at this point if Huber will stay on defense or move back to offense, but Saban has made no indications recently that point to him going back to fullback. If Huber does return to fullback, he will bring some experience back with him. As a junior last season, he was the starter at that position and saw action in all 13 games. He didn’t get a carry, but paved the way for others as a very solid blocker. Huber is an intelligent player and plays with high intensity. He is a favorite of the coaching staff and a leader both on and off the field.

Patrick Hanrahan has spent his time in Tuscaloosa as a reserve fullback. Hanrahan is a roster filler at this point and spends most of his time on scout teams. Chris Jordan, a 2008 signee, is a newcomer to the Crimson Tide. He was recruited as an athlete out of Brentwood Academy (TN) who could play running back or linebacker. After signing, Jordan indicated that he would start out on offense, but since reporting to Alabama for the summer term, he has been working exclusively at linebacker in 7-on-7 drills. Regardless of which position he plays, he is likely looking at a redshirt season this year.

 

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