How Early Will Alabama's Freshmen Play?

With the college football season upon us, let's take a look at Nick Saban's first full recruiting class and which of them will be counted on to make an immediate impact.

The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide class, which was named No. 1 in the country by Rivals, Scout, and ESPN, included 32 players, of which 22 were at least four stars on Rivals.

However, now that most of them have reported to camp, stars mean nothing.  Still with a lingering lack of depth due to probation, bad hires, and injuries, many of these incoming freshmen will be counted on to play early. 

On the offensive side of the ball, the Tide returns nine starters including QB John Parker Wilson, center Andre Caldwell, and left tackle Andre Smith.

However, key losses include star receivers DJ Hall and Keith Brown. True freshman Julio Jones, Burton Scott, and Chris Jackson will push for playing time.

Jones, the highly touted receiver from Foley, Ala., had two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown in Alabama's first scrimmage on Saturday.

Scott, a five-star recruit from Mobile, is a slot-type receiver with speed to burn.  Also, watch for Scott, a QB in high school, to line up at the quarterback position in the Tide's new "Uno Package." 

Jackson, from the Atlanta area, is projected to be the starting slot receiver after impressing Coach Saban with his ability and consistency. 

On the line, 6-foot-7 tackle Tyler Love will get some snaps primarily at RT, but will also be the backup at LT.  Running back Mark Ingram will push starter Terry Grant for time.  Look for four to seven freshmen to see action early on offense for the Tide.

On defense, Alabama only returns five starters from last year's 7-6 team. Sophomore Rolando McClain might be the best LB in the SEC, while All-SEC safety Rashad Johnson anchors the secondary. 

On the defensive line, JUCO transfer noseguard Terrance Cody has been very impressive early in camp. A whopping 6-foot-5 and 395 pounds, Cody is a plug in the middle and is quicker than most think. 

At defensive end, Birmingham native Marcel Dareus could start the first game.  Many think he could turn out to be the best player in this amazing class.

At linebacker, freshman Don'ta Hightower and Jerrell Harris will play a significant number of snaps in the opener against Clemson. Hightower had five tackles and one TFL in the Saturday scrimmage, while Harris has received praise from teammates.

In the secondary, cornerback Alonzo Lawrence is the apparent starter in the nickel package.  Lawrence, from Lucedale, Miss., gained national recognition after shutting down Julio Jones in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.

Mark Barron, from Mobile, is making a strong push to be the starting Strong Safety, a position currently held by Justin Woodall.  Look for five to eight freshmen/newcomers to help out what should be a strong defense for Alabama.

Nick Saban is known for being a strong recruiter.  He gets the players he wants and gets them to do things his way.  This Alabama class should be no different. 

They are drawing comparisons to LSU's 2004 class which won the National Championship last season.  Saban finally has his players in Tuscaloosa, and the Tide is on the rise.

Watch for a youth movement this season in year two as "The Process" continues.