Alabama Football Goes Back To the Future: February 6th and Beyond

Joshua  Zavadil by Correspondent Written on January 19, 2008
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With the future of Alabama Crimson Tide football roughly two weeks away from jumping on board officially, there are many things other than recruiting that are worth talking about.

A large group of Seniors graduated this year and there will definitely be a lot of shuffling around within the depth chart come August.

That makes for a lot of areas of concern and interest for the coaching staff, as they prepare to evaluate certain areas of interest. However, it is perfectly reasonable to put full faith in this coaching staff.

They have shown by their impeccable track record that they know what they are doing. Only time will tell what will come of the work being put into this program. Moreover, it will undoubtedly be positive.

As the dawn slowly arrives for the new age of Alabama Football, twenty to thirty of the nation's most talented 18 year olds in the nation are about to embark on the greatest journey of their lives.

The offensive talent coming in is nothing short of amazing.

A handful of these players could possibly come in and compete for playing time early. Chris Jackson, Melvin Ray, Tyler Love, Star Jackson, and Burton Scott are all names that have been mentioned on this issue.

Star Jackson will have to come in and learn the system quickly, but his innate ability and athleticism should propel him into a role faster than most would think. Melvin Ray is also another player who is looking to come in and make an impact.

When asked about his chances of making starting next year Melvin had this to say. "The coaches have definitely told that I most likely will start next year at Wide Receiver depending on my work ethic."

On the defensive side of the ball there are many players who could make an impact as well.

Don'ta Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Robby Green and Chris Jordan are some players that have all the capability needed to come in and make a run for the top of the depth chart. It will be interesting to see how these players respond to their opportunities.

The spots on the roster left open by the Senior Class of 2007 is a huge part of why the Crimson Tide will be able to sign as many prospects as they are intending to sign.

Among the most notable losses for the Crimson Tide are Simeon Castille, Wallace Gilberry, and D.J. Hall. After seemingly rewriting the Alabama record books, D.J. Hall moves into playing football on Sundays. Hopefully he can be even more successfully on the professional level.

Simeon Castille leaves Alabama after becoming a vocal leader for his team in his four years as a part of the program. He is the son of former Tide star Jeremiah Castille, and the third of four probable Castilles to play for Alabama (Simeon's brother, Caleb, is an upcoming Junior for Briarwood Christian High School).

Wallace Gilberry, the most acclaimed graduating defensive player will move on to a bright future in the NFL. Predicted by some analysts to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd round, Gilberry will be a great player for whichever team drafts him.

Many defensive spots are ready to be filled with the loss of starters Keith Saunders, Simeon Castille, Wallace Gilberry. Marcus Carter and Darren Mustin.

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written on January 19, 2008 Sports

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