Alabama Football: What to Expect from the Tide's Early Enrollees in the Spring

Several members of Alabama’s top-rated 2012 recruiting class have gotten a head start on their college careers by enrolling at Alabama in January. 

In all, eight recruits—including two JUCO transfers—are already on campus in Tuscaloosa and participating in the team’s offseason training program.  

The Crimson Tide lost a host of contributors off of last year’s national championship team, but this group will start the reloading process in earnest when spring drills begin next month.  

So what role will the newest faces on campus play in helping the Tide defend their title in the fall? 

Here's a look at what to expect from the Tide’s eight early enrollees in spring ball.  

Ryan Anderson

The 6’3”, 250-pound Anderson is likely to begin his career in Tuscaloosa at the hybrid Jack linebacker position.  

Anderson, whose cousin is former Crimson Tide and current Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry, is also capable of playing defensive end, as evidenced by his senior season at Daphne (Ala.) High School where he registered 12 sacks. 

His versatility in being able to play multiple positions will give the coaches a chance to see where he fits best in the Tide’s 3-4 scheme.  

Deion Belue

An original member of Alabama’s 2010 class, Belue took a two-year pit stop at Northeast Mississippi Community College before rerouting to his intended destination.  

Belue will likely get a chance to compete for open vacancies at cornerback on defense and as a return man on special teams.  

His ability as playmaker in the return unit is where he figures to make his initial impact on the college level.

Chris Black

Black is one of a pair of highly touted pass-catching imports from the Sunshine State that Alabama was able to pry away from Florida’s three in-state powers.  

The consensus 4-star prospect is a sure-handed target that averaged almost 18 yards per catch over his final two prep seasons.  

With his size and that type of big-play capability, Black is a playmaker who can be moved around to different spots (perhaps the slot in three-wide packages) in order to create mismatches.

Amari Cooper

If Black wasn’t the best receiver in Florida last season, Cooper was his closest competition for that title.  

His two long touchdowns in the Under Armour All-American game—a 75-yard reception and a 93-yard punt return—displayed the big-play ability he will look to carry into this spring in Tuscaloosa.  

Cooper is likely to begin his career at one of the outside receiver positions

Travell Dixon

Saban has a knack for identifying players in the JUCO ranks who can come in and make an immediate impact while filling a need. 

Dixon, one of the top JUCO cover corners available, is looking to succeed the Tide’s last successful JUCO import at corner—De’Quan Menzie.    

The 6’2”, 200-pounder should jump into the competition for Menzie’s old spot this spring.  

Dillon Lee

Lee comes from a powerhouse—Buford High School—with an established winning tradition (won four straight state titles from 2007-10 before falling in the championship game in 2011). 

He should fit right in at the Capstone, bringing his penchant for winning and the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker.

Look for Lee to begin his college career at one of the Tide’s outside linebacker spots and be a significant contributor on special teams this fall.  

Alphonse Taylor

Taylor is a massive defensive tackle (6’5”, 340 pounds) that originally committed to Florida State as an offensive tackle.  

This spring should help him adjust to the defensive side of the ball, after spending most of his career on the offensive line.  

Taylor is one of five defensive tackle prospects signed in the 2012 class, but he is the only one that will be able to participate in spring drills. 

His massive frame will likely find a home lining up over the center at nose guard in the Tide’s 3-4 alignment.  

T.J. Yeldon

Yeldon, Alabama’s Mr. Football for 2011, was arguably the Tide’s biggest coup considering he was committed to in-state rival Auburn before switching just weeks before he arrived on campus in Tuscaloosa.  

Eddie Lacy is comfortably atop the depth chart at running back, but the competition for the backup role should be intense with Yeldon among a number of talented options for Doug Nussmeier to consider.  

The 6’2”, 210-pound Yeldon was the nation’s No. 2 running back prospect in the 2012 class according to 247sports.com and figures to be an impact freshman for the Tide this fall. 

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