Alabama Football: 5 Most Important Redshirt Freshmen and Transfers

Most of the nation’s top prep stars arrive on college campuses with massive expectations thanks to the side show that recruiting has become.  

At Alabama, Nick Saban has recruited at the highest of levels, strengthening an already stacked roster with talented newcomers and JUCO transfers ready to compete for playing time from the day they step foot on campus. 

While some players do make instant impacts, the majority goes through a normal adjustment period before developing into refined products on the field.  

Between the new JUCO players and a handful of redshirt freshmen, several players that took awhile to get settled are ready to make a push to contribute for the Crimson Tide this fall.  

Here are the five most important redshirt freshmen and transfers to watch at Alabama this season.  

Brent Calloway

Calloway has been on campus less than a year, yet it’s hardly been a quiet period for one of the cornerstones of the 2011 class. 

After bouncing around from running back to linebacker, Saban switched Calloway to H-back late in spring practices. 

Calloway caught two passes for 18 yards in last weekend’s A-Day game—working out at his new hybrid position that should take advantage of his athleticism on the offensive side of the ball.  

Calloway will battle sophomores Harrison Jones and Brian Vogler for the starting job until the season-opener against Michigan on September 1.  

Travell Dixon

Saban has had success in the past with plugging in JUCO transfers to fill holes on his roster—and Dixon will likely take over at the star position for one of Saban’s recent imports from the JUCO ranks, De’Quan Menzie. 

Dixon has the size (6’1”, 191 pounds) to play the physical and aggressive style that Saban covets in the secondary. 

With the star position having a huge responsibility in coverage on passing downs, Dixon will give Saban the option of putting a bigger corner that has the speed to stick with the smaller receivers normally found in the slot.  

Dixon recorded six tackles and broke up one pass in the A-Day game. 

LaMichael Fanning

On a roster loaded and blessed with several big-time athletes, few are more physically imposing than the 6’7”, 298-pound Fanning. 

Similar to A-Day standout and fellow 2011 class member Jeoffrey Pagan, Fanning has the ability to play inside on the defensive line—but his agility for a player with his size is truly special as a pass-rusher on the edges.  

With seniors Jesse Williams and Damion Square figuring to be anchors of the line, players like Fanning will be counted on to provide quality depth across the Crimson Tide’s defensive front.  

Wilson Love

Williams figures to be the opening day starter at the nose tackle position, but there is a battle to grab minutes in the rotation behind him on the defensive line.  

Love figures to be in the mix after a strong A-Day performance, racking up three tackles and a sack. 

Sophomore Brandon Ivory will also compete for the backup role at nose tackle, but Love is another versatile piece who can move around and contribute on the defensive line in the middle or on the ends.  

Deion Belue

Belue was one of the spring’s pleasant surprises—making his presence known early in spring practice by returning an interception 97 yards for a touchdown in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. 

Belue finished the spring on a high note, by recording three tackles and breaking up two passes during the A-Day game 

Considering his ability as a return man, his presence brings an added value to the team this season. 

He will figure strongly in the corner rotation—and could even grab the starting role opposite veteran Dee Milliner.  

Follow @skirp1