2009 Alabama Recruiting: A Look at Offensive Needs

With signing day approaching, it's time to take a look at the offensive needs for the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide.

OL:

Alabama loses two very good players in Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell and another solid run blocker in Marlon Davis. Smith's physical presence will not be replaced in one season, and Caldwell's leadership will certainly be missed.

However, there is talent here that has been developing. Players like Tyler Love will certainly get a look and will probably play well. There is a possibility of playing time for recruits like DJ Fluker and Massie—if he does sign with the Tide. But, it is likely their time will be limited unless they come in and dominate during fall camp.

WR:

Julio Jones stepped up and lived up to the hype during his first season at Alabama.  However, someone must emerge as a No. 2 threat.

To say the current group is underwhelming is 100 percent accurate, but there is talent in the group. For a blue chip prospect, there is certainly the possibility of immediate playing time. However, Pat Patterson and Rueben Randle appear to be headed elsewhere at this junction.

Backfield:

Alabama loses a lot of leadership from this group. No one will say that John Parker Wilson was the most talented QB, but he managed games and didn't lose them like he had in the past.

Experience is not easily replaced at the QB position in the SEC. McCarron looks to be a great prospect for the future, but he will need time in the strength program before he's really ready to handle SEC hits. 

Glen Coffee's declaring for the draft means that there is plenty of playing time for fresh faces. Mark Ingram will be tough to unseat, but Trent Richardson will play early and often for Alabama. If Eddie Lacy comes to Alabama, he could be a factor as well, but it appears he will not qualify this time around.

Coach Nick Saban has never been afraid to play talented freshmen, and this year will be no different.

Here's a look at the possible first year contributors:

Randle and Patterson: While all signs show them signing elsewhere, either of these two WRs could step in and compliment Jones. However, barring a surprise, neither of these players will be playing for the Tide next season.

DJ Fluker: While Alabama has capable backups and some highly-recruited linemen waiting their turn, Fluker is a talent that is hard to deny.

His physicality at the line of scrimmage is second to none. He needs time to perfect his pass-blocking technique, but he is a mauler who is not likely to see a redshirt.

Trent Richardson: Richardson is everything that Saban wants in a RB. He's a fast, strong, and solid-between-the-tackles runner.

If he does stick with Alabama, he will be in every game, and he could possibly take a starting role, although Ingram is a capable RB in his own right and will make Richardson earn every carry that he gets.

AJ McCarron: Barring the injury bug, it is likely that McCarron will redshirt this season. That should not be perceived as a knock on McCarron but rather the fact that Greg McElroy, Thomas Darrah, and Star Jackson have a leg up on him by virtue of having time in Jim McElwain's system. McCarron is a big prospect for the future, but it is unlikely he will see the field his first year.

So that's a look at the offensive needs for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the possibilities of the big names contributing during their first year on campus.