Alabama Football: The 5 Strongest Positions on the Tide's 2013 Roster

Alabama is poised for a third consecutive title run with a loaded lineup for the 2013 season. There are a number of talented players who line the roster, but five groups stand out from the rest.

The Tide take pride in their defense, and there is a lot to show for their efforts, but the receiving corps may be one of the country’s best units this fall.

This is a look at the top position groups for Alabama heading into the fall. 

Linebacker

Alabama continues to reload at the linebacker position with a number of starters returning from a year ago. C.J. Mosley headlines a powerful group that helped the Tide finish with the best defense in the country a year ago.

This season Trey DePriest, Adrian Hubbard and Mosley will bring along freshman Denzel Devall as they try and form another top defensive group for 2013.

This is a dangerous unit that will carry the defense next fall. They are loaded with top talent and have a discipline that produces undeniable results. Led by All-American Mosley, this unit will be feared in the SEC. 

Receiver

Alabama accidentally built depth last year in the receiving corps when injuries plagued the first- and second-teamers by midseason. Breakout star Amari Cooper came in as a freshman and took over the deep route for the Tide, solidifying his presence for 2013.

Kenny Bell is back coupled with Kevin Norwood and DeAndrew White. This group is dangerous and has a very successful quarterback who is ready for a possible Heisman run.

This year is set up to be the best in recent memory for the Alabama offense under new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. 

Safety

Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix is the headliner for a powerful safety group.

Last year he was effective in the zone and was a ball hawk in the national title game. Clinton-Dix coupled with Vinnie Sunseri, Nick Perry and Landon Collins, this group is the country’s best.

These safeties are dangerous against the pass and the run. They are also proficient with turnovers.

This year the safety position will battle to be the best unit on the Tide defense. 

Cornerback

Deion Belue is one of the premier lockdown corners for the Tide this fall. He will be coupled with John Fulton and Geno Smith as Alabama attempts to rebuild its most effective unit from a year ago.

This position group is one that plays well in man, but the way they attack the run is the most impressive thing to watch. This cornerback group stands up the toughest runners in the SEC consistently.

Brandon Sylve is also coming along at the position and will be a big playmaker in the future for the Tide.

This group is still developing, but they are one of the most talented in the conference for 2013. 

Quarterback

The quarterback group is not very deep right now for the Tide, but they are led by one of the most talented and efficient passers in the country. A.J. McCarron finished the year looking like the most effective player in the country at his position.

This spring he continued to prove that he is an elite signal-caller, and backup quarterback Blake Sims stepped up his game and showed some promise for the future.

Watching this unit develop as a whole over the summer and into the fall will be a treat for Tide fans as it becomes a cornerstone for the offense in 2013. 

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