Key To Bama's Season? DJ Fluker & James Carpenter

It is clear that Alabama will have one of the premiere defenses in the nation this year. Returning on defense are Arenas, Mt. Cody, Josh Chapman, and Rolando McClain just to name a few. Bama's defense is loaded with seasoned players as well as an influx of young blood. There is no doubt that Bama's defense will be awesome this year, maybe the best ever.

Offense is what everybody is questioning. Everyone is saying that the OL is going to be the weak spot on this team. Mike Johnson will be the leader and the key in getting the OL ready to roll this year.

I think the OL will not be a problem for very long or not even at all. Here's why:

- James Carpenter is 6'5" @ 305LB coming in as a JUCO Transfer. James was impressive in the spring and could play either guard or tackle. Much of what I have read says that James was recruited for the LT position. He will have competition from Fluker for the LT spot.

- DJ Fluker is massive young man standing 6'7" @ 355LB. DJ is one of those rare players that has the size, quickness, strength, and determination to come in as a true freshman and start at LT. If DJ learns quickly he could start at LT.

- Mike Johnson can do it all.

- William Vlachos will likely end up as the starting Center.

- Drew Davis will be the RT.

For the first time in several years, Alabama finally has some depth in the offensive line. If DJ can get up speed and win the starting LT position, that will free up Carpenter to take the LG position, Vlachos in at center, Johnson at RG and Davis at RT. Add Colin Peek as a blocking tight end and you can see how the OL is actually pretty close to being even more dominating than last year's OL. Yes, there is some inexperience, however, if Alabama can get a game or two under their belt without injuries look out.

If Fluker and Carpenter can get up to speed quickly, not only will that further improve the depth on the OL, but it will allow all of Alabama's other offensive weapons (Jones, Maze, Peek, Richardson, Ingram, Lacy, and McElroy) to do what they do best. Score and score often.

Can you image being Ingram, Richardson ,or Lacy and being able to run behind the Fluker/Carpenter wall? What about McElroy having time to throw from the pockets this OL will create?

Alabama's Offensive success will be at its best this year if Fluker and Carpenter can get rolling quickly. They are the key to a monster offensive year. Roll Tide!!!