Locked and Loaded: The Crimson Tide Are Ready to Fire

With new commitments coming on a seemingly weekly basis, and an experienced offense to boot, the Crimson Tide are ready to fire on the 2010 football season. 

On the offensive side of the ball, The University of Alabama has a lot of experience in Greg McElroy (a QB who has never lost a game as a starter) and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram .

The first-team defense of Alabama had its hands full, and a lot to prove. By keeping the 2010 A-Day game even at 17 points a piece by the end of regulation, they provided answers to a lot of questions concerning the talent they lost to the NFL draft.

In my opinion, the defense left no room for speculation that they may not be able to perform as well as the previous season. 

In recent years, the lack of depth at certain positions has been a major issue for the Tide, but I think those days are over. In addition to Mark Ingram at RB, Trent Richardson is sure to see even more playing time this year. In no way will he take the starting job from the 2009 Heisman winner, but he will share the responsibility; you can click here to see why. 

Greg McElroy however, could lose his starting job to A.J. Mccarron , if he slips up. It would take a really bad performance or an off-field incident, but it could happen given Mccarron's outstanding performance in the spring game.

With all of the new talent Alabama has waiting in the wings, I often wonder how Nick Saban and Co. are able to continuously land top-notch athletes. The Tide accepted two verbal commitments just before the A-Day scrimmage. One was form Ha'sean Clinton-Dix, the top rated safety in the nation, and another from LaMichael Fanning from Auburn High School, the 12th overall defensive end in the nation. 

Coach Saban told Clinton-Dix "A safety who can play anywhere on the field is one of our top needs in this class".  When any team is successful like Alabama has been, more and more juniors are going to spring for the chance to play in the NFl.  Because of that, there will always be young, talented athletes ready to fill an empty roster spot.

With the depth issues cleared, and the questions of a replacement defense answered, the only thing Alabama has to do is stay focused on the goals Coach Saban and his staff set for them. If they do that, the repeat championships will follow. 

Signing off and Roll Tide,

Derek Smith