For Alabama Crimson Tide, Size Does Matter

In my senior year in high school I was a 175 pound outside linebacker. Thanks to attrition the year before, they moved me to guard. There were times I was a little over matched.

Particularly against future NFL defensive end Trace Armstrong, and offensive lineman Zefross Moss. In Moss's case it was more like “can I get tangled in his shoes while he runs over me”.

From that experience I can tell you unequivocally that SIZE DOES MATTER.

Bigger guys have an advantage that even good leverage can't always overcome. Smaller guys have an advantage in speed, and quickness that you can't coach.

Every year I like to compare the Alabama roster from the year before to see who's getting bigger, and who's leaning out.

Nick Saban has stated on several occasions that most freshman arrive overweight initially relative to their strength.

Consequently many freshman lose weight the first year, but begin piling on the muscle after that. Some do both the first year, for others it takes longer.

From the published weights this time last year compared to now I found the following notable changes.

Starting with offense here are some big gainers:

RB Demetrius Goode +29

TE Preston Dial +17

OL Kellen Williams +17

WR Michael Bowman + 15

WR Kenny Bell +12

OL Barrett Jones +12

Some of these are eye popping, especially the numbers on Goode. That might account for his success at A-Day, and the possibility that he could challenge Eddie Lacy for the third running back spot.

Tight End Preston Dial came on strong last year, and he may be in for a big season in 2010 with some added bulk.  Blocking was his specialty, and this should make him even more effective.

There were several of the freshman receivers signed in 2009 that needed to bulk up for SEC play, and they did so. Sophomore Michael Bowman however,  is moving into Terrell Owens territory at 225.

Bowman may split some time at H-Back this year, because of his physical presence.

With his moves, hands, and size he could present a major match up problem for linebackers to cover.

Of the starting offensive lineman only Barrett Jones put on weight. He was a little light last year so this will help him take the next step in his development. DJ Fluker however, has been trying to drop weight since arriving.

Flukers massive size excited recruiting nuts, but his ability to block speed rushers was more important than looking scary on paper. Fluker has lost 10 pounds.

Brad Smelly struggled last year relative to his freshman season. He has lost six pounds. It's possible this was an attempt to increase speed and agility.

One lineman, John Michael Boswell appears to have lost 15 lbs. I'm not sure whats up with that. Boswell played extensively as a true freshman, but lost his spot to Barrett Jones last year and has not played extensively since.

Kellen Williams is a young lineman just staring his career. I don't know where he falls on the depth chart, but his 17 lb weight gain either indicates effort in the weight room, or too many hamburgers. Hopefully it is the weights.

The 2009 starting defense was massive. The 2010 version will be smaller,  thanks partially to the loss of Mt Cody.  This years D may be faster. 

DL Nick Gentry +18

LB Courtney Upshaw +14

LB Nico Johnson +13

LB Ed Stinson +12

DL Damion Square +12

DL Marcel Dareus +10

LB Jonathan Atchinson +8

Nick Gentry posted the biggest gain here. He's been a regular contributor over his career, and hopefully the added bulk will help him continue those contributions in his final season.

In light of the games turned in by Marcel Dareus and Courtney Upshaw against Texas, it should be scary to think that these two have gotten bigger and stronger. These two have the potential to be one of the more feared defensive combos in college football.

Nico Johnson lost his starting spot this spring, and his weight gain might help him get it back.

Ed Stinson looks to be the front runner for the #2 jack, and his added bulk could help him hold off a talented group of players who want his job.

Damion Square could be the guy to replace Dareus if the NCAA does not restore his eligibility. If that is the case he would need to step into some pretty big shoes.

Defensive End Chris Bonds lost 17 pounds since arriving at the capstone last year. Internet scuttlebutt indicates the dramatic change may result in playing time in the speed rush packages. Bonds is now at 263 which is about the size of many of the country's better pass rushing ends.

I noted a lack of weight gain in the secondary. This is a reversal of the trend last year, and could indicate less run support ability from this unit.  Its hard to tell however, because the corners on this squad are taller.   It really depends on how physical they will be.

Overall I've noted in the past that it takes about three years for a program to reach peak physical condition when a new coach arrives. Last year was that year, and now Alabama is more in maintenance and mode.

Though the change this year was not as dramatic as last year, the foundation could not be more solid. 

Summer conditioning is over,  its time to hear some pads popping.