Alabama Crimson Tide: This Is Only the Beginning

It seems there's been some questioning of Alabama's future involving who is leaving, and who is coming in. Every day, people question the quarterback situation, the offensive line, and the defense. Here's my projection of what to watch for in 2009.

The Offense

1. Greg McElroy will be the starter next year, and his back-up will be Star Jackson. Four-Star recruit A.J. McCarron will most likely red-shirted, depending on how well he learns and adapts to the system. I look for Star Jackson to be used as a weapon for something such as the Wildcat formation.
2. The running back situation couldn't get any better, with Glen Coffee and Marc Ingram carrying the load, and don't be surprised when five star recruit, Trent Richardson, is not red-shirted and gets some carries as well.
3. You can not replace an Andre Smith, but with the recruiting mad scientist Nick Saban, you can come pretty close. Antone Caldwell was a big time center as well. These two men will be missed, but don't expect these losses to make too big of a difference.

No matter how the quarterback situation turns out, what is arguably the most talented wide receiver in college football will be ready to go in 2009; his name is Julio Jones. The recruiting mastermind, Nick Saban, will be sure to land a few other wide receivers who could/will make a huge difference. The only receiver leaving is Nikita Stover, who wasn't much of a factor anyway. With a commanding quarterback, the Tide's passing game could give them the offensive spark they've been looking for.

The Defense

1. With Mount Cody returning, his experience combined with his beastly appearance might help the Crimson Tide to have the most feared rushing defense. Linebacker Rolando Mcclain, who will be returning as a junior has the potential to be the best at his position in the league, alongside Mark Baron, who is shaping up to be among the elite. 
2. Losing Rashad Johnson, the one time walk-on, will affect the tide, but once again, I see Nick Saban finding someone to fit in his spot without problems. Watch out for young players such as Courtney Upshaw, Calvin Lee, and Alonzo Lawrence to step up as key figures to the Tide's success.

Alli Sharrief has shown great improvement since Nick Saban took the throne, and with another off-season of hard work, could develop into a top player. Combine these talented DB's with the mountainous defensive line, and you could have an impressive defense.

Special Teams

With returning kicker Leigh Tiffin, punter P.J. Fitzgerald, and dangerous return man Javier Arenas, the Tide doesen't lose much, and will improve over the off-season.

The Improved Team

The Tide have the tools, work-ethic, and coaches to have a repeated 12-0 season. Half of the players who helped Alabama get their undefeated regular season weren't Nick Saban's. In fact, they were Mike Shula's, who could barely crack the top 25 recruiting classes. Nick Saban's outstanding recruiting ability, combined with elite coaching ability, leaves the Tide with room to do nothing but improve. Kirk Herbstreit said that this is the least talented team that you will see under coach Saban, and look what they have already done. Alabama is back, and looking forward to success in the future.