14 Till 14: The 6 Alabama Players to Watch In 2014

Just six days away from the kickoff of Crimson Tide football, and we’ve officially entered game week. In case you haven’t been keeping up with Alabama so far this off season, our past two games could mentally exhaust any fan, here are six players to keep an eye on this season.

Offense

Kenyan Drake

Throughout the season, it will be known that I’m a huge Kenyan Drake fan. He’s probably most famously known now for his timely fumbles, but Drake is a talented RB with great vision and explosiveness. Despite his high ranking coming out of high school, he’s always sorta flown under the radar. Especially after big names like Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and then T.J. Yeldon’s famous flip from Auburn to Alabama. Drake has always been able to produce despite his issues (on and off the field at this point) and in this new offense, he could have a great season. He may be splitting time with two other very capable RBs, but Lane Kiffin knows how to get the ball to his dangerous weapons and we’re going to see Drake as a receiving threat a lot more than we have in the past. Drake should eclipse over 1,000 total yards for the season and any bad taste from last year behind.

Chris Black

Remember that highly touted receiver who signed with Alabama in 2012? No not Amari Cooper, I’m talking about Chris Black. After an injury that kept him out all of 2012 and a back up role in the slot in 2013, the 2014 season will be his break out season. With WRs Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell moving on, the versatile Black should see a lot more playing time. Since he’s been working both out wide and in the slot so far in camp, he’ll bring additional value to Kiffin’s offense. He may not show up on the 1st team depth chart but make no mistake he’ll see plenty of snaps and the production will follow.

Ryan Kelly

Pegged the Barrett Jones replacement right after signing day, Kelly has had to deal with immense pressure and competition during his time at Alabama. In 2012 he was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, coming off the bench in 10 games. Last season Kelly battled now Ohio State starter Chad Lindsay throughout camp and even throughout the season but still started 9 of the 13 games. With the position all to himself and plenty of experience, Kelly has stepped up and is one of the leaders on the team now. The anchor on the OL isn’t just an important spot offensively but requires leadership and knowledge as well. Which made the last great center so valuable during his time here (psst; it’s Barrett Jones). Kelly is in a much more comfortable spot and will be making a push for an All-SEC type of season.

Defense

A’Shawn Robinson

I tried to not put too many big names on here, but Robinson is such an interesting player to talk about. Robinson is in line for an All-American season. The versatile defensive lineman can line up inside or out and brings enough different tools to either stuff the run or go after the QB. With as much versatility and interchangeability on this year’s defensive unit, Robinson will be one of the few mainstays. Despite only starting two games last season, he still led the Tide with 5.5 sacks for the season. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, he’s a menacing opponent for anyone on the other side of the ball. From registering the only sack against Johnny Manziel last season to now being recognized for many preseason awards, Robinson has come a long way in such a short time.

Reggie Ragland

I may be slightly biased since he played for my high school’s rival, but this is the year he steps up. The former five-star player has waited long enough on the bench, behind current NFL players mind you, and is ready to prove himself and become the next big name. Leading special teams in tackles last season, the standout special teamer is hoping to make an impact defensively. With Trey DePriest still playing himself back into shape after an injury and suspension, Ragland may be more important to Alabama’s early season success than we thought. From another standpoint, Ragland is one of the few five star players that we really haven’t heard a lot about so far. I’m eager to see if he lives up to the hype or gets lost in the shuffle.

Eddie Jackson

Like Kenyan Drake, this is my man crush on defense. His lack of knowing the playbook seemed to be the reason he was a resident of Nick Saban’s dog house last season, but when Jackson did see the field, he was the best CB Alabama had. Going into this season he had a very unfortunate knee injury in April, but his rehab has been amazingly quick and may even see the field against West Virginia. Other CBs Bradley Sylve and Cyrus Jones, both who made the position change oddly enough, are still battling for their jobs as well. Talented freshmen Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey have made strides in camp so far, and Brown has really benefited being here for Spring practice. By mid-season Jackson should be back in the line up healthy and ready for the long stretch of the SEC season. Putting away any fear of Alabama lacking a top CB.