Alabama’s Underclassmen: The Future of the Tide Is Bright

I’m not the resident recruiting expert, so I don’t often chime in on the prospect of the upcoming seasons. However, I’m feeling more confident than ever in Alabama’s future. The Tide won’t be in the national championship game every year, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t make an impressive showing on the field. We have great recruiting to be sure, but I’m most excited about the players we currently have. These guys will be kicking butt and taking names before everybody can figure out how to correctly pronounce. ‘Sunseri.’

Speaking of the defensive back who has been a glimmer in our eyes this season, Freshman Vinnie Sunseri is a promising player whose hometown can be found in the middle of Tide country, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  I’ve heard several people say that he could be the “real deal,” and I agree. He has already proven himself, with 29 total tackles for the season. He was named Special Teams Player of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff four times, and had a shining moment when he recovered his first career fumble against Tennessee this season. Sunseri is already an asset to the team, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store.

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Eddie Lacy is has been an able backup to Trent Richardson, and regularly proves he deserves the chance to carry the ball. This sophomore from Geismar, Louisiana is a thrill to watch, and pulls off spin moves that have earned him the nickname “Circle Button.” In his freshman year, Lacy had 406 rushing yards and picked up 631 total yards this season. He was given full rein in the North Texas game and showed off with an impressive 161 yards. Lacy is a game changer for the Tide, and already a fan favorite. He’s yet another awesome running back that will step up to fill the shoes of the one before him, and the one before him.

Sophomore C.J. Mosley, from Theodore, Alabama had a few rough moments this year after missing the Florida and Vanderbilt games due to a dislocated shoulder, but this linebacker is a force to be reckoned with on the field. As a freshman, he finished third on the team with 67 tackles for the season. In 2011, he’s had 34 total tackles and two sacks. and earned Defensive Player of the week. Against Tennessee, he had a stellar performance, with a team-high record eight tackles in one game. Moseley is a guy I want on my side in a bar fight.

Kenny Bell is a feisty, 175-pound Wide Receiver from Rayville, Louisiana who also happens to have a nice smile. Consequently, this sophomore makes me smile quite often. He’s quite fun to watch when he gets his hands on the ball. and has blossomed since his lackluster freshman year, having caught sixteen passes so far this season for 229 yards. He had four receptions for 55 yards in the North Texas game and also made quite a mark on the Tennessee game this year with a 39-yard touchdown reception. I tend to latch onto certain players and he is one of them. I’m looking forward to watching him grow as a receiver, and hope he sees a lot more action in the future.

These players are just a select few I chose to highlight. Alabama has a wealth of freshmen and sophomores waiting for their chance to take Bama to the next level. I admit it; I get pouty when it’s time for my favorite players to move on, worrying there will never be someone good enough to handle the job. But where one door closes and a player leaves to make millions in the NFL (or thousands selling used cars), another door opens to an eager, young player poised to take over.