Alabama Football: Impact Freshmen Key to Tide’s Season

The Alabama football team faced more bark than bite in Athens on Saturday. Jake Coker looked poised in the pocket and delivered strikes all game. Derrick Henry and the offensive line abused Georgia up front. The Reggie Ragland and Jarran Reed led defense shut down Georgia until the game was out of hand. Saturday’s matchup was an almost flawless display, so why can’t I stop thinking about the freshmen?

Since the beginning of the Saban era in Tuscaloosa, this year may rely on freshmen more than ever before. Calvin Ridley recorded 5 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown while replacing the injured Robert Foster. Minkah Fitzpatrick fought his way into the rotation, totaling 4 tackles, including a sack and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Ronnie Harrison continues to compete for playing time and on Saturday he picked off Greyson Lambert.

Despite playing on the most talented and deepest unit in football, Daron Payne was listed as a starter and mauled Georgia’s interior line. Damien Harris has proven his value backing up Derrick Henry and returning kicks. Redshirt freshman Marlon Humphrey battled against Malcolm Mitchell and intercepted Brice Ramsey as well.

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Is that everyone? By my count, that’s six freshmen who made an impact in a hostile environment, with their backs against the wall fighting to stay in playoff contention. I didn’t even include Bo Scarbrough, whose role will increase as the season progresses. It’s not surprising to see some of these players step up, but it’s the quantity that’s astounding. Despite Alabama losing a game early, thus having enough time to climb back up the polls, Alabama can’t drop another game and expect to make the playoff. Therefore, every player that makes a positive impact is critical to the rest of the season.

Of course, there is plenty of talent provided by the upperclassmen. Derrick Henry is a legitimate Heisman candidate, Ryan Kelly anchors the offensive line, Cam Robinson shuts down the pass rush, Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson plug the middle, Reggie Ragland is the leader of the defense, and Cyrus Jones brings experience to the defensive backfield.

Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After experiencing the 2013 Iron Bowl, the unfortunate breaks against Ole Miss in the last two matchups and seeing Cardale Jones stretch the defense thin, every play and every player’s role matters. Where do the freshmen come in? No one expects the young guys to carry the team, but to just fill the cracks in the foundation. Whether that’s the defense improving against the deep ball or becoming a threat in the passing game, these become important factors throughout the season.

So far, this team has a passing grade. Outside of Alabama beating Alabama against Ole Miss, the program hasn’t skipped a beat. The offense may have finally found their identity in Athens and the defense looks like one of the best under Saban, and in a run-heavy conference, Alabama’s strength will be tested every Saturday. The added depth that the freshmen bring provides a bonus.

Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) celebrates with defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) after an interception by Harrison against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Warhawks 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Marlon Humphrey will be looking to add to his family legacy at Alabama. Humphrey cracked the starting lineup against Wisconsin and hasn’t looked back, improving every week. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison have become special team studs while also seeing more time on defense and even making impact plays such as sacks and interceptions. Daron Payne looks like a man among boys, a scary thought considering he still has at least two more years with Scott Cochran. The fact that Payne has already cracked the rotation is impressive enough, not even sure how to describe starting in just the fifth week of the season. With Alabama being sound in the defensive backfield and being able to shut down the run against opponents, the defense looks to become the most feared in the country again.

On offense, it’s a work in progress but there were a lot of positives to take from Saturday. The hype around Calvin Ridley seems legit. Ridley found open spaces against the defense and uses his speed and route running ability to shred them. The coaching staff loves Damien Harris and he has seen the field quite a bit this season and will look to take on a bigger role along with fellow freshman Bo Scarbrough back from his suspension and injury. Scarbrough brings nearly the same size as Henry but is more athletic and has surer hands. Alabama will find a way to get him on the field more as they enter the heart of SEC play.

The season doesn’t hinge on the new guys, but they’ll certainly be the added boost the team needs. Regardless of how this season ends, the future is certainly bright with these guys and others like Blake Barnett, Kendall Sheffield, Lester Cotton and Daylon Charlot sitting in the wings. For now, fans are just hoping this learning experience continues to bring big plays and even bigger wins.