It’s time for the National Signing Day edition of the Alabama Football Podcast with Tom and Dave.
It’s not like we really need a reason to sit back and talk Alabama Football but the calendar never disappoints. This time it’s National Signing Day and the crazy haul that Saban and crew signed up. Future Champions Day is what we should be calling it. And so it goes, Tom and I fired up the podcast machine and we’re now serving up a fresh batch of our made-with-love football talk. Get yours on iTunes or the link below.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
Balanced Class – There is a reason Alabama always seems to be reloading rather than rebuilding. Sure it has to do with recruiting and talent on the roster but there is more to it than that. We take a look at this class in the context of the full roster and in context of recent classes to demystify the Tide’s ability to reload annually.
Day One Contributors – It amazes me that teams continue to negative recruit against Alabama with tales of waiting in line and not getting playing time. First it backhands their own program and second it’s just wrong. Sure, some high schoolers require time to develop and fill out before being able to face the rigors of major college football play but at which program is this not true? They are the ones who have this thing next-level figured out.
But the facts are the facts, freshmen do play at Alabama and some contribute mightily. Nearly half of last year’s class saw action and four earned starting roles.
So from the 2016 class who will contribute from the jump? Tune in as we identify five or six guys capable of making a roster splash.
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- Alabama’s latest win total projection hints that team is in trouble this season
- Alabama Football: What happened with again QB1 Jalen Milroe
Career Achievement – Like we said, some players will redshirt. This may be a nod to their individual need for further development, it could be log jam at the position or it might simply be the nature of the position – QB and OL come to mind.
However, these guys can still have out-sized careers and legacies – just ask McCarron, Ragland, Fluker, or any number of other players if they’d trade their slow start for their elevated finish.
Listen as we struggle to contain the list on this topic… after all, Saban gives us such good content with which to work.
Wildcard – In this segment Tom and I each offer up a signee that has a unique opportunity to carve out a role for themselves. Perhaps it’s from the start or perhaps it evolves over time but make no doubt we’re making big predictions for these guys.
Biggest Disappointment – Are we not satisfied?! Well, yes we are but the only true compliment to excess is simply more excess.
Biggest Surprise – It’s too many to list and I’ve thought of more even since we recorded the show – for example, is it real that we’ve signed multiple top 10 corners in each of the last three classes? And they are all still on the roster!! How can that even be real?
Well, tune in to catch the surprises that actually made the show.
What’s Next – Tom and I will be back with more shows this off season. Subscribe to BamaHammer and to iTunes to get our latest articles and podcasts. Meanwhile, Roll Tide.
Keep it here on Bama Hammer for your Crimson Tide news and discussions.