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Alabama Football: 7 True Freshmen and 2 JUCO’s Likely To Play in 2017

By Ronald Evans

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders fly the flags after their team scored against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders fly the flags after their team scored against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Clemson vs Alabama
NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Clemson vs Alabama /

Alex Leatherwood – OT – True Freshman, Early Enrollee

Alabama must fill two openings on the offensive line. Alabama has an immediate need for a starter at tackle with Cam Robinson moving to the NFL. Following in the steps of an Outland Trophy winner would be a huge task for any freshman.  It is possible that 2016 freshman, Jonah Williams may move from right to left tackle.

If Williams does not flip sides of the line, a likely starter at left tackle is true freshman, Alex Leatherwood. Leatherwood is 6′ 5″, 320 lbs. and a consensus 5-Star prospect coming out of Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, FL. Rivals and 247 Sports projected him the #1 OT in the nation. All of the major recruit evaluation groups rate Alex Leatherwood as one of the top ten overall prospects in the nation.

Leatherwood has the physical attributes to become an elite player. Check him out in action:

The most interesting observation in the commentary on Leatherwood was about his intensity and playing with a lot of anger.

Here is another video with commentary about Leatherwood’s growing maturity seen at the Under Amour practices:

Alabama has consistently fielded future NFL quality left tackles for the last decade. Andre Smith, James Carpenter, Barrett Jones, Cyrus Kouandjio, and Cam Robinson had great Alabama careers. Only Andre Smith and Cam Robinson started at left tackle as freshmen. James Carpenter started in his first season with the Tide but he was a junior college transfer.

Alex Leatherwood has a chance in 2017 to have his name added to the prestigious group above.

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