Alabama Football: Some inside news from a quiet offseason

The 2017 Offense

Nothing is settled on the right side of the offensive line at either RG or RT. As of now, the top four fighting for those two spots are Lester Cotton, Deonte Brown, Matt Womack and Alex Leatherwood.

Brown is still working off some bad weight but his strength is awesome. Leatherwood needs to continue improving his technique but could become a starter my mid-season. Leatherwood has the body and demeanor to become a mauler in the run game.

One insider reported the weight lifting numbers being put up by these guys, along with Williams and Bozeman exceed any past Tide O-Lines. And while we are talking weight-training, Jalen Hurts has bulked up noticeably to a solid 225 pounds.

Irv Smith, Henry Ruggs and Devonta Smith are excelling in the 7-on-7 drills. Smith is reported to be a tight end with wide receiver hands and speed. Both Ruggs and Smith have shown exceptional speed and skill. The rapid emergence of Ruggs and Smith likely influenced T. J. Simmons to transfer.

Jerry Jeudy was the receiving star of the A-Day game but a few weeks ago we asked are two late-enrollees even better than Jeudy? The two we discussed were Ruggs and Smith,

Kedrick James is reported to be another pleasant surprise. Not a highly rated recruit, there has been conjecture he would transition to a defensive lineman. As a tight end, his primary attribute was expected to be blocking. Reports are he is showing good pass-catching ability as well.

If most of these various observations prove to be accurate, look out SEC and the rest of college football. Every team has weaknesses and we pointed some of the Tide’s – but the strengths, on offense and defense are most impressive.

Next: 30 Great Crimson Tiders who were 3-Star recruits

We will keep searching for bits and pieces of little-known information as we all slog through the offseason. Check in with us often.