Alabama Football: 20 players who could surprise in 2018
By Ronald Evans
With a roster laden with underclassmen, Alabama football may have some players who surprise with major contributions in 2018.
College football rosters have been trending younger for several years. Alabama football is no exception. Early NFL entry and frequent transfers result in teams having more freshmen and sophomores than juniors and seniors. In 2018, 53 of the 85 Crimson Tide scholarships will be used by underclassmen.
The post-spring, offseason lull is the perfect time to assess who among those 53, plus the two JUCO players and the graduate transfer, could have major roles at some point next fall. We have identified 20 players that could surprise. The surprise factor rules out several underclassmen that clearly will have major roles. We are also taking a pass on the QB position. Enough said about that position for now.
The players we excluded due to ‘no-surprise’ status are Dylan Moses, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, Thomas Fletcher, Quinnen Williams and Skyler DeLong. All Alabama football fans understand these eight players will have major roles.
We begin with the two JUCO’s and the grad transfer and work back to the summer-arriving true freshmen.
Austin Jones – Graduate transfer from Temple. In Jones last three seasons at Temple, he made over 80 percent of field-goal attempts. He may not have the biggest leg, but he is accurate. If Saban uses two placekickers, Jones may specialize from around 40-yards and closer.
Saivion Smith – Junior, JUCO transfer cornerback. So far Smith will start at one of the corner positions.
Tevita Musika– Junior, JUCO transfer defensive tackle. Unless Musika needs time to reshape his weight, he should be in the regular d-line rotation. Saban does not like to bring in JUCO players unless they are ready to play. Musika does have three years to use up his two remaining seasons of eligibility.
The Sophomores
Xavier McKinney – Safety. McKinney appears to be the starter at safety working with Deionte Thompson. Probably the only guy who could beat him out for a starting role is next on the list.
Daniel Wright – Safety or Money. Wright excelled in special teams play as a freshman and he will continue that assignment going forward. He also has a good chance to be a starter in the Dime defense.
LaBryan Ray – Ray was close to being excluded for being on the ‘no-surprise’ list. He has as much potential as anyone in his class and that includes guys like Dylan Moses and Najee Harris. He will be a key player in the d-line rotation.
Kedrick James – Tight-end. Hale Hentges and Irv Smith will be the leaders in this position, but James could play a big role due to being talented as a blocker and receiver.
Brian Robinson – Running back. We keep saying despite it being hard to believe – Brian may be the Tide’s most complete back. He is big and powerful and fast and has good hands. Despite a loaded backfield, he will see action beyond a mop-up role.
Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills – Offensive Line. One of these guys will start and maybe even both of them. They are equally powerful run blockers who play with punishing intent. Best guess is, coming out of spring, Wills has a slight edge.
Next: Top 10 Running Backs of Saban Era
That concludes Part One of 20 players who could surprise in 2018. Part Two is coming soon.