Alabama Football: The Tide vs. Arkansas State two-deep, plus roster notes

Wide Receivers

Z Receiver

Starter: Henry Ruggs III, Sophomore

One of the trio of super-sophs, Ruggs has great speed, solid hands and big-play toughness. He had two receptions against Louisville.

Backup: Derek Kief, Redshirt Senior

After waiting his turn, Kief should get some playing time this season. At 6-feet-4 and 214 pounds, he can be a problem for smaller defensive backs.

Reserve: Xavian Marks

Marks has only one weakness and he can do nothing about it. He is listed at a generous 5-feet-8. Not only is he a smaller target, he can be pushed around some by bigger defensive backs. He is hard to tackle once he gets the ball.

X Receiver

Starter: Devonta Smith, Sophomore

The star of the national championship game had only eight catches last season. His production will rocket up in 2018. Like Ruggs, he has speed, solid hands and toughness. Devonta had four receptions for 99 yards in game one.

Backup: Tyrell Shavers, Redshirt Freshman

Shavers may be a backup but he could have a significant role this season. Now at near 220 pounds, the 6-feet-6 receiver will be a nightmare for defensive backs. Shavers did not see much action in game one. He should be more involved against Arkansas State.

H Receiver

Starter: Jerry Jeudy, Sophomore

Jeudy just might be the best of the sophomore trio. Like his teammates, his production will go way up this season. Jerry had four catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns in game one.

Backup: Jaylen Waddle, Freshman

Jaylen Waddle would start as a freshman on most SEC teams. The word repeatedly used to describe him is electric. Waddle was sensational against Louisville.

Reserve: Chadarius Townsend, Redshirt Freshman

Townsend is a former high school QB. He knows what to do with the ball in his hands.

Running Backs

There is no reason to be coy. Alabama football has the best roster of running backs in the nation. Because of distribution of playing time, none of them will lead the nation in rushing. But barring a couple of extended injuries, the quartet will always be fresh. Against Louisville, the rushing load was shared almost equally. Najee Harris had the most carries with eight.

Starter: Damien Harris, Senior

Harris coming back for his senior season was more important than signing the top 5-Star in the nation. Harris was also a 5-Star and he has three very valuable seasons of experience. Damien Harris has a chance to break two major Alabama football rushing records this fall. He could pass Derrick Henry for career rushing yards and Bobby Marlow for yards-per-carry.

Backup: Najee Harris, Sophomore

The Harris duo will be the best two-back group in college football. Najee has the potential to become one of the best running backs in Alabama football history.

Running back is a rotational position for the Crimson Tide. Reserves often play important roles. The Crimson Tide has two who would start at some SEC schools.

Reserves: Josh Jacobs, Junior and Brian Robinson, Sophomore

Jacobs is an elusive back who can also run with power. During the offseason, there has been chatter Brian Robinson could become the best back of the four. He has the complete package of size, speed and power. Jacobs looked explosive against Louisville with his kickoff return touchdown.

Quarterback

Starter: Tua Tagovailoa

Backup: Mac Jones

Reserve: TBD

There is no longer a starting QB competition for the Crimson Tide. Tua got the start against Louisville and played great. We predict a redshirt decision will keep Jalen from playing against Arkansas State.

Mac Jones should see more than routine mop-up duty against Arkansas State. We do not know if Layne Hatcher or Braxton Barker will be the third QB used on Saturday.