As Alabama football Spring Practice begins, look to these six lesser-known players to step up and elevate themselves into key roles for 2019.
With only 13 starters returning on offense and defense, Alabama football offers many opportunities for lesser-known players to earn key roles. The six Crimson Tide players discussed below could make a big step forward, either as starters or as second-unit players frequently rotated into game action.
The list does not include any of the true freshmen. Fifteen of them will participate in spring practice. Placekicker Will Reichard is considered a near-lock to earn a starting role. Others, like Antonio Alfano, Justin Eboigbe and Scooby Carter could work their way into the two-deep by the end of fall camp.
The list does include four redshirt freshmen, a sophomore and a redshirt junior.
Christian Barmore
As a recruit, Christian Barmore stood out for quickness and speed uncommon for a 6-foot-5 player. What he lacked physically was weight and strength. Reports out of Tuscaloosa are he improved his strength appreciably during his redshirt year. He is also up to 310 pounds. We expect Christian to have a key role in the defensive line rotation.
Chris Owens
Owens appears to be the replacement at center for Ross Piersbacher. As a redshirt junior, he has some playing experience. His playing roles have been at center, guard and tackle. He is well sized for center at 6-feet-3 and 315 pounds. He will have to earn the starting role over Emil Ekiyor.
Emil Ekiyor
As mentioned above, the redshirt freshman will be in consideration at center. We expect he can earn a starting role at guard, at least until the end of Deonte Brown’s suspension. Ekiyor came to Tuscaloosa with a good bit of bad weight. He has trimmed down to 338 pounds.
Xavier Williams
Four Crimson Tide wideouts are set for a regular rotation as long as they remain healthy. Rotational opportunities exist for two more. Williams a chance to the fifth guy. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, the redshirt freshman can become the Tide’s most physical receiver.
Slade Bolden
Bolden is another redshirt freshman receiver who can earn a rotational role. Bolden has versatile skills, having played both running back and quarterback in high school. He can develop into a solid possession receiver for the Crimson Tide.
Eddie Smith
Sophomore Eddie Smith did not come out of high school as highly rated as most of his Alabama football teammates. Nick Saban has always rated him higher than his 3-Star recruit ranking. Although he can play corner, Smith has been developed to play safety. The Crimson Tide needs a new starting safety in 2019. Devonta Smith’s cousin, Eddie could earn a starting role in the nickel or dime. He will have to beat out Daniel Wright first.
That is who we see as a surprise six to watch during spring practice.
For Alabama football fans wondering why Ishmael Sopsher, Byron Young, Trey Sanders, Marcus Banks, and Demarcco Hellams were not included – they (and others) arrive this summer. Young and Sanders have a chance to stand out in fall camp.