Alabama football needs these players to step up in 2020.
When building a dynasty, every brick matters. From the Heisman contender to the locker room janitor, every person involved has to do what is necessary to succeed. Alabama football has taken this concept to heart in recent years, and it is why the Crimson Tide have been so successful.
In recent years, the team in Tuscaloosa hasn’t been perfect. Many mistakes have been made due to injury and depth concerns. To be fair, asking freshmen to start in pivotal roles against SEC powerhouses is not a common recipe for success. While the blame cannot be placed on certain students, we still need to see improvement from many players.
While every player has to get better each season, these three athletes need to improve drastically for Alabama football to see some success. The fate of the Crimson Tide is not placed solely on their shoulders, but they have a lot of ground to cover in order to help ‘Bama reach their full potential.
3 Alabama football players who must improve in 2020.
Christian Harris, Linebacker
Now, no one expected Christian Harris to have to start as a true freshman for Alabama football. However, after both Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon went down with injuries, the Tide had very few options. His errors as a freshman can be written off to the inexperience with the defense. Inside linebacker is a position where mental understand is just as important as physical abilities. With another year’s worth of learning the system and Dylan Moses returning to the field, Harris will surely improve in 2020.
Josh Jobe, Cornerback
Alabama’s secondary was its strongest point in 2019. Without Xavier McKinney, Shyheim Carter, or Trevon Diggs, there will be plenty of new faces in 2020. Jobe was expected to play a lot in nickel packages, but he did not live up to expectations. He will now likely start as a base corner across from Patrick Surtain. With Surtain locking down receivers, it is important that Jobe is prepared to do the same. If not, he will be a clear point of attack for opposing offenses. I believe that Josh Jobe can do this for Alabama football, but I still need to see it happen.
Justin Eboigbe, Defensive Line
Eboigbe saw some time as a starter in 2019. He will be competing for a starting role in 2020. Even if he loses, he will need to provide valuable depth to the line. Alabama will be without Raekwon Davis, so it is vital that the Crimson Tide add depth. Eboigbe was solid in 2019, but he has room to flourish in 2020. Watch out for him to be an impact player.
There are names that could have made this list, but these three potential starters need to improve on what we saw in 2019. If they do, Alabama football will be a tough team to beat.