Alabama Football: Depth is key for a successful 2020 season

Alabama football needs quality depth to thrive in 2020.

In recent memory, depth has been key for Alabama football. They beat Georgia twice with a backup quarterback. They struggled last year on defense due to injuries at the linebacker position. Let’s not forget the fact that Alabama’s offense took a hit when Tua went down for the season.

Depth is always important, but its important increases tenfold in 2020. Alabama will be playing a gruesome SEC-only schedule with few breaks. Injuries will already be a concern. Add in the risk of needing players to sit out due to COVID-19 exposure, and this roster will see a lot of general play. This doesn’t include the potential of players opting out of the college football season.

The good news for Alabama football is that they have quality depth for the upcoming season. Let’s break down where that depth is.

Where Alabama football has the best depth.

Offensively, Alabama has great depth at the running back position. As always, the Crimson Tide rely on a stable of backs. If Najee Harris has to miss a few games, expect Brian Robinson, Trey Sanders and Keilan Robinson to step up. There is not great depth at the receiver position in terms of experience. However, Alabama has succeeded with only one star receiver in the past. As long as DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle is on the field, all is well in Tuscaloosa.

Defensively, there are a lot of players ready to play defensive line. The only issue is that many of them don’t have experience. If potential turns into production, the line will be great.

The best position on defense is inside linebacker. Having to start two true freshmen was tough last season, but it gives Alabama football young experience. Add Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon to the equation, and you have a recipe for success.

Alabama still has a few concerns. The secondary has a lot of new faces. If Patrick Surtain is absent for a considerable time, I’m not sure how they will hold up. The offensive line is one of the best in the country, but there isn’t proven depth behind it. Offensive line is also a position that requires chemistry, so adding a new center or tackle can throw a kink in the rest of the line.

We’ll have to see what happens with the Alabama football season. If we have one, depth will matter more than talent. Thankfully, Alabama recruits well enough to have quality depth across most positions.