Alabama football’s offensive report card
Running backs: A-
If football players received actual grades, Najee Harris would be the valedictorian. He did everything right for Alabama football. He found the gaps, gained extra yards after contact, and scored three total touchdowns. He had an A+ performance for the Crimson Tide.
The bad news for the running back room as a whole is that Najee was the only shining player. The group is deep, but Alabama needs to figure out who their second option is. Brian Robinson appears to be the pass-catching back, but he had a big drop that would have scored a touchdown. He did the most with his carries, but only had four of them. Trey Sanders is the future at the position, but he got nowhere in his few reps near the end of the game.
Tight ends: B+
Alabama won’t be using tight ends as huge passing threats in 2020, but they will still play a pivotal role in the offense. They will be good blockers this year while occasionally taking advantage of mismatches. They certainly did that in this one.
There was only one catch from a tight end in Alabama football’s season opener, but it was for 34 yards by Miller Forristall. That play was one of Mac’s best.
All in all, the tight ends did a lot of good things. There were no great moments outside of a few blocks and the catch by Forristall. It will be hard to receive a much higher grade without impacting the passing game.
Mac Jones has what it takes to distribute the ball evenly. Someone in the tight end room needs to step up and be a legitimate target for Alabama football.