Alabama Football: Early roster outlook for the 2022 season

Despite falling to Georgia 33-18 in Monday night’s CFP National Championship Game, Alabama Football will once again return with a loaded roster for the 2022 season. One of the way-too-early favorites to win the 2022 national championship, let’s take an early look at what the Crimson Tide’s 2022 roster will look like (pending offseason transfers, draft decisions, etc.).

What does Alabama Football’s 2022 roster look like?

Quarterback

The 2021 Heisman Trophy award winner Bryce Young will return at quarterback for the Crimson Tide in 2022, with the backup options currently featuring Paul Tyson, Jalen Milroe, and incoming five-star Ty Simpson.

Running Back

While Alabama will lose starter Brian Robinson Jr to the NFL, the Crimson Tide’s running back room will be loaded with the returning Trey Sanders, Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Camar Wheaton, as well as adding Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs. Also added to that group is incoming five-star Emmanuel Henderson and Jamarion Miller.

Wide Receiver

Leading receiver Jameson Williams will likely go to the NFL, while decisions from John Metchie III and Slade Bolden will also be something to watch for entering the offseason. Ja’Corey Brooks, Traeshon Holden, Javon Baker, Agiye Hall, JoJo Earle, Christian Leary, and Thaiu Jones-Bell headline the returning players, with freshman Shazz Preston, Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, Aaron Anderson, and Kobe Prentice all added to the mix.

Tight End

Decisions from Jahleel Billingsley and Cameron Latu will be something to watch for, while Robbie Ouzts and Caden Clark headline the returning options with freshman Amari Niblack and Elijah Brown also added.

Offensive Line

Evan Neal, Chris Owens, and Kendall Randolph are off to the NFL, while a decision from Emil Ekiyor will be something to watch for. Javion Cohen and Seth McLaughlin headline the returning options alongside others such as JC Latham, Darrian Dalcourt, Damieon George, Amari Kight, Tommy Brown, Tommy Brockermeyer, Terrence Ferguson II, Jaeden Roberts, and James Brockermeyer, while freshman Tyler Booker, Elijah Pritchett, and Dayne Shor are also added.

Defensive Line

Phidarian Mathis and LaBryan Ray are off to the NFL, with decisions upcoming for DJ Dale, Byron Young, Justin Eboigbe, Stephon Wynn Jr, and Braylen Ingraham. Tim Smith, Jamil Burroughs, Jah-Marien Latham, Damon Payne Jr, Monkell Goodwine, Tim Keenan III, and Anquin Barnes Jr headline the returning options, while Jaheim Oatis, Khurtiss Perry, and Isaiah Hastings are added to that group.

Linebacker

Christopher Allen is off to the NFL, with Will Anderson Jr and Dallas Turner headlining a deep outside linebacker group that also features Drew Sanders, Chris Braswell, Quandarrius Robinson, Keanu Koht, and incoming five-star Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell, with a decision coming from King Mwikuta. The inside linebacker duo of Christian Harris and Henry To’o To’o will be decisions to watch for alongside Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee, while Deontae Lawson, Demouy Kennedy, Ian Jackson, and Kendrick Blackshire headline the returning options alongside incoming freshman Shawn Murphy.

Cornerback

With Josh Jobe likely off to the NFL, decisions from Jalyn Armour-Davis and Khyree Jackson will be something to watch. Kool-Aid McKinstry headlines the returning options alongside Jahquez Robinson and Devonta Smith, while incoming LSU transfer Eli Ricks, Earl Little Jr, and Trequon Fegans are also added to the mix.

Safety

Decisions from starting safeties Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams will be something to watch for, while Daniel Wright is off to the NFL. Brian Branch and Malachi Moore will both return, while Kristian Story, Terrion Arnold, Kaine Williams, and incoming Antonio Kite and Jake Pope are also in the mix.

Special Teams

A decision from kicker Will Reichard will be another thing to watch, while punter James Burnip will return for Alabama Football in 2022.