Alabama Football: Four potential player surprises this spring

Alabama Football will not come out of spring with an official two-deep. In reviewing the next 13 practices leading up to the A-Day game, Nick Saban will not say much about young players. When asked, he may say they have worked hard, but to Saban, player praise must be earned by more than a few practices.

This is not to say Nick Saban will not reward young players with game action and even starting roles. Saban will always play the guys who can be most trusted to do their jobs and give the team the best chance to win. Given that, new players not arriving in Tuscaloosa until May have a chance to earn key roles.

One thing that will be interesting this spring is how many sophomores, redshirt freshmen and early enrollees get time with the first units in the A-Day game. Any that do, have a chance to start in the fall.

Potential Alabama Football Player Surprises

Selected on the basis of positions of need and potential player talent, Crimson Tide fans will do well to track the spring progress of Tyler Booker, Aaron Anderson, Kendrick Law and Terrion Arnold.

A week ago, we discussed the best offensive tackle options for the Crimson Tide. Early enrollee, Tyler Booker was included. Booker has at least six guys ahead of him in the competition for new starting right and left tackles. Three of the six, Javion Cohen, Dameion George Jr. and JC Latham will also be in the mix at guard. Booker’s best chance to stand out this spring might come with the Crimson Tide second-team offense in the A-Day game. He is a longshot for a key role in the fall but Alabama insiders believe Booker is already physically capable to compete.

With Ja’Corey Brooks missing spring with an injury, there is the opportunity for a young wide receiver to quickly progress. When he recovers, Brooks, along with juniors, Traeshon Holden and Jermaine Burton and sophomore Jojo Earle appear to have the best shot at key roles this fall. Sophomores Christian Leary and Agiye Hall cannot be counted out.

With big springs, two early enrollee freshmen could put themselves solidly in the competition. They are Aaron Anderson and Kendrick Law. Law is an exceptional athlete who could also play running back or defensive back.

Check out some Aaron Anderson and Kendrick Law highlights.

With the Alabama football running back group having only three healthy players this spring, Law might get work at running back. On the Official Crimson Tide roster, Law is listed as a wide receiver.

One more guy to follow this spring is redshirt freshman, Terrion Arnold. Arnold is now listed as a cornerback but he could play any position in the secondary. Arnold has a good chance to be a key backup this fall when the Tide D is in dime formations.

Check out the video below of Terrion in an off-season workout.

These four guys, along with several other young or less experienced players will make for a most interesting spring.