Alabama Football: Fall chances for Tide’s summer arriving players

Not getting to Tuscaloosa until late May or early June means a late start for some Alabama football players. Late, though, does not mean too late to carve out a role this fall. Along with some of the transfer players, 11 Alabama Crimson Tide freshmen will try to make an impression quickly when summer workouts begin.

The reality of year-round football training is a freshman in Tuscaloosa for spring practice gains a big advantage. But the summer enrollees have a chance to regain lost ground, especially in workouts. They have all followed a provided workout and nutritional regime before getting to Tuscaloosa. Most have also been doing skills training.

Don’t count out any of them for a contributing role in the 2022 season. The best chance for several will be special teams. Those with speed, good tackling skills and requisite toughness can earn starting roles on kick coverage and punt return teams.

The ‘skills’ guys have 7 vs. 7 drills to show what they can do. Everybody has the chance to shine while building strength, agility, stamina and speed. Exhibiting work ethic from day one is almost as important.

The 11 summer-arriving freshmen include five former Top 100 recruits in running back Emmanuel Henderson, offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett, athlete-wide receiver Isaiah Bond and wide receivers Kobe Prentice and Shazz Preston.

They will be joined by cornerback Earl Little Jr., athlete-wide receiver Antonio Kite, athlete-tight end Amari Niblack, defensive lineman Isaiah Hastings, safety Jake Pope and tight end Danny Lewis.

Best chances to earn a 2022 Alabama Football role

Emmanuel Henderson knows he has a deep running back room in front of him.  Henderson has already said he just wants on the field.

"I just want to be on the field to help the team out, whatever I can do to help the team win."

He showed in high school he can excel running and catching, including returning kicks. With his willingness to do whatever it takes to get on the field, he could be a 2022 special teams starter.

Isaiah Bond could be the fastest among a very fast freshman class. His speed alone may get him on the field this fall.

Amari Niblack joins Alabama football at a position of need. He might have a chance to make the tight end rotation this fall.

Earl Little Jr. may not be behind at all when he gets to Tuscaloosa. He plays the same position his father did in the NFL and no doubt dad has trained him well. The only problem for the younger Little is all the talent already on the Crimson Tide roster.

One advantage for the summer enrollees is Nick Saban will always play his best, no matter when they start.