Alabama Football: What other freshmen will contribute?

Alabama football listed several true freshmen on its initial depth chart. Most notably, slot receiver Kobe Prentice and nose guard Jaheim Oatis were named as starter and co-starter, respectively. These two are expected to be heavily in the rotation this season, but what other freshmen will contribute?

Alabama Football: True freshmen with opportunities

Offensive lineman Tyler Booker was listed as the second team right guard, so he has clearly been impressive. We will probably get a good look at Booker during the first month of the season.

Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell were the two highest rated recruits in the 2022 class, but they are newcomers to the most stacked position group on the Alabama football roster. It will be difficult for them to crack the linebacker rotation, whether inside or outside, but their talent is undeniable.

Quarterback Ty Simpson may be the future face of the program. The dual-threat signal caller is immensely skilled, but is firmly entrenched as the third-string guy for the 2022 season. This will be a year of learning and development for Simpson, but we may catch small glimpses of him in the latter portion of blowout victories.

Alabama Football: Rookie receivers

The position group that is most conducive to true freshman participation in 2022 is receiver. Alabama football brought in a ton of pass catchers in addition to Kobe Prentice. The highest rated of the bunch, wide receiver Aaron Anderson, is out with an injury but the depth of this class is imposing.

Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, and former running back Emmanuel Henderson all made the depth chart as third-team wide receivers. Danny Lewis Jr. and Amari Niblack were listed as third-team tight ends.

Beyond the depth chart, the Alabama football roster also features wide receiver Shazz Preston and tight end Elijah Brown. There is so much depth in this freshmen receiver class, I would bet on at least one of the aforementioned players carving out a role in addition to Prentice.

Alabama Football: Redshirt freshmen

Of Alabama’s redshirt freshmen, cornerback Terrion Arnold and weak-side linebacker Deontae Lawson look to contribute on the defensive side of the ball. Outside linebacker Keanu Koht and defensive linemen Damon Payne and Tim Keenan III will likely struggle to crack the lineup, but should find some early season snaps against overmatched opponents.

Alabama football fans will be watching the freshmen closely during these otherwise “meaningless” snaps towards the end of games. While their 2022 performance may not be an accurate indication of what they will be, these guys are the future of the Alabama football program.