Alabama Football: Predicting the top freshmen in 2023

Coach Nick Saban and Alabama football brought in yet another no. 1 overall recruiting class in the 2023 cycle. This year’s crop of freshmen could be one of Saban’s best ever, led by a record nine 5-star players.

Among this 2023 class are several players who could make an instant impact in year one. Given that Alabama loses a lot of upperclassmen to graduation and the NFL draft, there will be plenty of opportunities for true freshmen to establish themselves in the lineup on both sides of the ball.

Alabama Football: Top offensive freshman

It will be very difficult for true freshmen to earn starting roles at the offensive skill positions, given that Alabama football returns experienced depth at both running back and wide receiver. While running backs Justice Haynes and Richard Young are very capable and could certainly earn reps, it’s hard to see either one assuming a featured role, given that Alabama returns a trio of quality backs in Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Jamarion Miller.

At wideout, someone like 5-star Jalen Hale could insert himself into the rotation. However, Alabama played a lot of freshman receivers last year, and figures to have an experienced two-deep in 2023.

Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor may be the 2023 recruit to become a major contributor on this offense. Alabama Football returns just three starters on its offensive line, and most of the reserves that have been in the program decided to transfer. In total, Alabama loses two offensive linemen to the NFL Draft and five to the transfer portal. This mass exodus at one position opens up opportunities for Bama’s newest haul of hogmollies to get on the field.

Alabama landed five massive offensive linemen in the 2023 cycle, and Kadyn Proctor is the crown jewel of the bunch. Proctor was ranked as the ninth-best player nationally and the top offensive lineman in the class.

He flipped from Iowa shortly before signing day in December, and may have been sold on the chance to instantly compete for a starting job at the nation’s premier football institution. Although Proctor was recruited as a tackle, he could bump inside and play guard this season as he adjusts to the speed of the game.

Alabama Football: Top defensive freshman

It is no secret that safety Caleb Downs has the ability to start in Alabama’s secondary from day one.

It’s difficult to choose just one defensive player, as Alabama football landed an absurd six 5-star defenders in its 2023 class. Defensive tackle James Smith and edge rushers Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre could all make instant impacts in their own right. Downs is ultimately the choice here based on his otherworldly talent, college-ready physical makeup, and an immediate need at his position.

Alabama football loses both of its starting safeties, Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams, as well as nickel Brian Branch to the NFL Draft. All three were multi-year fixtures in the Alabama secondary, but now those spots are vacant.

Upperclassmen such as Kristian Story and Devonta Smith have paid their dues and waited their turn at safety. Still, they may end up competing amongst themselves to determine who starts next to Caleb Downs.

Downs has been compared to Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid and current Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who won the 2017 Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Awards at Alabama. While Downs has similar instincts and ball-hawking qualities to Fitzpatrick, I think he is slightly less rangy, albeit more physical and a better open-field tackler.

This 2023 recruiting class is loaded with potential game-changers on both sides of the ball. Though Kadyn Proctor and Caleb Downs happen to be the two highest-ranked prospects in the class, they are my choices due to a combination of talent and circumstance.