ESPN released its list of the Top 100 players in college football heading into the 2023 season, and Alabama Football had four players named to the list. All three of Bama’s SEC Media Days representatives were included on the list.
As expected, USC quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams topped the ranking.
Junior cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was the highest-ranked Alabama Football player on the list, coming in at no. 12. McKinstry was the top defensive back on the list, and also doubles as the nation’s premier punt returner. He should have a big season in both phases of the game, and figures to be a surefire first round draft pick next spring.
Junior outside linebacker Dallas Turner came in at no. 28. Turner is coming off of a down year in which he recorded just 4.0 sacks, but he has the talent to be the best pure pass rusher in college football.
Junior offensive tackle JC Latham made the list at no. 54, which was surprisingly low in my opinion. Latham was the seventh-highest ranked offensive lineman on the list, despite being tabbed by some as a first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 360-pounder will have every opportunity to prove he should be higher on ESPN’s list.
Finally, sophomore offensive guard Tyler Booker comes in at no. 71 after commanding starter reps as a true freshman in 2022. Booker is a road-grading interior lineman that should be one of the most physically imposing guards in the nation this fall.
In former IMG Academy teammates Latham and Booker, Alabama Football will boast a pair of top-100 players on the right side of its offensive line. Expect the Crimson Tide to run to that side religiously.
As expected, the rest of the SEC was well-represented on the list, with the following players being named:
No. 2 Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
No. 4 Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
No. 10 Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
No. 15 Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No. 18 Rocket Sanders, RB, Arkansas
No. 22 Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ole Miss
No. 24 Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Georgia
No. 30 KJ Jefferson, QB, Arkansas
No. 36 Will Rogers, QB, Mississippi State
No. 37 Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
No. 40 Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
No. 41 Smael Mondon, LB, Georgia
No. 42 Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
No. 67 Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
No. 76 Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee
No. 79 Maason Smith, DT, LSU
No. 91 Antwane Wells, WR, South Carolina
No. 93 Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Alabama Football has been overlooked all offseason, and having just four players make ESPN’s list is the latest form of media motivation.
Players such as senior running back Jase McClellan, sophomore defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis, junior linebacker Deontae Lawson, and senior safety Malachi Moore were all notably left off the countdown.