We're still over a month away from the beginning of spring practice for Alabama football, but it's never too early to start previewing what to expect.
Coming off of a disappointing 9-4 season in Kalen DeBoer's first year at the helm in Tuscaloosa, this spring is crucial as DeBoer tries to build some momentum heading into the 2025 season.
All eyes will be on the QB competition in the spring with Ty Simpson trying to hold off Austin Mack and 5-star freshman Keelon Russell. With Ryan Grubb added to the staff as the offensive coordinator bringing a fresh set of eyes to the team, you have to figure that competition is wide open.
There's plenty of intrigue at other positions though, and plenty of Crimson Tide players who will be looking for big springs to help them catapult toward roles on next season's team.
Today, we take a look at three players on offense who are poised for breakouts.
3 offensive players poised to breakout for Alabama
3. TE Danny Lewis Jr.
Danny Lewis Jr. initially entered the Transfer Portal in December, but the coaching staff coaxed him out of the portal and convinced him to return. It was easy to see why he would consider leaving. Lewis is going into his fourth year in the program and has caught one pass for five yards in his three seasons with the team, including none last season.
But this staff clearly believes in Lewis' ability to contribute. There's a big hole in the tight end room following the graduations of CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts. Washington transfer Josh Cuevas made an impact in his first season in Tuscaloosa, but there's a need for a second tight end to step up.
Behind Lewis and Dippre is nothing but youth. Alabama has a second-year player in Jay Lindsey and then true freshmen Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett.
It's now or never for Lewis.
2. WR Jaylen Mbakwe
Jaylen Mbakwe was one of the highest ranked recruits in Alabama's 2024 recruiting class as an athlete. He spent the season at corner in a backup role but saw plenty of playing time on defense and on special teams.
He flirted with the Transfer Portal thanks to a seven-figure promise of fresher waters and the ability to play offense. Alabama reigned him back in and allowed him to flip to WR for bowl practices. Mbakwe played WR against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl but did not record a stat. He did return a kickoff for 15 yards, though.
It looks like the position switch for Mbakwe is real. Having a full spring to learn the playbook and develop could be huge for him. There will be a ton of competition at WR behind Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard.
Alabama landed Isaiah Horton out of the Transfer Portal from Miami and he figures to be the No. 3 option. Behind them, Mbakwe figures to be competing for playing time against Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, Rico Scott, and incoming freshmen Lotzeir Brooks and Derek Meadows.
1. RB Richard Young
Playing time opened up for Richard Young with Justice Haynes entering the portal and ultimately transferring to Michigan. Young was Alabama's No. 3 RB last season behind Haynes and Jam Miller. Miller returns, but there's plenty of carries available.
That's a change from last season as so much of the running game revolved around Jalen Milroe. With a more traditional running game expected in 2025, there should be carries to go around for multiple running backs.
Young carried the ball 27 times for 146 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his second season on campus. He flashed some real ability, particularly when he broke a 62-yard against Missouri. It has been several years since Alabama has had a real difference-maker at RB and Young could develop into that guy as a former 5-star recruit in his own right.
There will be plenty of competition for carries. Miller figures to be the No. 1 back again, but Alabama also added Louisiana transfer Dre'lyn Washington and added the nation's No. 2 RB in AK Dear in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Alabama also brings back a pair of 4-star recruits from the 2024 cycle in Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley.
In a crowded backfield, Young needs a big spring to solidify his standing in the rotation.