Most critical “hinge” players for Alabama Football
Heading into the 2024 season, there are both pessimistic and optimistic observers of Alabama Football and the newly established Kalen DeBoer era.
While there was plenty of roster turnover this offseason, Bama still has some solid returning production. In some spots, such as inside linebacker, defensive line, and interior offensive line, the Tide pretty much knows what it’s getting with quality returning starters.
In other areas, Alabama has stability but will need improved play from last season. The quarterback play of Jalen Milroe as well as the skill players around him fall into this category.
Other positions, however, are total question marks for the Crimson Tide. Concentrated attrition has left the Tide with very little to no proven production at some of the most important position groups on the field. How these positions ultimately perform will go a long way towards determining whether or not Alabama will achieve its program goals.
Elijah Pritchett (RT)
The presumed starter at right tackle, Elijah Pritchett has to step his game up to avoid being the weak link on an otherwise sturdy offensive line. The redshirt sophomore was thrown into the fire last season and had some difficulties, but he should be much better in 2024 with that experience under his belt.
If Pritchett struggles, younger players like Wilkin Formby will be ready to replace him. However, if he lives up to the 5-star billing he had in the 2022 recruiting class, he could be the final piece in the best offensive line Alabama has fielded since 2020.
Quandarrius Robinson (Wolf)
Edge rusher Quandarrius Robinson has some big shoes to fill, as he hopes to play the role that Dallas Turner and Will Anderson Jr. have played for the Crimson Tide over the past few seasons.
A redshirt senior who has been in Tuscaloosa for all the highs & lows since the summer of 2020, Robinson is one of the most experienced players on the team. I expect him to be a serviceable pass rusher while being very solid against the run at the Wolf position in Kane Wommack’s defense.
Still, there is the chance that Robinson outperforms expectations. On paper, this defense lacks a game-changing pass rusher right now. If Robinson proves to be that guy, it would change the entire dynamic of the defense and raise the overall ceiling of the team.
Alabama was a factory for NFL pass rushers under Coach Nick Saban, and Robinson could be the first one of the DeBoer era.
Domani Jackson (CB)
Lastly, cornerback Domani Jackson may be the most important “swing” player on the roster. The USC transfer is one of just two corners on the team with legitimate game experience along with Wake Forest transfer DaShawn Jones, who falls in this category as well.
The cornerback room in general is a total mystery at this point, and will be the most pivotal aspect of the Alabama defense. The front seven is pretty well fortified and should be reliable, but if Bama gets unsatisfactory cornerback play it won’t be able to keep opponents out of the end zone.
On the flip side, dependable corner play or anything better would likely make Alabama one of the best defenses in college football. The experience in the front seven should help the secondary out, as Bama should be good against the run and should be able to generate a pass rush.
Jackson is believed to be a starter at one corner while Jones, true freshman Zabien Brown, and others will compete for the other spot. This group as a whole must play well for Alabama to be a complete football team this fall.