Surprise breakout players to watch for Alabama Football in week one

If Alabama takes care of business as expected in week one against Western Kentucky, the Tide should be able to rotate a lot of players in. 

As the Kalen DeBoer era kicks off, it will be fascinating to see if Alabama can get deep into its depth chart. With lots of new faces on the roster including freshmen and transfers, this would be the fan base’s first opportunity to see many of these guys in live action. 

Assuming Alabama can build enough of a cushion to get into its 2s and 3s on the depth chart, here are two players in particular I will be keeping an eye on. 

When the Crimson Tide has the ball, true freshman wide receiver Caleb Odom will be hard to miss. At 6’5”, the converted tight end brings a unique element to Bama’s receiver room. Odom could even get some first team snaps against WKU, but this position room is deep and he will likely get most of his reps with the second group. 

Odom has proven capabilities as a jump-ball threat and could be a red zone target for the Tide. Look for the Bama quarterbacks to look his way when they get near the goal line. 

On the other side of the ball, another super-athletic true freshman will have my eye in linebacker Justin Okoronkwo. A product of Germany, Okoronkwo has been impressive throughout the entire offseason. Though he had to acclimate to the American game and culture, he has adapted quickly and shown immense potential.

Coach Nick Saban raved that he has 5-star abilities, and Okoronkwo has continued to make an impression on Kane Wommack and the new staff. He was very active in Alabama’s A-Day game, tallying a game-high 11 tackles. 

With redshirt sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Alexander battling an injury and possibly inactive against WKU, Okoronkwo may even be a second-team player behind Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell, and Justin Jefferson.

While he is viewed by some as the future of Alabama’s linebacker room, Okoronkwo could make an impact in his very first game.