These four young Alabama players are demanding more playing time moving forward

The vibes are much improved around the Alabama football program this Monday than last. That's what happens when you bounce back from a season-opening loss with a 73-0 bludgeoning of an interior opponent.

To be clear: Alabama's blowout of UL Monroe doesn't prove anything. The quality of this team will be determined as the schedule toughens moving forward, but the Crimson Tide played as well as it could play on Saturday. Fans needed to see fire from the head coach and from the players. They did.

With injuries to a few key contributors, along with Saturday's blowout, plenty of players got opportunities to showcase their ability and make their case for extended playing time moving forward. Some talent is just undeniable - Kalen DeBoer may have no choice but to get these guys on the field more moving forward, regardless of how long certain pieces remain out.

Kalen DeBoer has to continue to find playing time for these young stars

RB Kevin Riley

It seemed obvious watching the Florida State game that, with Jam Miller out, Alabama's most impressive running back was redshirt freshman Kevin Riley. That came as a surprise considering Riley generated little buzz in fall camp, but the tape was undeniable.

The coaching staff agreed, and Riley earned the start against UL Monroe. He rewarded that faith by popping off an immediate 20-yard run to open the game:

Riley led the team in carries with 11, and was the leading rusher (69 yards) all night until freshman AK Dear broke through for a 56-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter.

Riley looks to be Alabama's RB2 moving forward when Jam Miller returns, which should be a pretty effective 1-2 punch for the Crimson Tide. Richard Young will likely slot in as RB3. Though Young hasn't popped yet as a runner through two games, he has done an excellent job as a pass blocker, which will earn him a role.

WR Lotzeir Brooks

It might have come as a surprise to many that freshman WR Lotzeir Brooks started in place of an injured Ryan Williams on Saturday. The expectation was that the deck would be shuffled and that Rico Scott would slot into the starting trio, but the coaching staff trusted Brooks - and wanted to get an extended look at the exciting freshman.

Brooks finished second on the team in receiving yards with 58 on four receptions. He showed the flashes of brilliance that were on full display during spring practice and over the summer.

Brooks has earned a role in the offense moving forward, even when Williams returns. He brings a dynamic presence in the slot and can be a real difference maker.

DL London Simmons

True freshman London Simmons has had a lot thrown at him right away due to Alabama's injuries at nose tackle. It was already a thin position, but then starter Tim Keenan suffered a high ankle sprain, and his backup, Jeremiah Beaman, went down with a season-ending injury in practice last week.

That has thurst the true freshman into immediate action. The early returns have been positive for Simmons, who hasn't made any real splash plays, but has held the point from the nose, which is his main job. Simmons and the Tide's DL overwhelmed UL Monroe on Saturday, holding them to under three yards per carry.

Keenan is expected back soon - perhaps as early as this week against Wisconsin - but Simmons will be a key part of the rotation moving forward.

S Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.

Redshirt freshman Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. brings a nastiness and attitude to the Alabama defense that was non-existent against Florida State in the opener. When he got into the game against UL Monroe this weekend, he played with an edge that rubbed off on everyone around him.

He forced a fumble with a hit in the fourth quarter and then laid the lumber on a UL Monroe receiver that ultimately earned him a targeting ejection. The targeting call was incorrect and should be rescinded. Kirkpatrick leads with his shoulder, but the officiating crew in Tuscaloosa was in over their heads. It's a violent hit, but nothing illegal about it:

Last week, the defense received a lot of criticism for being reactive rather than proactive. They were slow to the ball and passive. This week, the whole defense flew to the ball. Kirkpatrick plays every snap at 100mph and will ensure maximum effort when he is on the field.