Published August 9, 2012 - 4:00pm
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SDS is going to be looking at all 14 teams’ comeback players: one on offense and one on defense. These players were either injured or had an underachieving season in 2011 and looking to get back on track.
Alabama
Offense: Cyrus Kouandjio, OL
Cyrus Kouandjio is a slightly smaller version of Shaq at offensive tackle for the Tide, standing at 6-6, 329 pounds. Unfortunately for him and Bama, he suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against Tennessee that required surgery. He was third on the depth chart, and Alabama had enough depth to overcome it. This year, Kouandjio figures to be much more of an intricate part of that mammoth offensive line, as he will likely start at left tackle. Bama hopes he recovers fully from his injury and can stay healthy. He’s only a piece of arguably the top offensive line in the country. I’m looking forward to seeing this kid play a full season.
Defense: Adrian Hubbard, LB
Adrian Hubbard is on my list for the top breakout players in the SEC this year. He’s overcome two off-season hernia surgeries. He was limited slightly over the summer in working out and conditioning, but he says he is fully recovered and has no lingering effects. Hubbard will be full go for the fall. He could be Nick Saban’s next big linebacker because he’s a physical freak, coming in as a dual-sport athlete in basketball and football, standing at 6-6, 235 pounds, but he chose to stick with football. He’s put on nearly 25 pounds since coming to Bama two years ago. This kid is a difference maker at linebacker.
