Derrick Henry may be the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy at this point.

Calvin Ridley was perhaps the most anticipated freshman in Tuscaloosa this year. Jake Coker is the quarterback for the No. 2 team in the nation.

There are plenty of Alabama players who are more or less household names for reasonably informed college football fans, but you have to be a diehard to know every player on the roster. Some of those lesser-known players might have a big impact on the race for the national championship.

Here’s a look at some of the most important Alabama players fans of other teams may not be familiar with:

RYAN ANDERSON, JUNIOR LB

Anderson doesn’t get the publicity that senior standout Reggie Ragland has earned, nor is he a member of the fearsome defensive line that is having a historically great season stopping the run. But Anderson has certainly contributed to Alabama’s defensive success with his role on the team seemingly growing each week.

He’s played in all 11 games and has 25 tackles, four of them sacks and 6.5 of them for a loss. He’s also recovered two fumbles. On most other teams he’d be considered one of the stars.

O.J. HOWARD, JUNIOR TE

Early in the season it looked like Howard might become the Tide’s most reliable receiver, but his production hasn’t been as steady since the opening weeks and he enters the final week of the regular season with 30 catches for 335 yards. That’s solid for a tight end, but he doesn’t have a touchdown and on a team not known for its passing game anyway, he’s overshadowed by Ridley and wide receiver ArDarius Stewart.

But you have to think head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin have some ideas how to utilize their big tight end as the games reach extremely high stakes in the coming weeks. Look for Howard to be a target, especially in the red zone.

DAMIEN HARRIS, FRESHMAN RB

If you follow the recruiting scene, Harris already is well known to you, but his production as a true freshman has been somewhat limited thanks to Henry’s domination. But with senior Kenyan Drake already battling injuries Harris could be in a featured role if Henry were to get hurt.

Harris has 153 yards on 44 carries this season with a touchdown run and has also been one of the Tide’s main kickoff returners. Alabama hopes Harris doesn’t have to play a huge part from here on out, but if called upon he could show why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the country.