The Monday after the University of Alabama holds its second scrimmage of fall camp is when the coaching staff gathers and has its version of cut-down day.

Unlike the NFL version everyone stays on the team, but Nick Saban and his assistants sort of separate the players into those expected to contribute this season and those who probably won’t and instead help the scout team.

A promotion is always possible, but the Week 1 depth chart is the first strong indication about which freshmen might eventually redshirt.

Defensive tackle Josh Frazier already knows he will not.

“Josh did a really good job for us and he came in a little bit heavy so we had to get some weight off of him,” Saban said during the SEC coaches’ teleconference Wednesday. “But he’s very athletic, a very strong, powerful guy. He has been rotating in with the twos and will probably have some opportunity to play this year. As all freshmen, they all struggle to learn what to do so that they can develop the confidence that they need to play fast all the time.

“He’s a bright guy and we’re really encouraged by the quality of player that he is and the future that he has here.”

Last year the Crimson Tide played 14 true freshmen and early indications are that it could be close to that number again.

Alabama had 26 players in the Class of 2014, including two who did not academically qualify. Running back Bo Scarbrough is expected to join the team in January while offensive lineman Montel McBride is attending a junior college. Four players played for a junior college last season, but for our purposes quarterback Jacob Coker is not included after transferring from Florida State.

Here’s a look at where everyone stands. Bolded names indicate that at this point the player will likely get on the field this season.

Cam Robinson: Expected to start at left tackle. Alabama hasn’t had a non-special teams players start a season opener since wide receiver Julio Jones in 2008. “Cam Robinson has done a really good job,” Saban said. “He’s a very athletic guy. As all young players, struggling a little bit to get the what to do part of it down, how to do it part of it down, why it’s important to do it that way. We expect that, but we also feel like he has a tremendous upside and as he gets more knowledge and experience, he’s going to be a very good player. He’s done extremely well for us in this camp and in spring practice. I think the fact that he was in spring was very beneficial to him.”

Da’Shawn Hand: He’s listed in the rotation at defensive end on the second team along with Jarran Reed. Hand will play.

Tony Brown: The cornerback enrolled early and has spent the past few weeks practicing behind Cyrus Jones. Saban has already said that he’ll play this season.

Marlon Humphrey: He’s been paired with Brown while lining up behind the other cornerback, Bradley Sylve.

Rashaan Evans: He’s listed on the depth chart at strongside linebacker, but will more likely be used as a situational pass-rusher. “Nothing but explosive,” junior Reggie Ragland said about Evans and Christion Miller. “Once they catch onto the playbook, they are going to be dangerous on the outside coming off the pass rush.”

Christian Miller: Is listed as an “or” option along with Evans.

Laurence “Hootie” Jones: The early enrollee has been taking reps with the second unit at strong safety. He might be a strong special-teams option as well.

Ronnie Clark: Considered sort of a ’tweener between linebacker and safety, coaches have only worked him in the secondary. The guess here is that he’ll probably redshirt.

Ross Pierschbacher: Could go either way. At one point he was the backup left tackle, but then moved to left guard to back up Arie Kouandjio. However, don’t be surprised if Isaac Luatua lines up there with the second unit in hopes of Pierschbacher redshirting.

David Cornwell: The quarterback is listed fifth on the depth chart, but it would take something extreme for him to play this season.

Camerson Sims: The early enrollee is one of two players listed third behind Amari Cooper at the X receiver spot. Look for him to play this season.

JC Hassenauer: The offensive lineman will likely redshirt.

Shawn Dion Hamilton: With Trey DePriest injuring his knee the first weekend of training camp the early enrollee took a lot of snaps with the first unit at middle linebacker. “He’s really good as far as coming in as a freshman and learning the system,” Ragland said.

Derek Kief: He’s practicing with the upper tier of wide receivers, but wasn’t listed on the depth chart. The guess here is that barring numerous injuries he’ll redshirt.

Joshua Carter: The offensive lineman is listed as an “or” option with Bradley Bozeman at backup center, but will likely redshirt while learning different positions.

Keith Holcombe: The interior linebacker turned heads during training camp, but also sustained an undisclosed injury that sidelined him for a while. Chances are he’ll redshirt.

O.J. Smith: The defensive lineman is out for the season after having shoulder surgery to fix a pre-existing issue.

Johnny Dwight: The defensive lineman is poised to redshirt.

JK Scott: Will be Alabama’s punter this season.

 

Junior-college transfers

Dominick Jackson: Was looking to challenge for a starting job when he sustained a high ankle sprain during the first scrimmage. He’ll begin the season as the backup left tackle.

Jarran Reed: He was working as a starter in the spring only to be suspended during the first week of training camp. Look for Reed to be a regular part of the rotation at defensive end.

D.J. Pettway: Might start against spread offenses including Saturday’s season opener against West Virginia.

Ty Flournoy-Smith: He’s listed fourth among the tight ends and will likely be with the second-team offense when it gets on the field.