Our daily fall camp preview series continues with the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team projected to win the Western Division, but not the SEC, according to league media.
Personnel
Players are never the issue in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban’s welcomed five consecutive No. 1 signing classes to the Capstone and during that stretch, has two SEC titles and two national championships to show for it. Entering his ninth season at Alabama, Saban mentioned his team having tired legs a bit at the end of last season as a result of tempo-oriented offenses, ultimately leading to a semifinal loss to the Buckeyes.
Being stronger down the stretch will be an emphasis during August as the Crimson Tide try and sort out a couple changes on the both sides of the ball, including quarterback, wide receiver and in the secondary. Alabama ranked 11th in the SEC last season against the pass, giving up the second-most touchdown passes in the league (19). Hired to reconfigure an under-performing group based on potential, secondary coach Mel Tucker will lean on Cyrus Jones and expects a big year out of Eddie Jackson who has made the transition from corner to safety.
Anchored by All-American candidates Reggie Ragland (linebacker) and defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, some are calling Alabama’s front seven potentially the most talented its been during the Saban era. The Crimson Tide’s projected starting lineup defensively is littered with preseason All-SEC standouts hoping to fare better than it did last time out.
Primary position battles
Quarterback — Jake Coker vs. David Cornwell: Judging by Saban’s surprise pick last season of Blake Sims before the season opener, I wouldn’t count Cornwell out of the race just yet. At this point, Saban has said the competition is ongoing between the two and has asked to see more consistency out of the position. Saban revealed at SEC Media Days that he’s “encouraged” by the development at the position, notably from Coker. Which quarterback better facilitates Lane Kiffin’s offense and makes the right decisions? The answer will start against Wisconsin and Alabama isn’t forcing the issue.
Wide receiver — Chris Black vs. Parker Barrineau vs. Calvin Ridley: Replacing the team’s top three wideouts will be no easy task for Alabama this season. By most accounts, Robert Foster will be the primary option in the passing game at the Z position and ArDarius Stewart at X, but the Crimson Tide’s remaining spot is up for grabs. Expect Black and Ridley to compete for the job since Barrineau’s chances are slim as a walk-on. There are others, like Raheem Falkins and Derek Kief, who have underwhelmed but may get into the mix. Black, a multi-year backup, has the edge. No timetable has been set for sophomore Cam Sims’ return after a serious knee injury in March.
Cornerback — Tony Brown vs. Marlon Humphrey vs. Bradley Sylve: Brown has the edge here after a stellar spring and Jackson’s subsequent move to safety, but Kirby Smart’s also partial to Humphrey who has natural coverage skills with top-end speed. Inconsistent as a true freshman, Brown battled Jackson on the outside and made two starts last fall. Sylve’s a senior with vital experience over 34 career games. Safety and middle linebacker are other defensive positions worth keeping an eye in August.
End goal
Keeping players healthy, notably an ultra-thin backfield, is the No. 1 priority in August as the Crimson Tide prep for a second straight SEC Championship and perhaps more. Saban will preach process, as he always does, and have this preseason Top 5 prepared for another double-digit win season despite some position questions by the opener.
