What will Alabama football depth chart look like in season opener? Our final prediction
The Alabama football depth chart is taking shape.
Nick Saban has traditionally only released one all season, the one at the beginning of the first game week. Expect the word "or" to fill it up, especially considering the Middle Tennessee game will likely be a true audition for many heated camp battles. Don't be surprised to see some players rotate in the first game as the coaching staff tries different players in different spots.
The Texas game will likely provide some more clarity on the starting lineup in Week 2; for now, here's our projection for the pecking order to start the season at each position.
Quarterback
The starter(s): Jalen Milroe, rs-so.
The reserves: Ty Simpson, rs-fr.; Tyler Buchner, rs-so.; Dylan Lonergan, fr.; Eli Holstein, fr.
By experience and tenure alone, Milroe started the offseason atop the depth chart. There's no indication he has been bumped from that spot. He remains the most likely candidate to take the first snap with the offense in the Middle Tennessee game. Simpson still figures to get playing time in the game, possibly early. How each fares in the game will likely either cement Milroe as the starter or bump Simpson ahead of him. Whoever starts against Texas will likely reveal more about who the starter will be this season. And even so, that can change and will be worth following as the season progresses. Behind Milroe and Simpson, Buchner has gotten some work with the first group, but there's no indication he has moved past the other two quarterbacks. Lastly, keep an eye on Lonergan down the road. There's certainly buzz about what he could bring long-term. Gaining game experience will be key for him.
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Running back
The starter(s): Jase McClellan, sr.
The reserves: Jam Miller, so.; Justice Haynes, fr.; Roydell Williams, sr.; Richard Young, fr.
More likely than not, expect several of these backs to get carries and playing time. There's just too much talent across the board to primarily use one back. McClellan figures to get first crack, though, which is why he is listed as the starter. Expect to see a good dose of Miller, Haynes and Williams, too. Haynes is the exciting new freshman, but don't sleep on Miller. He could be a game-changer at running back.
Receiver
The starter(s): Ja'Corey Brooks, jr.; Jermaine Burton, sr.; Isaiah Bond, so.
The reserves: Malik Benson, jr.; Kendrick Law, so.; Kobe Prentice, so.; Emmanuel Henderson, so.; Shazz Preston, rs-fr.; Jalen Hale, fr.; Jaren Hamilton, fr.
Alabama has been rotating many of its receivers with the first group, but Brooks figures to have a good shot to be a starter again. Burton came on strong in the latter half of the 2022 season and should provide a veteran presence. If Bond can be sure-handed, he has the speed to be a problem on defense. If Benson isn't a starter right away, he has the ability to work his way into one of those spots. Law and Henderson bring plenty of intrigue, too. Really, there are a variety of ways the Crimson Tide could deploy these receivers, depending on situation and what offensive coordinator Tommy Rees wants to run. Expect to see a variety of these names with the offense early in the season until three separate themselves on a consistent basis.
Tight end
The starter(s): Amari Niblack, so.; CJ Dippre, jr.
The reserves: Danny Lewis, rs-fr.; Robbie Ouzts, jr.; Miles Kitselman, jr.; Ty Lockwood, fr.
Dippre and Niblack have gotten a lot of work in camp; Danny Lewis could carve out a role, too. Robbie Ouzts also has a chance to contribute. Each tight end has different skill sets and expect to be used in different ways.
Offensive line
The starter(s): Kadyn Proctor, fr.; Tyler Booker, so.; Seth McLaughlin, sr.; Darrian Dalcourt, gr.; JC Latham, jr.
The reserves: Terrence Ferguson, rs-so.; Elijah Pritchett, rs-fr.; Jaeden Roberts, rs-so.; Olaus Alinen, fr.; Wilkin Formby, fr.; James Brockermeyer, rs-so.; Roq Montgomery, fr.; Miles McVay, fr.
This was the first group in the second scrimmage, but don't be surprised if Ferguson is swapped for Dalcourt at one of the guard spots. Booker could also slide back to right guard where he has worked most of fall camp. Otherwise, McLaughlin, Booker and Latham seem to have three of the five spots locked down. The question comes at the other tackle and guard spot. Proctor might need some time physically to acclimate to the college game, but he's got high upside and gets the nod over Pritchett at left tackle.
Defensive line
The starter(s): Tim Smith, sr.; Jaheim Oatis, so.; Justin Eboigbe, rs-sr.
The reserves: Jah-Marien Latham, rs-jr.; Damon Payne, rs-so.; Tim Keenan, rs-so.; James Smith, fr.; Monkell Goodwine, rs-so.; Khurtiss Perry, rs-fr.; Isaiah Hastings, rs-fr.; Anquin Barnes, rs-so.; Edric Hill, fr.; Jordan Renaud, fr.; Hunter Osborne, fr.
Smith needs to be more consistent, per Saban, but he returns to the starting lineup and has a chance to take the next step in his senior season. Saban also praised the camps that Oatis and Eboigbe have had. Expect Latham, Payne and more to have roles, too.
Linebacker
The starter(s): Dallas Turner, jr.; Deontae Lawson, rs-so.; Trez Marshall, rs-jr.; Chris Braswell, sr.
The reserves: Jihaad Campbell, so.; Justin Jefferson, jr.; Quandarrius Robinson, sr.; Jeremiah Alexander, rs-fr.; Shawn Murphy, rs-fr.; Kendrick Blackshire, jr.; Keanu Koht, rs-so.; Qua Russaw, fr.; Keon Keeley, fr.; Yhonzae Pierre, fr.; Ian Jackson, rs-so.
Turner and Braswell have been viewed as the presumed starters for a while on the edge. There's also plenty of excitement for Lawson at inside linebacker. The question has been at the spot next to Lawson; Campbell has plenty of upside and has gotten no shortage of reps through camp, but Marshall gets the nod in a tight battle. There's solid depth at that spot.
Defensive backs
The starter(s): Kool-Aid McKinstry, jr.; Malachi Moore, sr.; Caleb Downs, fr.; Terrion Arnold, rs-so.
The reserves: Earl Little II, rs-fr.; Trey Amos, sr.; Jaylen Key, gr.; DeVonta Smith, jr.; Kristian Story, sr.; Tony Mitchell, fr.; Jake Pope, rs-fr.; Dezz Ricks, fr.; Antonio Kite, rs-fr.; Jahlil Hurley, fr.; Bray Hubbard, fr.
McKinstry has one cornerback spot locked down. He might be the best player on the team. Arnold has had a productive camp and figures to fill the other cornerback spot. Downs has received rave reviews early and will be solid at safety. The main question stems from the other safety spot as well as Star and Money. Moore could play safety or Star but figures to start either way. It would be a surprise if Alabama doesn't keep him on the field all the time. Wherever he goes will determine who would be the fifth and six defensive backs. Little figures to be in a good position for one of those defensive back roles, as do Smith, Amos and Key. Alabama has strong depth there and plenty of versatile pieces.
Specialists
The starter(s): kicker Will Reichard, gr.; punter James Burnip, rs-jr.; long snapper Kneeland Hibbett, jr.
The reserves: Conor Talty, fr.; Nick Serpa, so.; Reid Schuback, jr.; Upton Bellenfant, so.
No change to the starting unit from the past two seasons.
Nick Kelly covers Alabama football and men's basketball for The Tuscaloosa News/USA TODAY Network. Reach him via email: nkelly@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football depth chart: Projecting who starting quarterback will be
