Grading each position group for the Alabama football team heading into 2023 season
The Alabama football program lost several key players to the NFL draft in the offseason. Several others entered the transfer portal and will play elsewhere next season. Needless to say, there will be some new faces on the field for Alabama in 2023
There were two new coordinators hired in the offseason, as well. The philosophy and culture of the program could be considerably different from a season ago. Head coach Nick Saban saw that it was time for change and took advantage of the situation.
The Crimson Tide brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the country in 2023. The class is headlined by a handful of five-stars that have received a lot of hype before their freshman seasons even begin.
There will also be numerous players that decided to return. Several key contributors and projected first-round picks headline the team heading into the fall.
Alabama is expected to compete for a SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance next season.
With that said, Roll Tide Wire grades each position group heading into the 2023 season.
Quarterback
Grade: B
There is no denying the fact that Alabama’s quarterback room is filled with talent. With the starting position in question and every option having minimal experience, there is still some room for concern. The most experienced quarterback on Alabama’s roster is Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. In two seasons, Buchner made three starts and played in 13 total games. Outside of Buchner, there is a huge dropoff in game reps. Jalen Milroe has made one start in his college career and Ty Simpson has played in just four games at quarterback. True freshmen Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan showed some promise in spring practices. Altogether, there is promise for the future with this quarterback room. The question that remains: Who will take the reigns as QB1 in the fall? That question is why I am hesitant to give the position group a higher grade than a B.
Running back
Grade: A-
With Jahmyr Gibbs heading off to the NFL, someone will have to step up in Alabama’s backfield. There is no shortage of options to take his spot either. The running back room is led by seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. Sophomore Jamarion Miller is an up-and-coming tailback that showed some promise during his true freshman season. The other two running backs are incoming freshman Justice Haynes and Richard Young. With first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees relying heavily on the run in previous coaching stops, there is reason to believe that the running back room will be called on a good bit next season. As the season nears, I think this position group is one of the strengths for the Crimson Tide. There is an intriguing blend of speed, strength, and versatility to go around. This position group will not be an issue next season.
Wide receiver
Grade: B+
One position group that struggled to meet expectations last season was the wide receiver group. Alabama has been known to produce some of the premier wide receivers in the country. Last season, the group struggled with being consistent and stepping up in key moments. There is no denying the fact that the wide receiver room has an abundance of talent. The group is headlined by the likes of juniors Malik Benson and Ja’Corey Brooks. Other key playmakers like Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, and Isaiah Bond each showed signs of potential during their freshman season as well. With the uncertainty at the quarterback position, one would have to think that it will affect this group in the fall for better or for worse. If there is stability at quarterback, the ceiling is very high for this group.
Tight end
Grade: C+
With Cam Latu heading to the NFL, there is a sense of wonder surrounding the tight end room for next season. The group is young and inexperienced for the most part. Maryland transfer CJ Dippre headlines the group. He transferred to Alabama in the season. Amari Niblack, Danny Lewis, and Robbie Ouzts will also play key roles as well. The question lies in how much this group will be able to produce given the amount of success that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has had with tight ends in the past. Will this group exceed expectations or underachieve? That is something that will need to be answered.
Offensive line
Grade: A-
The offensive line unit lost two offensive linemen (Emil Ekiyor and Tyler Steen) this offseason to the NFL. Outside of their departures, the group is mostly intact from a season ago. Darrian Dalcourt, Seth McLaughlin, Tyler Booker, and JC Latham all were starters last season for the Crimson Tide. The group will also add Elijah Pritchett to the fold. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle that caused him to miss significant time a season ago. Incoming freshman Kadyn Proctor had been working at guard during spring practices. There is depth and talent along the offensive line which should bode well for the offense in the fall.
Defensive line
Grade: A-
Last season, opponents rushed for 130 yards per game. The defensive front had some flaws but was good enough to hold opposing rushing attacks in check. With Kevin Steele assuming the defensive coordinator role, I would anticipate the defensive line unit being more physical and disciplined. A core of seniors anchor the defensive line in Tim Smith Jr. and Justin Eboigbe. Other defensive lineman that will be expected to take on larger roles next season are Jamil Burroughs, Jaheim Oatis, and Jah-Marien Latham. Incoming freshman James Smith is also expected to see some playing time as well. Altogether, this group has a nice blend of experience and talent to succeed in 2023.
Linebacker
Grade: A+
On paper, there are no flaws in Alabama’s linebacker room. Outside linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler and inside linebackers coach Robert Bala will be pledged with coaching an uber-talented group. This group is veteran-led and has enough talent to be three-deep at the position. Players like Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Deontae Lawson, and Trezmen Marshall are all veterans in this league and understand what it takes to be a successful defense. Several others that are also well-vetted are Keanu Koht, Quandarrius Robinson, and Justin Jefferson. The three of them each showed flashes of potential in the A-Day game. Incoming freshmen Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre were both ranked as five-stars coming out of high school and have already received promising comparisons. This linebacker room has the potential to be the best group that Nick Saban has ever coached. That should not be taken lightly.
Cornerback
Grade: B
Three key contributors departed the program in the offseason. Brian Branch and Eli Ricks left for the NFL while Khyree Jackson transferred to Oregon. However, the secondary will still return three starters in Malachi Moore, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Terrion Arnold. McKinstry is expected to be a top-10 pick in next year’s draft. Louisiana transfer Trey Amos was a huge addition following the spring. He can provide some much-needed experience and depth on the back end. Other underclassmen like Antonio Kite, Earl Little Jr., and Dezz Ricks were impressive in the A-Day game. This group should be much-improved from a season ago.
Safety
Grade: B
With Alabama losing both of its starting safeties (DeMarcco Hellams and Jordan Battle) in the offseason, someone will have to step up on the back end of Alabama’s defense. There may not be a better option in the country than incoming freshman Caleb Downs. He was arguably one of the best prospects in the country coming out of high school. Along with Downs, the safety group returns Kristian Story, Jake Pope, and Devonta Smith. UAB transfer Jaylen Key is expected to play a key role as well. While the experience is slim at the position, there is enough talent to help make up for it. Story, Key, and Downs are three viable options at the position and are each versatile in their own right.
Special Teams
Grade: A+
Alabama will return “Mr. Reliable,” or the player more commonly known as Will Reichard. The fifth-year senior has been one of the top kickers in the country since his freshman year. After contemplating whether to enter the draft or not, Reichard elected to return for one more season. His decision to come back to Tuscaloosa may have been the best news that Alabama received all offseason. He will likely be called on a lot next season.
