Spring Game Analysis

We have a Dynasty! After watching the spring game, every question that I had about this years’ team was answered. My questions: 1. How would Barrett Jones handle the move to center? 2. Will Cyrus be able to handle the left tackle duties? 3. Who will return kicks? 4. How much of a liability will our secondary be? 5. Will we be able to generate a pass rush? 6. Will we be able to run the ball without Lacy?

All of those questions were answered on A-Day to my satisfaction. This was just the spring game, but I think some stars were uncovered and we still have more recruits coming in the fall. Our secondary impressed me the most, even though they gave up a few big plays. Players like Vinnie Sunseri and Deon Belue saw the opportunity for playing time and accepted the challenge. Our secondary is supposed to be the weak spot on defense this year and I think it will be at all. In fact, I think those guys will make opposing quarterbacks and coordinators pay for challenging them. Our defense may not be as stingy as last years defense, but I think they will cause more turnovers. Jesse Williams’ versatility gives us a pass rusher at the nose guard position for the first time in the Saban era.

If you paid attention to the offense in the scrimmage, I think it is noteworthy that we are preparing A.J. to take more shots downfield this year. Opposing defenses won’t hesitate to stack the box against us, so if we are going to be successful then we have to make them pay.

T.J. Yeldon is going to win the Heisman before he leaves Tuscaloosa for the pros; He is that good.  Every year we bring in 1 or 2 recruits who make an immediate impact and this year I think those recruits will be Yeldon, and Belue. I watched Belue take an interception 90+ yards for a TD in the first scrimmage. In the spring game, Yeldon showed that he had a combination of quickness, speed, elusiveness, and power that most elite backs have.

Lets just put it this way; WE ARE LOADED!!!! From top to bottom, I think the talent level of our program continues to improve each year. What a great time to be a Bama fan, and what a great time to wear your Crimson Colored Glasses.