With the transfer portal closing and the end of spring practices, the 2023 Crimson Tide is beginning to take shape as Alabama heads into the summer.
Author:
Christopher Walsh
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We always include a disclaimer with any projected depth chart, but this time it'll be at the end. Why? Because in the 16-plus years of Nick Saban overseeing the Alabama Crimson Tide most of you have seen or heard it before, about how there's no official depth chart, especially during the offseason, just administrative groupings.
But it's pretty obvious where some players stand on the team, and which positions could see the competition go well into the fall.
After looking over the numbersand the BamaCentraleligibility tracker, here's a nuts-and bolts version of where we think everyone stands following the spring (summer arrivals included for the first time).
Note: When in doubt we always go with the incumbent, and newcomers usually go to the end of the line. Remember, this is the starting point and everything has to be earned.
2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
Quarterbacks
Jalen Milroe (Jr.), or Tyler Buchner (RSo.), or Ty Simpson (RFr.); Eli Holstein, (Fr.), or Dylan Lonergan (Fr.)
The hiring of Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator didn't favor anyone, at least initially. But when no one won the job during the spring Saban brought in one of Rees’ former players from Notre Dame to add to the competition. It may not be settled when Alabama opens the season against Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2.
Running backs
Jase McClellan (Sr.), Roydell Williams (Sr.), Justice Haynes (Fr.), Jam Miller (So.), Richard Young (Fr.)
McClellan has earned the right to be at the top in the running back room, but Haynes got off to a good start this spring and is good position to be at least part of the rotation this fall. Regardless, Alabama is pretty stacked at the position.
Wide receivers/Tight ends
WR-X: Jermaine Burton (Sr.), Isaiah Bond (So.)
WR-Z: Ja'Corey Brooks (Jr.); Kendrick Law (So.); Malik Benson (Jr.)
WR-H: Kobe Prentice (So.); Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (So.)
Alabama had 12 wide receivers heading into spring, about three more than what the Crimson Tide has recently had on the roster. There are four new additions who will be vying for playing time, but topping that list is Benson, who was widely considered the top junior-college prospect in the nation last year and flashed some in the spring and during A-Day. He might be the biggest boom-or-bust player on the team this season.
TE: Robbie Ouzts (Jr.) or CJ Dippre (Jr.); Amari Niblack (So.) or Danny Lewis Jr. (RFr.)
Offensive linemen
LT: Kadyn Proctor (Fr.) or Elijah Pritchett (So)
LG: Darrian Dalcourt (Gr.); Terrence Ferguson II (RSo.)
C: Seth McLaughlin (Sr.); Darrian Dalcourt (Gr.), James Brockermeyer (RSo.)
RG: Tyler Booker (So.), or Jaeden Roberts (RSo.)
RT: JC Latham (Jr.); Wilkin Formby (Fr.) or Miles McVay (Fr.)
The guess here is that Latham stays at right tackle and pairs with Booker to make an imposing tandem on that side. Pritchett was with the first-team during A-Day, but Proctor had the better day. Dalcourt has obviously beefed up some to try and play guard this season.
2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Defense
Defensive Line
DE: Tim Smith (Sr.);Jah-Marien Latham (Jr.)
NT: Jaheim Oatis (So.); James Smith (Fr.) or Tim Keenan (RSo).
DE: Justin Eboigbe (Sr.); Damon Payne Jr. (So.)
Oatis looks like he could have a monster season. He's probably the top candidate on the defensive side for having a breakout year. Eboigbe is back after finally being cleared following a scary neck injury last season. His new teammates were raving this spring about James Smith's potential. Alabama wrapped up the spring with a whopping 15 defensive linemen on the roster, so we're thinking the coaches might go with a heavier rotation than usual. Three players to keep an eye on include Khurtiss Perry, Monkell Goodwine and Isaiah Hastings, who have all had a season to acclimate and beef up.
Linebackers
JACK: Chris Braswell (Sr.); Jeremiah Alexander (So.); Keanu Koht (RSo.) or Qua Russaw (Fr.)
SAM: Dallas Turner (Jr.); Quandarrius Robinson (Sr.); Keon Keelry (Fr.) or Yhonzae Pierre (Fr.)
MLB: Deontae Lawson (So.); Jihaad Campbell (So.) or Shawn Murphy (RFr.)
WLB: Trezmen Marshall (Sr.) or Justin Jefferson (Jr.); Kendrick Blackshire (Jr.)
Alabama's interior linebackers are almost interchangeable, as are the outside linebackers. So Lawson could stay at weakside linebacker, and coaches could possibly swap Braswell and Turner. Having said that, the interior linebackers might be the position to watch this fall in terms of close competition. The player to watch may be Campbell.
Defensive backs
CB: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Jr.); Antonio Kite (RFr.) or Dez Ricks (Fr.)
CB: Terrion Arnold (So.); Earl Little II (So.); Jahil Hurley (Fr.)
SS: Malachi Moore (Sr.); Kristian Story (Sr.); Jake Pope (RFr.)
FS: Caleb Downs (Fr.); DeVonta Smith (Jr.); Brayson Hubbard (Fr.)
STAR: Malachi Moore (Sr.) or Earl Little II (So.)
The key to the whole group may be Little because Arnold could play anywhere in the secondary and consequently gives the coaching staff a tremendous amount of flexibility on the back end. Moore is also versatile, but Saban likes having a player with a strong presence and experience over the slot. Downs came in ready to show that he could step in as a starter from Day 1.
2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Specialists
K Will Reichard, P James Burnip, LS Kneeland Hibbett, K Conor Talty
By coming back for a fifth year, Reichard will probably finish setting whatever career kicker records he missed last season. He initially accepted an invitation for the Senior Bowl, only to return, so Talty will have to wait in the wings a bit. Burnip got better during his second season, and should continue to develop as a punter.
And now the disclaimer ...
Every year when Saban holds his first press conference of spring and fall practices, he makes it clear that the one thing he won't be discussing until the season actually starts, and then only reluctantly, is the Alabama Crimson Tide depth chart.
We'll pick a semi-random year here, 2018.
"I know y'all want a depth chart but the depth chart is an organizational instrument right now used so that we can organize practice," he said after the first practice. "The players are in competition with themselves to be the best player they can be, play with the best intensity, the best knowledge of their positions so they can execute and do their job and gain the trust and respect of their teammates. I think that's what every player should aspire to really try to do."
Usually it's longer than that.
Let's be clear, there's always some form of a depth chart, with every team, every day of the year. Saban's correct that it doesn't mean much in March and April, when the season doesn't start until September, but there's always a pecking order of some sort.
The All Things CW notes column by Christopher Walsh regularly appears on BamaCentral with the latest on the Alabama Crimson Tide.
