What Alabama football position groups are under the most scrutiny? Four to watch in spring

Alabama football, under the leadership of legendary head coach Nick Saban, has long been considered a powerhouse in college football. With an illustrious history of championship titles, elite recruiting classes, and a program built on discipline and excellence, expectations for the Crimson Tide are always sky-high. The road to another national championship is paved with individual and team improvement, especially during critical periods like spring practice.

Spring practice offers coaches and fans a glimpse into the state of the program, providing an opportunity for position groups to solidify their roles and identify areas in need of further development. With some position groups undergoing significant changes due to graduations, departures to the NFL, or internal competition, several positions will be under close scrutiny during Alabama’s spring practice. While there are always areas of concern in any program, four key position groups stand out this spring for Alabama due to their importance in both the short- and long-term success of the team. Here’s a breakdown of these four position groups, what they are facing, and why they’ll be in the spotlight during Alabama’s spring practices.

1. Quarterback

Why It’s Under Scrutiny: The quarterback position is always under a microscope at Alabama, but this year, it will be especially important. After Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL, Alabama finds itself in a rare position — without a proven starting quarterback. Bryce Young’s legacy is cemented in the annals of Alabama history as one of the program’s all-time greats, leading the Tide to countless victories, including a Heisman Trophy. The departure of such a high-caliber player creates significant uncertainty at the quarterback position, and this spring, the spotlight will be on the battle for the starting job.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jalen Milroe: The most experienced quarterback on the roster, Milroe has seen some action in limited games, including a notable performance in the 2022 season against Arkansas. Milroe has the athletic ability and the tools to be an explosive dual-threat quarterback, but he’ll need to improve his consistency as a passer. His performance in spring practice will be key to determining whether he can develop into a reliable starter for Alabama.
• Ty Simpson: Simpson was one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class and has the talent to push for the starting job. While he hasn’t seen much game action yet, Simpson has the arm strength and poise that could make him a top contender for the role. Spring practice will be vital for Simpson as he adjusts to the pace of college football and shows his readiness to take on the starting job.

What’s at Stake: Quarterback is the most crucial position in any offense, and Alabama is no exception. The Tide’s offensive success in 2023 will largely depend on the development of one of these quarterbacks into a reliable leader. Nick Saban’s ability to choose the right signal-caller will play a massive role in shaping Alabama’s offensive identity this season. Given the significant talent around them, whether it’s running backs, wide receivers, or offensive linemen, the quarterback’s ability to execute in big moments will be paramount.

2. Offensive Line

Why It’s Under Scrutiny: The Alabama offensive line has been a hallmark of Nick Saban’s teams over the years, consistently producing NFL-caliber talent and dominating at the line of scrimmage. However, last season, there were some noticeable struggles along the line, particularly in pass protection and creating running lanes against tougher defenses. With the departure of multiple starters, including players who were part of Alabama’s line for several years, the offensive line will have a lot of new faces this spring, making it a position group to watch closely.

Key Players to Watch:

• J.C. Latham: Latham, a rising star and future NFL prospect, will be one of the cornerstones of the offensive line this spring. He’s expected to take on a leadership role at tackle and will need to set the tone for the rest of the line. His ability to anchor the offensive front and provide consistent play will be crucial for the development of the team’s offense.
• Terrence Ferguson: Ferguson is one of the most important players to watch this spring. After some struggles in previous seasons, he has the chance to step into a bigger role. If he can find consistency at one of the guard spots, he will be a key part of Alabama’s ability to run the ball effectively and give the quarterbacks time in the pocket.
• Damieon George Jr.: George has been a promising player on the line but needs to show more consistency. As one of the top candidates for the right tackle spot, his growth in spring practice could dictate how quickly the line jells in 2023.

What’s at Stake: The success of Alabama’s offense this spring will hinge on the play of its offensive line. With a new quarterback at the helm, the line’s ability to protect the passer and create running lanes will be essential to the offense’s ability to move the ball. If the offensive line can establish dominance in the trenches and provide consistency, it will open up opportunities for the skill players to shine. Additionally, it will ease the transition for whichever quarterback wins the starting role, ensuring that the pocket remains clean and giving the offense time to develop.

3. Wide Receiver

Why It’s Under Scrutiny: Alabama has long been known for producing elite wide receivers, and the 2023 season will be no different, with the program expecting to continue that tradition. However, this spring, the wide receiver group faces some uncertainty. The Tide lost several key receivers to the NFL Draft, and the wideout corps is now looking for a new leader. Though Alabama has a wealth of talent at the position, the question remains: which player will step up and fill the shoes of previous stars like Jameson Williams and John Metchie III?

Key Players to Watch:

• Jermaine Burton: Burton is one of the most experienced receivers on the roster, transferring from Georgia with a proven track record of big plays. However, he had an inconsistent 2022 season and will be looking to rebound in a big way. Burton’s speed, route-running ability, and experience in big games make him a prime candidate to take on a leadership role.
• Ja’Corey Brooks: Brooks showed flashes of his talent in 2022 but will need to take his game to the next level in 2023. As a big-play threat, he has the potential to be a major factor in Alabama’s passing attack. His development in spring practice will be vital to ensuring that Alabama has a reliable number-one target for whichever quarterback is under center.
• Kobe Prentice: A true freshman in 2022, Prentice showed promise and is expected to take on a bigger role this spring. His agility and quickness make him a dangerous weapon in the open field, and his growth over the offseason could help solidify the depth of the receiver group.

What’s at Stake: The Alabama offense thrives on a balanced attack, with both the passing and running games needing to function in unison. For the Tide to succeed, they will need reliable playmakers at the wide receiver position who can create separation and make plays downfield. If Alabama can find a true playmaker at wide receiver, it will open up the offense and create opportunities for explosive plays. The team needs to develop chemistry with the new quarterback, and having a go-to target at wide receiver is crucial for that process.

4. Defensive Line

Why It’s Under Scrutiny: Alabama’s defense has long been one of the best in the country, but this spring, the defensive line is an area that needs to be rebuilt. The Tide lost several key contributors along the defensive front to the NFL Draft, and there are questions about who will step into those roles. The defensive line’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run will be a critical factor in determining the success of Alabama’s defense in 2023.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jaheim Oatis: Oatis, a former five-star recruit, is expected to be one of the key players on Alabama’s defensive line this season. He has the size and strength to dominate in the trenches, but he will need to develop more consistency and become a more complete player. Spring practice will be critical for him as he prepares to take on a larger role.
• Byron Young: Young is a player to watch as a potential breakout star in 2023. With his ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield, he has the talent to be one of the top defensive linemen in the country. His development during spring practice will be pivotal to the overall success of the defensive line.
• Tim Keenan III: Keenan has the potential to be a key contributor in the middle of the defensive line. His ability to plug up running lanes and anchor the defensive front will be important in Alabama’s efforts to maintain a dominant defense in 2023.

What’s at Stake: The defensive line is critical for Alabama’s overall success in 2023. The defense’s ability to stop the run, create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and win the battle at the line of scrimmage will play a huge role in the team’s performance. With questions surrounding the depth and talent at the position, spring practice will be a crucial time for the defensive line to show that it can fill the void left by departures and remain dominant in the SEC.