Three Alabama Crimson Tide newcomers shining in spring practices who could make instant impact in 2025 college football season
The Alabama Crimson Tide, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, have long been considered one of the most elite programs in college football. Consistently competing for championships, maintaining a top-tier recruiting class, and producing NFL-caliber talent have kept Alabama at the forefront of the sport. However, the road to dominance is never linear. Each season, the Tide face significant roster turnover as players graduate or declare for the NFL Draft. Yet, this turnover also provides new opportunities for fresh talent to step up and make an impact.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Alabama’s spring practices have highlighted a few key newcomers who are making an immediate impression on the coaching staff, their teammates, and the fans. These players, whether fresh out of high school or transfers from other programs, have shown that they are more than capable of contributing early on in the 2025 season. While Alabama has always prided itself on its depth and its ability to develop talent, there are certain individuals from the 2025 recruiting class and transfer portal who could make an immediate and lasting impact in the upcoming season.
Here are three Alabama newcomers who have been shining in spring practices and are poised to make an instant impact in 2025.
1. Javon Bullard – Defensive Back (Transfer from Georgia)
The Alabama defense has always been a hallmark of Nick Saban’s success. Known for being aggressive, physical, and versatile, the Crimson Tide’s defense has been an anchor for the team over the years. In 2025, Alabama is looking to reload on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary, where depth and experience will be key.
Javon Bullard, a transfer from the University of Georgia, is one of the most exciting newcomers that could instantly elevate Alabama’s defense. Bullard was a key contributor to Georgia’s defense during his time in Athens, playing an integral role in their national championship runs in 2021 and 2022. He brings with him an impressive skill set, a winning mentality, and experience playing at the highest level of college football.
Why He Could Make an Impact
Bullard’s arrival in Tuscaloosa is expected to be a game-changer. He’s an extremely versatile player, capable of playing cornerback or safety, and his high football IQ and ability to read the game will make him an immediate asset to Alabama’s secondary. His time at Georgia under defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, and later with Kirby Smart’s defensive system, has prepared him for a seamless transition into the Alabama defensive scheme, which is known for its complexity and demands on its players.
What sets Bullard apart is his experience in big-time games, including multiple national championships. He’s no stranger to high-pressure situations, and his leadership on and off the field will be invaluable as Alabama looks to make a push for a playoff spot. His presence should solidify the back end of the defense, providing both coverage ability and run support.
Spring Practice Performance
Bullard has already made a strong impression during Alabama’s spring practices. His ability to make plays in coverage and his ball-hawking skills have stood out to both coaches and teammates alike. With Alabama having a young and somewhat inexperienced group of defensive backs, Bullard’s veteran leadership will be key in developing the younger players in the secondary. He could easily secure a starting spot in 2025, contributing to Alabama’s continued dominance on defense.
2. Kendrick Law – Wide Receiver (Freshman)
As Alabama moves into the 2025 season, the wide receiver position is one that has undergone some change. With several key contributors from previous years either moving on to the NFL or graduating, there is an opening for young players to step in and provide a spark. Enter Kendrick Law, a dynamic freshman wide receiver who has already made waves during spring practices.
Law, a four-star recruit from Louisiana, has impressed the coaching staff with his blend of speed, agility, and natural route-running ability. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Law brings an impressive athletic profile to Alabama’s wide receiver room. As a player who has excelled both in the vertical and lateral dimensions of the game, he offers Alabama a playmaking ability that could be crucial for an offense looking to make a deeper playoff run in 2025.
Why He Could Make an Impact
The departure of star wide receivers like Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton from Alabama’s roster has left a significant void in the receiving corps. While there is still some talent returning, including veterans like Isaiah Bond, Alabama needs someone who can stretch the field and make big plays in a hurry. Kendrick Law is the type of player who can offer just that.
Law’s speed and burst allow him to separate from defenders quickly, while his agility helps him create after the catch. His ability to run clean, crisp routes allows him to be a true weapon in both the short and deep passing game. Additionally, Law has shown an ability to compete at the highest level during his high school career and in the early stages of his college career, making him someone who could see immediate playing time.
Spring Practice Performance
During Alabama’s spring practices, Law’s speed has been impossible to miss. He has consistently burned defensive backs with his quick first step and his ability to track the ball in the air. The freshman has already made several impressive catches in one-on-one drills and scrimmages, making a strong case for early playing time in 2025. Alabama has a reputation for developing wide receivers, and Law’s early success in spring ball is indicative of the potential he has to become a major contributor to the offense.
With quarterback Jalen Milroe likely leading the charge for Alabama’s offense in 2025, the need for a wide receiver who can make explosive plays will be more important than ever. Kendrick Law has all the tools to step into that role and provide the Crimson Tide with another dynamic playmaker on the outside.
3. Jordan Hall – Defensive Lineman (Freshman)
The Alabama defensive line has long been known for its dominance at the line of scrimmage. In the SEC, where the battle in the trenches often determines the outcome of games, a dominant defensive line is a necessity for success. In 2025, Alabama is looking to reload after the departure of several key defensive linemen to the NFL, and one freshman, Jordan Hall, has already started to make a case for playing time.
Hall, a five-star recruit from Jacksonville, Florida, is an imposing figure in the middle of the defensive line. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 310 pounds, Hall brings an incredible combination of size, strength, and explosiveness to the field. Known for his ability to both disrupt the pocket and stop the run, Hall could become a crucial piece for Alabama’s defensive front in 2025.
Why He Could Make an Impact
In Alabama’s 3-4 defense, the defensive linemen are required to be versatile and capable of both rushing the passer and controlling the line of scrimmage against the run. Hall fits this mold perfectly. His ability to clog up running lanes while also providing interior pressure on quarterbacks makes him a dual-threat in both phases of the game.
Alabama has always relied on its defensive line to create chaos up front, and with Hall’s combination of size and athleticism, he could immediately contribute to that effort. In particular, his pass-rushing ability from the interior line will be valuable in the 2025 season, as Alabama will be looking for a player who can collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Spring Practice Performance
During Alabama’s spring practices, Hall has shown that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level. His explosiveness off the ball, combined with his strength and technique, has allowed him to get into the backfield regularly during team drills. Coaches have raved about his motor and his ability to play with relentless effort, which is a trademark of Saban’s defensive players. It’s clear that Hall has the physical tools to make an immediate impact in 2025, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could quickly earn a starting role on Alabama’s defensive line.
With the competition in the SEC as fierce as ever, Hall’s ability to control the line of scrimmage will be crucial to Alabama’s success in the upcoming season. His presence on the field would provide a much-needed boost to an already talented defense.
