No surprise, Alabama is ranked the number one team in the nation coming off last season with a Heisman winner and a BCS bowl trophy. They may seem like an obvious “offense to watch pick” and Mark Ingram tries to make a case for getting a his 2nd Heisman, but he is only a piece of the offensive masterpiece Saban is developing. In fact, the Crimson Tide is known as a defensive team and Nick Saban, a defensive coach. And with the loss of several starters the new Tide defense has some big shoes to fill. On the other side of the ball, Bama QB Greg McElroy is leading an offensive team that has 8 returning starters and most of its key reserves. The key here are the other offensive players that may not have gotten as much of the hype last year.
Trent Richardson (RB)- Richardson had 751 rushing yards last year and he has arguably more top end speed than Ingram. Those who aren’t familar with the talent and depth of Alabama’s running game may simply view Richardson as Bama’s OTHER running back, but lets be clear, Richardson did gain 109 yards against Texas in the title game; Ingram had 116. The freshman sprinted between the tackles for a 49-yard touchdown. And with Ingram out for the start of the season, expect to see Richardson playing an even bigger role this season.
Julio Jones (WR)- Jones is considered by many an NFL surefire. The problem last year was that he ended the year with less than 600 yards receiving and only found the end zone four times. For a tall physical receiver like Jones that is underwhelming. Needless to say, he hasn’t quite reached his full potential yet. But some argue that may have been due to McElroy’s inexperience and the strength of the running game last year. Hopefully, with a more experienced McElroy at QB and a strong crew of receivers in tow, we should be seeing Jones in the endzone more often this season.
Greg McElroy (QB)- With his first season as a starter and a championship ring under his built, we should be seeing big things from the Bama QB in terms of on the field leadership and game management. Saban has also stated that he is goign to be look for McElroy to be leading a more explosive offense coming into this season.
The Offensive Line- A good offensive line was one of the key components to the strong running game that Alabama developed last season. The offensive line is returning three starters from last years squad including James Carpenter as tackle, William Vlachos as center and guard Barrett Jones. Reports say that this line is up to par with championship crew and should continue to make holes for the running game and provide pass protection for McElroy.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at some teams that may not be in the hunt for the National Championship, but still offer some quality storylines to watch.
Trent Richardson (RB)- Richardson had 751 rushing yards last year and he has arguably more top end speed than Ingram. Those who aren’t familar with the talent and depth of Alabama’s running game may simply view Richardson as Bama’s OTHER running back, but lets be clear, Richardson did gain 109 yards against Texas in the title game; Ingram had 116. The freshman sprinted between the tackles for a 49-yard touchdown. And with Ingram out for the start of the season, expect to see Richardson playing an even bigger role this season.
Julio Jones (WR)- Jones is considered by many an NFL surefire. The problem last year was that he ended the year with less than 600 yards receiving and only found the end zone four times. For a tall physical receiver like Jones that is underwhelming. Needless to say, he hasn’t quite reached his full potential yet. But some argue that may have been due to McElroy’s inexperience and the strength of the running game last year. Hopefully, with a more experienced McElroy at QB and a strong crew of receivers in tow, we should be seeing Jones in the endzone more often this season.
Greg McElroy (QB)- With his first season as a starter and a championship ring under his built, we should be seeing big things from the Bama QB in terms of on the field leadership and game management. Saban has also stated that he is goign to be look for McElroy to be leading a more explosive offense coming into this season.
The Offensive Line- A good offensive line was one of the key components to the strong running game that Alabama developed last season. The offensive line is returning three starters from last years squad including James Carpenter as tackle, William Vlachos as center and guard Barrett Jones. Reports say that this line is up to par with championship crew and should continue to make holes for the running game and provide pass protection for McElroy.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at some teams that may not be in the hunt for the National Championship, but still offer some quality storylines to watch.
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