Front Porch FootballAlabama 2019 Season Preview
SEC West | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821) | 2018: 14-1 (8-0)
by Christopher Paschal
The Alabama Crimson Tide have won five National Titles and six SEC Titles since 2009. They are coached by possibly the greatest head football coach in college football history in Nick Saban. And they have recruited at an elite level for over a decade now. They have the facilities, the administration, and the fans needed to continue winning at this unprecedented level. And with all that said, and with all that being true, this is still the most important season in Tuscaloosa since 2015.
Yes, Alabama is still Alabama. But now Clemson is “Alabama”. And Georgia is “Alabama”. And Texas A&M is on pace to be “Alabama”. LSU could be “Alabama” right now, this very season, and we just not know it yet. The point is, there are a lot more “Alabamas” in the South than there were in 2015. What the Crimson Tide has over all of these other Alabama-like programs is that they have Nick Saban. Is that enough to win another SEC and National Title?
Offense
The turnover at the Offensive Coordinator position has been nothing short of spectacular. Since 2016, Alabama has had a different Offensive Coordinator every single season. And it’s not like they have just hired within the organization either. Every year is somebody new with new ideas and new styles. This year, it’s Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Expect Alabama to have more Pro-type offensive sets and formations and to run a lot less run-pass options (RPOs).
Quarterback
Reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Tua Tagovailoa (6-1, 220) returns for his junior season. The kid is electrifying. Tua finished last season just shy of 4,000 yards passing. He can make all of the throws and he has a knack for finding the end zone, throwing for 43 touchdowns and rushing for five more. There is a reason why he was a Heisman Finalist last season. But there are problems with this position group. The first problem is obvious – the departure of Jalen Hurts. When you lose a quarterback that could start at any other school in the country (except Clemson), that stings. Not only was Hurts a reliable back-up, but he added value to the rushing attack. The second problem is related to Hurts transferring out of the program – lack of proven depth behind Tua.
Behind Tua is a redshirt sophomore who threw 13 passes last season, Mac Jones (6-2, 205), and a pair of freshman. In the SEC, it is valuable to have a quarterback you can trust at number two on the depth chart. Jones may have the coaches’ trust, but he isn’t Jalen Hurts. The third problem is that Tua limped his way through last season. Whether it was his knee or ankle, Tua never looked 100% in the pocket. With a new emphasis on quick route patterns and more of a West Coast-style of play calling, Tua should be protected from SEC pass rushes. But that’s always something to monitor.
Running Back
There are three things that are certain in life: death, taxes, and Alabama having one of the best backfields in the country. Does losing Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris to the NFL hurt? I mean, not really. This is nothing new for Nick Saban’s Alabama. This year, the Tide will feature former blue-chip recruits and proven SEC rushers in Brian Robinson (6-1, 225) and Najee Harris (6-2, 225). Harris is an elite back, averaging over 6.5 yards per carry last season. Watch him run. He’s fast, physical, has tremendous feet, and exceptional patience and vision. Robinson is a thick, strong running back, that can wear defenses down in the second half.
Also, keep your eye on true freshman Trey Sanders (6-0, 215). Sanders is a product of IMG Academy in Florida. He has all the skills you want out of back. He has great vision between the tackles, he has the size needed to endure multiple carries in the SEC, and has the quickness and hands needed to factor into the passing attack. In short, there are an embarrassment of riches at the running back position.
Wide Receiver
Best corps in the SEC. Jerry Jeudy (6-1, 190) is the best receiver on this roster. He’s fast, smooth, and runs flawless routes. It will be tough for him to beat last year’s numbers, but he will be featured heavily in this offense and will be selected very early in next year’s NFL Draft. Jaylen Waddle (5-10, 180) and Henry Ruggs, III (6-0, 190) are both first-class athletes. Both have the ability to take a short reception and turn it into a long touchdown or to burn the defense on a deep route and stretch the length of the field. Then there is the Louisiana-native Devonta Smith (6-1, 175) who not only has similar speed to Waddle and Ruggs, but exceptional hands.
Between the four of these guys, it will be hard for younger players to find their way onto the field. If there is someone to look out for, if not for this upcoming season, then next, is Xavier Williams (6-1, 190). Williams was one of the top-receiving prospects in the state of Florida two years ago but redshirted last season. He may not make a lot of noise, but he is very talented. One important note, Irv Smith, Jr. left Alabama as one of the most dynamic tight ends in the SEC. One group to keep your eye on as camp continues.
Offensive Line
New position coach. New center. Need to replace a three-year starter at tackle. Even for Alabama, that’s a lot of turnover. Fortunately for the Tide, they have recruited this position exceptionally well, not surprisingly. It starts at tackle with Jedrick Willis (6-5, 315) and Alex Leatherwood (6-6, 310). Both have SEC size and talent, with exceptional feet and hand placement. Both are the most experienced on the offensive line. (Leatherwood is moving from guard to tackle.)
The interior is talented but not nearly as experienced. Evan Neal, Matt Womack, Chris Owens, Emil Ekiyor, Jr. are all big enough (all over 6-3, 315), the question is more about placement within the interior. The first position battle to watch is center. After that position is decided, the rest of the pieces will fall into place. The big question is whether the offensive line is shaken up at all when Deonte Brown, Jr. (6-4, 340) returns to guard after serving a four-game suspension.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator, Pete Golding, has been cautiously optimistic about this group through the early stages of fall camp. This defense has plenty of talent, but developing enough depth throughout and regaining that competitive edge will be crucial if the Crimson Tide is to get back to being an elite defense. Of course, I act like finishing third in scoring defense in the SEC and fifth in passing defense in the SEC is horrible, but for Alabama, it is a bit shocking.
Defensive Line
Surprisingly, I have a few concerns about this position group this season. First, one of the best defensive linemen in SEC history, Quinnen Williams, has left for the NFL. Williams reminds me a lot Warren Sapp. Both were agile, quick, disruptive defensive tackles that were somewhat undersized for the position. So, in my eyes, Alabama has to replace Warren Sapp. They can try and do that with two guys that look much more like your tradition nose/defensive tackle – DJ Dale (6-3, 315) and Phidarian Mathis (6-4, 315). Mathis recorded some snaps last season in a reserve role and DJ Dale has performed well thus far in training camp (coupled with a great Spring practice). Both should see playing time.
At defensive end, Alabama has a plethora of talent, but questions in regard to how consistent that talent will perform. LaBryan Ray (6-5, 285), Stephon Wynn, Jr. (6-4, 295), Antonio Alfano (6-4, 290) were all former blue-chip recruits. Wynn and Alfano are both freshman (Wynn was redshirted last season), but both will probably be asked to play early on. Both have the bodies needed to compete at a high level. Ray, a junior, has not underperformed, but will be asked to rush the passer and dominate at the line of scrimmage in a more consistent manner.
The wild card in all of this Raekwon Davis (6-7, 310) who enters his senior season. Davis terrorized the SEC in 2017 with his pass rushing abilities, only to finish 2018 with 1.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Obviously, the type of attention he received last season helped others get to the quarterback, but I expect Davis to not let this season finish the same way 2018 did.
Linebacker
Anfernee Jennings (6-3, 260) and Dylan Moses (6-3, 235). Two of the best linebackers in the SEC. Couple their experience with young talent throughout the position, and this is one of the best linebacking corps in the SEC. Two wildcards will be the recoveries of Christopher Allen (6-4, 250) and Terrell Lewis (6-5, 250) from ACL injuries. Both are excellent pass rushers. Lewis looks to be healthy heading into the heart of training camp. If he is able to remain healthy, he will be one of the elite edge defenders in the SEC. Besides Moses, look for Joshua McMillon (6-3, 235), a senior, to get a lot of snaps at inside linebacker. Freshman Shane Lee (6-0, 245) and Sophomore Jaylen Moody (6-2, 225) both have All-SEC talent. Lee was my favorite inside linebacker prospect in this past recruiting cycle.
Defensive Back
The first four names I list are dependable defensive backs: Patrick Surtain II (cornerback), Trevon Diggs (cornerback), Xavier McKinney (safety), and Syheim Carter (safety). After that, Alabama needs to find some bodies that can add competitive depth to this roster. Saban signed five defensive backs in this year’s recruiting class. All five were top 150 recruits. If anyone can get this group to play at an elite level, it would be Saban, but coming off a good, but not elite season in pass defense should at least give Crimson Tide fans a little something to think about.
Special Teams
Joseph Bulovas has experience, but missed six extra points. Will Reichard is talented, but a true freshman. Either way, Alabama and its struggles in the kicking game is the most mind-blowing thing in SEC football now that LSU finally has a decent quarterback.
Schedule Breakdown
Aug. 31 vs Duke*
Sept. 7 vs New Mexico State
Sept. 14 at South Carolina
Sept. 21 vs Southern Miss
Sept. 28 vs Ole Miss
Oct. 5 OFF
Oct. 12 at Texas A&M
Oct. 19 vs Tennessee
Oct. 26 vs Arkansas
Nov. 2 OFF
Nov. 9 vs LSU
Nov. 16 at Mississippi State
Nov. 23 vs Western Carolina
Nov. 30 at Auburn
Projected Finish: 12-0 (8-0)
*Atlanta
Yes, the SEC is getting closer to Alabama, but until the king is dethroned, I just can’t predict the Crimson Tide losing a game. The bye weeks fall perfectly, too. Alabama has a bye before a road trip to A&M and before the LSU game. Not only that, but the Tide has cupcake matchups against New Mexico State and Western Carolina before facing South Carolina and Auburn, respectively. Alabama will finish this season undefeated before heading to Atlanta to compete for another SEC Title.
The Perspective
We reached out to Alabama graduate, and bassist for the Sundown Saddlers, Will Elliot for a fan’s perspective on this year’s Crimson Tide team. Here is what he said:
Given the talent that we have coming back, I expect us to finish the regular season undefeated. I am extremely worried about our depth at linebacker and Tua’s health. I would be lying if I didn’t say that the games against South Carolina, A&M, LSU, and Auburn scare me. I think we will beat Auburn if we remain healthy, however, if we have injuries I see no reason why they can’t beat us, being that it’s at their place.
Be sure to follow Will on twitter @Will_Elliott22 for some hilarious tweets and great takes on Alabama Football.
