Front Porch FootballAlabama 2021 Season Preview
by Brendan Paschal
2020 proved to be one of the greatest seasons in the history of Alabama football (and Nick Saban’s career). But as has happened time and again in the Saban era, success led to departures from assistant coaches and players alike.
The coaching carousel continued to spin, as Texas hired offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as their new head coach after only one year in Tuscaloosa. Sarkisian promptly took offensive line coach Kyle Flood with him to Austin as his offensive coordinator. If replacing those two wasn’t tough enough, Alabama also lost associate head coach and running backs coach Ryan Huff, who accepted his first head coaching position at Marshall. On top of coaching departures, Alabama also loses five unanimous All-Americans (Alex Leatherwood, DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Najee Harris, and Patrick Surtain) and another consensus All-American (Mac Jones) to the NFL. Other than Surtain, those departed All-Americans were all on the offensive side of the football.
I understand Nick Saban is a master of his craft, and even when he loses a ton of players and coaches, he still finds a way to stay at the top. But I also understand there is such a thing as losing too much (last season’s LSU team is a perfect example). If there was ever a year where Alabama looked vulnerable, this is it.
Offense
Saban is no stranger to assistant coaches getting poached by schools trying to replicate his success in Tuscaloosa – new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien makes Saban’s 8th in 15 seasons at Alabama. After a messy departure from the Houston Texans organization, O’Brien returns to college football for the first time since his two-year stint as Penn State’s head coach from 2012 to 2013. O’Brien made a name for himself revolutionizing the New England Patriots’ offense with Tom Brady, where he introduced heavy use of athletic tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and undersized slot receivers like Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. Joining O’Brien will be Doug Marrone (offensive line), Robert Gillespie (running backs), and Holmon Wiggins (wide receivers); Wiggins is the only offensive coach returning from last season.
This staff has their work cut out for them if they are going to live up to the Alabama standard. Although there are tremendous athletes at every position, the players’ lack of experience raises questions about this team’s ability to meet Saban’s expectations.
Departed Starters
Mac Jones – QB – NFL
DeVonta Smith – WR – NFL
Jaylen Waddle – WR – NFL
Najee Harris – RB – NFL
Alex Leatherwood – OT – NFL
Deonte Brown – OG – NFL
Landon Dickerson – C – NFL
Position Breakdown
Quarterback
O’Brien loves sucking defenses in with short crossing routes, screens, jet sweeps, and zone options, only to drop play-action bombs down field. If you designed a quarterback from scratch to fit O’Brien’s offense, he would look a lot like redshirt sophomore Bryce Young (6-0, 194). After patiently sitting behind Mac Jones, Young has separated himself from other elite talent in the quarterback room (not only athletically, but financially as well).
The California native may have been the number one dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2019, but make no mistake, Young is a pass-first quarterback. The term “dual-threat” has been bastardized to now mean a glorified running back, where every play is a coin toss whether the QB will go through his progressions or just tuck the ball and run at the first sign of pressure. Young definitely has the athleticism to successfully run option plays out of the backfield, but he is also disciplined enough in the passing game to keep his eyes downfield when the pocket starts to break down, rather than bailing out at the first hint of trouble.
Fans are excited to see Young start against Miami on September 4th, because until now he’s seen nothing but garbage time in an Alabama uniform. In the nine games he’s appeared in, Young went 13-22 for 156 yards and 1 touchdown, but he didn’t play enough in 2020 for those numbers to be statistically significant. For clues about what is to come, let’s look at his final high school season. In 13 games, Young completed 72.6% of his passes for 4,500 yards and 58 touchdowns, versus a mere 6 interceptions; he also rushed for over 350 yards and added 10 more touchdowns on the ground. The SEC is a different beast than high school (obviously), but from what players and coaches have seen in practice, Young should make a smooth transition into the starting role.
Behind Young is redshirt senior Paul Tyson (6-5, 212) and true freshman Jalen Milroe (6-2, 212). Tyson is a reliable game manager, while Milroe is the future. Another highly touted dual-threat quarterback, Milroe will need some more time learning the offense before he makes a push for a starting role. Expect Milroe to make appearances in a handful of blowouts late in the season but ultimately redshirt.
Running Back
Last year, Najee Harris received the lion’s share of touches out of the backfield, which earned him the Doak Walker Award. Do not expect one player to step into the void Harris leaves in 2021, for several reasons. First, it’s nearly impossible to replicate the kind of success he experienced in 2020. Second, this running back room is full of too much talent to not use it. Finally, O’Brien is known to use multiple running backs in rotation.
The head of the committee is redshirt senior Brian Robinson (6-1, 225). Although he was used as a short-yardage power back last season, expect Robinson to increase his rushing attempts. He is a well-rounded triple-threat running back who can kill you with his power, his speed, and catching ability. Robinson will keep the proud Alabama running back tradition alive and well.
Joining Robinson will be a plethora of underclassmen fighting for field time. I hope to see redshirt sophomore Trey Sanders (6-0, 214) step up as RB2. The former number-one running back in the class of 2019 has had to sit out his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa due to season-ending injuries (a foot injury in 2019 and a hip injury from a car crash in 2020). Saban has told reporters, however, that after a grueling rehab throughout the offseason, Sanders is practicing without any limitations this August. In the two games he played in last year (Tennessee and Mississippi State), Sanders rushed for 119 yards on 19 carries. He has big-play potential and should be a scoring threat regardless of field position.
Another sophomore who should see action behind Robinson is Jase McClellan (5-11, 212), a well-rounded back who showed how much of a threat he is in the passing game during spring practice. Expect his workload to increase as the season progresses. Roydell Williams (5-10, 208) and true freshman Camar Wheaton (5-11, 190) could also receive touches.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Replacing Jaylen Waddle and Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith is the second-toughest obstacle Alabama faces going into 2021. But to the surprise of absolutely no one, there is plenty of four- and five-star talent to step up. John Metchie III (6-0, 195) is the name coaches have circled as the biggest threat on this receiving corps. After Jaylen Waddle’s injury in game 5 last season, Metchie stepped into Waddle’s starting role to go for 916 yards and 6 touchdowns on 55 receptions. But with defenses no longer being forced to key on Devonta Smith, Metchie needs to prove he can handle the extra attention. He certainly has the speed and hands to do so, but so far he hasn’t had the need to consistently beat double coverage.
Opposite Metchie should be Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams (6-2, 189). The junior saw playing time (22 games, including 6 starts) during his two seasons in a Buckeye uniform but ultimately decided to enter the transfer portal to garner more snaps. Williams is a deep-ball threat and adds much-needed experience to a young wide receiver room. Behind Metchie and Williams on the outside will be a pair of sophomores – Traeshon Holden (6-3, 208) and Javon Baker (6-2, 206) – and freshman Agiye Hall (6-3, 195).
Patriots fans may experience deja vu watching Slade Bolden (5-11, 194) start at slot receiver – the undersized Bolden looks like Wes Welker or Julian Edlemen reincarnated. What he lacks in size, though, the redshirt junior makes up for with excellent route running and a knack for getting open. Behind Bolden is the even-smaller (5-10, 175) true freshman Christian Leary.
Currently, Alabama has 10 (yes, 10) tight ends on the roster. Jahleel Billingsley (6-4, 230) should rise to the top as the best passing threat, but if O’Brien wants to throw in a dual tight-end passing package, look for Cameron Latu (6-5, 250) to join Billingsleyon the field. Kendall Randolph (6-4, 298) is technically listed as a TE/OL, so expect him to come in as a sixth lineman in jumbo packages.
Offensive Line
The toughest obstacle Alabama faces is replacing three of the five members of last year’s offensive line, which won the annual Joe Moore Award as the best, most cohesive offensive line in the nation. The two returning starters are Evan Neal (6-7, 350) and Emil Ekiyor (6-3, 324). Neal, who started at left guard in 2019 and right tackle in 2020, will take the departed Alex Leatherwood’s spot at left tackle. The junior is a freak of nature with quick feet and strong hands. He should go very early on in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ekiyor returns to right guard, and will continue to impose his will on interior defenders. He benefited tremendously from playing with four returning starters last year, but now he needs to return the favor as the veteran on the line. The only other player with any significant playing experience is center Chris Owens (6-3, 305). The redshirt senior showed he was good enough to play at a championship level against Notre Dame and Ohio State, after having to replace the injured Landon Dickerson.
Filling in at left guard should be one of two sophomores, Javion Cohen (6-4, 305) or Damieon George (6-6, 339), depending on whether coaches are comfortable enough to put unanimous five-star freshman Tommy Brockermeyer (6-5, 305) in the starting spot at right tackle. If Brockermeyer starts at right tackle, George should take over at left guard, with Cohen in the rotation. If Brockermeyer doesn’t start right away, look for George to start at right tackle and Cohen at left guard.
Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe to Our Newsletter Below
Defense
Last year, Alabama’s offense bailed out its defense. For example, it didn’t matter that Ole Miss scored 48 points, because Alabama’s offense scored 63. Granted, when your offense is putting up video game-level points and you’re up by four scores, it’s hard to play with the same intensity as if you were down a touchdown or two. This year, with a depleted offense (I say sarcastically), there could be times when the veteran defense needs to bail out the offense. Each position loses an impact player, but this starting rotation is full of juniors, seniors, and fifth-seniors with plenty of experience under their belts.
Pete Golding returns for his 4th season as defensive coordinator. I expect this defense to not only take a step forward this year, but to be one of the best in the country. They boast future NFL players at almost every position and have young talent to provide depth. Alabama’s defenses pride themselves on being stronger, faster, and more aggressive than everyone else. Anticipate 2021 to be a year full of relentless punishment inflicted on opposing offenses.
Departed Starters
Dylan Moses – LB – NFL
Patrick Surtain II – CB – NFL
Christian Barmore – DT – NFL
Defensive Line
Alabama will almost always play with just three down linemen. Junior DJ Dale (6-3, 300) returns at nose guard after recording 22 tackles, 2 broken up passes, and 1 forced fumble in 2020. He is a phenomenal run stopper who demands double teams every play, but he needs to improve his pass rush to help soften the departure of Christian Barmore. If he shows even the slightest improvement in that aspect of his game, Dale could find himself at an NFL training camp a year from now, with a lot more money than just a Bojangles sponsorship.
Tim Smith (6-4, 308) should also see significant playing time at nose guard. He made a quick adjustment to college in 2020, and he should participate more during his sophomore campaign. Smith appears to be more elusive than Dale, which means he likes to shed or avoid blocks to make the play in the backfield himself, rather than clogging holes and allowing linebackers to roam free. Either approach gets the job done, and these two will be a nightmare for opposing centers and guards.
The line will be led by defensive end Phidarian Mathis (6-4, 312). Last season, we saw some explosive games by Mathis, followed by silence the following week. I want to see a little more consistency from Mathias in order for him to take a step forward this year. When Mathias is on, he will spend more time in opponents backfields than his own. He moves with great speed for someone his size and can beat tackles by using a juke or a bull rush. Justin Eboigbe (6-5, 285) returns opposite Mathis and will look to continue wreaking havoc in the backfield. His biggest claim to fame so far is his interception against Georgia. Pass-rushing specialist and redshirt senior LaBryan Ray (6-5, 285) enters his final season hoping for a fully healthy year, after battling numerous injuries across his career.
Linebacker
Christian Harris (6-2, 232) has once again solidified his position as one of the starting inside linebackers. He finished 2020 with 79 tackles (second-highest on the team), 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 6 QB hurries, and 2 passes defended, with 1 interception as a cherry on top. His sophomore campaign earned him a selection as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. Harris could very well be an All-American and end his college career early if this trend continues.
Joining Harris on the inside will be a rotation between senior Jaylen Moody (6-2, 225) and Tennessee transfer Henry To’o To’o (6-2, 228). While Moody was biding his time behind Dylan Moses, we saw his hard-hitting physicality on special teams and his limited snaps at linebacker. Moody will play early and often, but To’o To’o is simply too talented not to play. After leading Tennessee in tackles (76) and tackles for loss (10) last season under former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, To’o To’o has quickly adapted to life in Tuscaloosa and should complement Harris well.
The outside Jack and Sam positions should be filled by returning starters Christopher Allen (6-4, 242) and Will Anderson (6-4, 243). Allen was my favorite Alabama player last year, and I don’t think this year will be any different. He finished 2020 with 41 total tackles, 6 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, and he led the conference in tackles for loss (13). He flies around the field and hunts the football like nobody’s business. 2020 may have been Anderson’s first season in Tuscaloosa, but he certainly didn’t play like it. Finishing third in the SEC in both sacks (7) and tackles for loss (10.5), Anderson racked up 52 tackles, 8 QB hurries, and 1 forced fumble, adding a blocked field goal against Notre Dame. Allen and Anderson are a formidable duo off the edge and should replicate last year’s success.
Secondary
This secondary will keep quarterbacks and receivers up at night. Cornerback Josh Jobe (6-1, 194) is back for his senior year, after finishing 2020 with 55 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 11 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. While the national media is primarily focused on LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. (due to Stingley’s tremendous athleticism and likely future status as aTop-10 pick in the NFL Draft), don’t be surprised if Jobe joins him in the first round. Jobe is a well-rounded corner with the potential to lock down other teams’ best receivers.
Filling in the second cornerback position should be redshirt junior Jalyn Armour-Davis (6-1, 192). He is another one of those players who likely would have started at another school prior to 2021, but with an All-American ahead of him, Armour-Davis bided his time. The Alabama native is ready to step into the starting role after seeing most of his playing time in previous years on special teams. Armour-Davis is one those players whose success teammates and coaches are rooting for; soon fans will see why.
One of the most electric 2021 recruits should receive playing time behind Jobe and Armour-Davis. Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry (6-1, 190) enrolled early and found himself practicing with the second team in the spring. He is smooth on the field, loves to meet the ball in the air, and could be the fastest player on this roster.
Alabama Safeties
This safety position group will be one of the most exciting in the SEC. Alabama returns Jordan Battle (6-1, 210) at strong safety. Battle finished third on the team in total tackles (66) and will continue to punish receivers across the middle. At free safety, redshirt senior Daniel Wright (6-1, 195) and junior DeMarcco Hellams will both see the field once again. Wright looks to finish his collegiate career by building off his 60 tackles (one for loss), 3 pass breakups, 1 quarterback hurry, and 2 interceptions from last year. Meanwhile, Hellmans looks to expand his role after making a name for himself playing multiple positions throughout the secondary.
A pair of sophomores will round out the secondary at the Star and Money positions. After receiving All-SEC Freshman honors last season, Malachi Moore (6-0, 190) returns at Star. Moore was a walking highlight reel in 2020, finishing his freshman campaign with 44 tackles (4 for a loss), 6 pass breakups, and 2 quarterback hurries, and leading the defense with 4 forced turnovers, including a forced fumble that he recovered and took back for a touchdown.
Brian Branch (6-0, 190), who saw first-team reps at Star in the spring while Moore sat out with a minor injury,. should be used primarily as the sixth defensive back in dime packages. Junior Marcus Banks (6-0, 186) and sophomores Kristian Story (6-1, 209) and Jahquez Robinson (6-2, 197) will add depth to this secondary.
Special Teams
Junior Will Richard returns to his kicking duties after earning 2nd-team All-SEC honors last year. His legacy thus far is one of consistent accuracy and a powerful leg. Punter might be the biggest position battle for Alabama this year, with three players fighting for the starting role – junior Jack Martin (6-2, 222), redshirt freshman James Burnip (6-6, 216), and sophomore Sam Johnson (6-3, 215).
We could see several returners this season, but right now the favorites are JoJo Earle, Ja’Corey Brooks, Camar Wheaton, and Slade Bolden.
Impact Players
- Bryce Young – QB – This offense will be successful if Young doesn’t hold onto the ball too long in the backfield. I want Young to play with confidence and to trust his arm. It’s tempting for young, inexperienced dual-threats to rely on their legs rather than risk a tough pass. But this offense will only reach its full potential if Young exhibits his skill set in the pocket.
- Christian Harris – LB – This junior will be the heartbeat of the Crimson Tide defense. His tackling ability in the open field allows the secondary behind him to play with more freedom in coverage.
- Malachi Moore – DB – Although he’s already made a name for himself, Moore has the potential to establish himself as an Alabama legend.
- John Metchie – WR – Metchie made replacing Jaylen Waddle look easy last year, but now he needs to replace a Heisman trophy winner. While he probably won’t duplicate Devonta Smith’s once-in-a-generation success, he will step up as the reliable playmaker.
- Evan Neal – LT – Yes, Alabama won’t experience the same growing pains that other schools would after losing the majority of last year’s starters on the offensive line, but that does not mean replacing those players is easy. Neal is one of the best offensive linemen in the country, but he’s moving to left tackle to protect an unproven quarterback. This offense’s success might depend on Young at quarterback, but Young’s success will depend on Neal at left tackle.
Schedule
Sept. 4 — vs. Miami (Atlanta)
Sept. 11 — vs Mercer
Sept. 18 — at Florida
Sept. 25 — vs Southern Miss
Oct. 2 — vs Ole Miss
Oct. 9 — at Texas A&M
Oct. 16 — at Mississippi State
Oct. 23 — vs Tennessee
Oct. 30 — BYE
Nov. 6 — vs LSU
Nov. 13 — vs New Mexico State
Nov. 20 — vs Arkansas
Nov. 27 — at Auburn
Conclusion
Bryce Young has a unique aspect to the pressure he is under, one that no other Alabama quarterback has had to endure. On top of playing for one of the most rabid and cutthroat fanbases, he also has the weight of $1 million dollars in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money resting on his shoulders. There are plenty of pros with the new NIL rules, but one of the biggest cons is the potential that this kid might not perform commensurate with the amount of money he’s received. I believe Young will step up to the challenge and thrive at quarterback, but the Tide needs to solidify their starting offensive line early in the season to establish consistency for him up front.
This is the first time in a while that a Crimson Tide offense has looked semi-defendable. If Alabama’s defense doesn’t produce turnovers, I could see an opposing team with an elite offense taking and holding a lead. Their schedule is pretty favorable overall. I could see the Lane Train coming into Tuscaloosa and using the high-powered Ole Miss offense under Matt Corral to shock the world, but I could also see the Rebels getting pushed around on defense, leading to another 63-48 final score. I wrote in my Ole Miss Preview that the Rebs have a chance to win every single game they play; they definitely won’t win every game, but they’ll have a chance in every one. It would be poetic if Lane Kiffin were to roll into Bryant-Denny Stadium and hand Saban his first loss by a former assistant coach.
If Alabama loses, or even if it’s a close game, expect Alabama to steamroll Texas A&M the following week. But if the Tide take care of business against Ole Miss, they could be caught off guard in College Station. Those two dates are the ones I circled on the calendar as “caution” games for Alabama. But until a program proves otherwise, I will not go against the Tide.
Alabama goes undefeated in the regular season and meets Georgia for another epic showdown in Atlanta. If there was ever a year for Kirby Smart to defeat his former head coach, this is the one.
