Much to the dismay of Nick Saban, Alabama released their final depth chart leading into their season opener against Virginia Tech on Saturday. One thing that becomes very noticeable, there are a lot of true freshman that could either rise or fall to the challenge of playing Alabama football. While several young guns battle it out to backup lead running back TJ Yeldon, the offensive line is almost unrecognizable from last season. With plenty of fresh faces, it is the leadership of senior quarterback AJ McCarron that is becoming crucial in the Crimson Tide's success.
Only a few practices remain before Alabama takes the field against the Hookies. After a few uneven team scrimmages, Alabama's offense is still a work in progress. That is where McCarron is starting to excel, being the big voice in the huddle.
McCarron admitted that he has had to step up his leadership on the team. He no longer has an offensive line filled with players with at least three years of experience. Both Ryan Kelly and Arie Kouandjio are first-time starters. McCarron is making sure to preach consistency and not complacency.
"Everybody has a time and an era in college football. USC went through it, Florida went through it. Miami went through it for all those years," McCarron said, via AL.com. "Our biggest thing to me is, why does your time and era have to end?"
Another interesting aspect of the depth chart is the battle at running back. Yeldon is back for another season after an exceptional freshman campaign. Yeldon is already being considered into the Heisman odds after recording 1,108 yards on 175 carries while splitting the workload with Eddie Lacy. So who joins him in that two-man rotation Alabama loves?
As of now, Jalston Fowler is listed as the first h-back and second running back. Fowler missed most of last season with a knee injury, but Saban has been impressed with his improvement so far this season. Saban said that Fowler's blocking abilities making him an easy No. 2, but Derrick Henry and Altee Tenpenny continue to improve as well.
Saban believes the biggest things that need to happen in the first game is chemistry that still needs to form. The offensive line is still working on working together, while the receiving corps and McCarron continue to find timing with one another.
As of now, many football experts have Alabama penciled in as a possible championship contender, something Saban is not reading too much in to. In his opinion, this team has proved nothing yet and hopes they can establish what their identity will be.
