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Every February, college football fans wait with bated breath to see which young players will commit to play for their team.
High school seniors announcing their school of choice has become made-for-television entertainment. Part of the pressure of being a college football coach is the fact that coaching on the field is only part of the job, as a big part involves recruiting year-round.
Alabama wrapped up another season with a consensus top-five signing class. With Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams all entering senior seasons, the Crimson Tide loaded up at the linebacker position.
While Alabama fans were curious to see what Jalen Hurts could do at the quarterback position and see if Jonah Williams could step up into a starting role, both as early enrollees, the greatest excitement surrounds the summer arrivals. Some of those new to campus will compete for playing time. Who are the three most likely? That could be linebacker Ben Davis, defensive back Shyheim Carter and running back B.J. Emmons.
Two of the nation’s top 10 recruits signed with Alabama at the linebacker position: in-state prospects Lyndell Wilson and Davis, both five-star recruits.
So why leave out Wilson? Wilson, when healthy, will be a cornerstone for the defense. However, he’s already had two offseason surgeries. These health issues come in addition to having to quickly learn the playbook as a true freshman and adjust to the college game while having to compete at a stacked position.
Foster has the Mike linebacker position firmly locked up. Tim Williams is locked in at the Jack linebacker, and Anderson is the early favorite at the Sam linebacker position. Shaun Dion Hamilton is the favorite to win the Will spot, but Rashaan Evans practiced at the position this spring and looked strong.
Also, Evans performed well in the national title game, tallying two sacks. There’s also the freakish athlete in sophomore Christian Miller, who will likely see time in relief at the Jack linebacker position after recording three sacks at the A-Day spring game.
With the depth at the position, the only likely chance at playing time is backing up Foster at the Mike. This isn’t to say Wilson can’t compete to earn snaps at the position, but given his health concerns, Davis simply feels like a better bet.
Davis comes to Tuscaloosa after an illustrious high school career at nearby Gordo High School, the son of legendary former Alabama linebacker Wayne Davis. The elder Davis still holds the school record for most career tackles (327). While Davis certainly faces stiff competition at linebacker, he has an immense amount of talent, enough that he should see the field during his true freshman season.
Of all the summer arrivals, Carter is the most likely to earn a starting position. Carter is receiving strong consideration to start at the nickel. Carter has tremendous speed and has already impressed some of the veteran players, most notably safety Eddie Jackson, who gushed about Carter’s playing speed and willingness to be coached by older players.
Alabama worked hard to lock up the four-star recruit’s commitment over Ole Miss, as both schools were in the picture down to the wire. Tony Brown’s suspension, for at least a portion of the season, certainly helps Carter’s chances to work his way into a starting role. Like many of the players in the Alabama secondary, Carter has the ability to play both safety and cornerback, but the team’s greater need is at cornerback and Carter’s speed fits the need well.
Finally, Emmons — a four-star recruit — is already listed No. 3 on the depth chart at running back as a true freshman. Alabama hasn’t shied away from playing true freshmen at the position before, and while Emmons isn’t likely to see an abundance of carries this season, he should get opportunities.
With Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris ahead of him on the depth chart, he’ll likely receive playing time when the team wishes to rest the top two backs. Think Western Kentucky, Kent State and Chattanooga. Alabama eased Harris in last season in the same manner.
