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Yet again, Alabama is off to a hot start under Nick Saban. The team is 4-0 and coming off its biggest win of the season — a 59-0 beatdown of Vanderbilt.
This team isn’t without weaknesses, but the Crimson Tide have shown why they’re a team to be reckoned with moving forward.
Here are five players who have been instrumental to the Tide’s hot start:
1. Damien Harris, RB
It’s amazing how much better a player looks when he isn’t playing with a lingering ankle issue. I’ll be the first to admit that I said that Harris was probably the fourth-most talented running back on the roster back in July, but I didn’t take into account how much that injury might have affected his play last season.
Well, he’s back and better than ever. The junior is coming off his best statistical performance of the season, rushing for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 12 carries.
This is a nice summary of his performance against Vanderbilt on Saturday:
HE. IS. GONE.
Damien Harris takes it to the house for @AlabamaFTBL. pic.twitter.com/yw0suv7u7T— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 23, 2017
As of now, Harris is quickly catching up to Jalen Hurts on the team’s rushing leader board — 309 yards compared to Hurts’s 360. In addition, he is tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns in the SEC with six.
Harris has been crucial to Alabama’s success this season, and while there are several other running backs who are capable of carrying the workload, Harris’s leadership among them is unquestioned.
2. Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB
Speaking of injuries, I think a lot of people are surprised that Hamilton has already returned to form after suffering a torn ACL against Florida in the SEC Championship Game in December.
With Alabama blowing out most of its opponents by the fourth quarter, Hamilton hasn’t had much of a chance to see a full game of action. Still, he leads the team in tackles for loss (3), is tied for first in tackles (20) and is tied for first in sacks (1).
Like with Harris on offense, the senior linebacker is one of the most important leaders on defense. His presence has really helped some of the younger guys, such as Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses.
3. Levi Wallace, CB
Coming into this season, Trevon Diggs, a sophomore who converted from wide receiver to cornerback in the offseason, would have been Marlon Humphrey’s replacement at left cornerback.
Yes, Diggs has seen reps there in every game, but it’s been walk-on Levi Wallace who has emerged as one of the most efficient cornerbacks in the SEC.
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 27, 2017
As you can see, Wallace has been a lock-down cornerback for the Tide this season.
It’s been surprising to witness, but there were times Wallace showed glimpses last season. He played in 11 games and was effective on special teams as well.
4. Jonah Williams, LT
There are actually multiple offensive linemen who could’ve made this list, but we’re going to go with the most talented of the bunch.
After a rocky start to the season, the offensive line is finally starting to jell, which is a scary thought for the rest of the college football world.
Williams’ transition to left tackle hasn’t come without struggles, but you can tell how comfortable he is getting settling back in on the left side after spending his freshman season at right tackle.
Against Vanderbilt, the offense finally looked like it did a few years ago where it would impose its will on opposing defenses, especially in the run game. Williams was a major part of that, and he’s going to continue to be one of the most important pieces on the offense.
5. Jalen Hurts
Say what you will about Hurts, but he has been an important part of Alabama’s start this season. No, he hasn’t been as efficient through the air as some people would like, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t helped the Alabama offense.
Hurts is tied for fourth in the SEC in rushing yards with 360, and he’s one of only two players in the conference who is averaging over 8 yards per carry (with at least 25 attempts). Who’s the other, you may ask? That’s be Damien Harris (8.13).
Rushes of 10+ yards in 2017:
Royce Freeman- 21
Bryce Love- 20
Rashaad Penny- 20
Saquan Barkley- 16
John Kelly- 16
Jalen Hurts- 15
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 28, 2017
After being only 2 minutes away from leading Alabama to only its second undefeated season under Nick Saban, Hurts has stepped up his leadership in his second year.
Yes, Tua Tagovailoa is one of the most gifted young passers in college football, but Hurts’ ability to lead the offense is severely underrated.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
