Alabama freshmen give fans a glimpse of the offensive future

After a physical game against Florida State in Week 1, Alabama was back in action on Saturday against the Fresno State. While it wasn’t the defense’s best performance, the offense saw plenty of success.

Alabama fans saw a couple of prospects from the 2017 recruiting class get their first action, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His debut was expected, but that didn’t make the anticipation any less.

Tagovailoa, the former 5-star prospect from Hawaii, entered the game for the first time with 10:35 left in the second quarter. That opportunity gave him the chance to get much-needed reps with the first-team offense, and he didn’t disappoint. Tagovailoa finished the game completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 64 yards and a touchdown — his first.

It was the first @AlabamaFTBL TD pass for Tua Tagovailoa and TD reception for Henry Ruggs III #FRESNOvsBAMA #OutworkYesterday #RollTide

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 9, 2017

He wasn’t perfect, but he looked the part overall. His confidence in the pocket really stood out, and it’s now become clear why his maturity has created so much hype around him since enrolling back in January.

Tagovailoa wasn’t the only freshman to see significant action for Alabama’s offense, however.

Running back Najee Harris and receivers Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Devonta Smith continued to see reps after making their debuts last week against Florida State, but like Tagovailoa, offensive linemen Jedrick Wills and Alex Leatherwood also got their first live action.

Wills, a 6-5, 314-pound former 4-star, was the first of the two inserted into the lineup when he took the field at right tackle on the same drive as Tagovailoa. Wills and Leatherwood, the nation’s top offensive tackle prospect in the 2017 class, both had their ups and downs, but they also both managed to earn valuable reps heading into the rest of the season.

After rushing for only 5 yards on 3 carries in his own debut against the Seminoles last week, freshman phenom Najee Harris showed why he was the No. 1 running back in the 2017 recruiting class according to 247Sports.

The younger Harris led the running backs in carries (13) and rushing yards (70), while also adding a catch for 10 yards. He has size (6-2, 227), speed and strength. That combination was constantly on display Saturday, and his ability to make an impact in the running and passing game makes him a threat, regardless of the situation.

Um….did Najee Harris just throw a Fresno State player with one hand and hurt him in the process? pic.twitter.com/9FmMFnOKuq

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) September 9, 2017

Outside of a crucial drop on a pass from Tagovailoa, Harris showed the traits needed to eventually become the bell cow in Alabama’s offense. His emergence will only add to the depth of the position at this time, however.

With Colorado State coming to town next Saturday, there should continue to be plenty of opportunities to get the experience needed to help them contribute once conference play starts against Vanderbilt on Sept. 23.

Clint Lamb

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.