Change will be the watchword for Alabama in 2003. The Crimson Tide, entering a second year of NCAA probation, start from scratch with Mike Shula. The departures of so many 2002 contributors means that Shula will depend on players brought in by the Franchione regime, rather than the Mike DuBose holdovers who were prominent under Franchione. Although Franchione was able to put together a good season despite probation, the penalty's effect will truly be felt in 2003. The truncated probation-era recruiting classes will begin to impact depth, discernable on special teams first.

Shula will have to evaluate his talent before any concrete changes can occur. Alabama won 10 games in 2002 for the 27th time, an impressive feat. Unfortunately, the Tide will be unable to approach that number in 2003. A decent showing in the SEC is certainly possible, especially given the unsettled nature of the West division, but much more than that is unlikely.

Tide fans can rest assured, however, that their season still includes a late season road trip to an exotic locale. For the second straight year, Alabama will close out the season in Hawii (Nov. 29). For the bowl-prohibited Alabama faithful, the trip might be better than a legitimate postseason. After all, Hawaii in November always beats Shreveport in December. But Timmy Chang is nothing to look forward to, huh.

Look for Alabama to be competitive in almost all of their games next season, with a respectable but far from outstanding finish. Given Bama's schedule - 12 of 13 opponents finished 2002 with winning records - more than eight wins seems a long shot. Any more wins will reflect an outstanding job by this new coaching regime from now through late August.

Passing: Brodie Croyle, 123-60-5, 1046 yds., 5 TD's

Rushing: Shaud Williams, 130 att., 921 yds., 5 TD's

Receiving: Triandos Luke, 41 rec., 482 yds., 2 TD's

Scoring: Kyle Robinson, 6-10 FG, 23-24 PAT, 41 pts.

Punting: Michael Ziifle, 8 punts, 38.2 avg.

Kicking: Kyle Robinson, 6-10 FG, 23-24 PAT, 41 pts.

Tackles: Brooks Daniels, 110 tot., 68 solo

Sacks: Antwan Odom, 10 sacks

Interceptions: Charlie Peprah, 4 for 90 yds.

Kickoff returns: Ray Hudson, 13 ret., 20.5 avg.

Punt returns: Shaud Williams, 40 ret., 8.6 avg.

Conditioning has been a noted concern for the entire team. It was heavily emphasized this spring and will continue throughout the summer… Shaud Williams just may be the most valuable player for the Crimson Tide this season. In addition to being a great runner (averaged 8 yards per carry in the spring game), he is also a stifling weapon as a receiver and on special teams. If there's a legit Heisman candidate on this team, it's Williams. Fellow running back Kenneth Darby has impressed this spring, with strong running performances and the ability to turn the simple into the simply remarkable. He will provide a third back who can help keep this stable fresh and effective throughout four quarters… The highly publicized O-line held up well against the pass rush this spring, which portends good things for Croyle… People are severely overlooking the talent that lies in this group of receivers. The Tide (seriously) go six deep on the outside, with about four more who can contribute if needed. They are sorely underrated (as a group), and are dying to team with Croyle to prove cynics otherwise. One of those (back) four likely to get action this year is freshman Eric Packer. He has been clocked at 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and has a 41-inch vertical leap. He reminds some of former standout David Palmer.

Thurman Ward has been switched from WR to CB and will be a contributor in the secondary this season. Roman Harper has paced the secondary with constricting coverage and hellacious hits, which earned him a starting spot heading into August practice. His backup, Carlos Andrews, has turned in worthy outings as well and their competition certainly boosts this unit… DE Antwan Odom showed many why he will be one of the top defensive players in the SEC. Blowing up plays along the front and dictating action on the edge, Odom often made ballcarriers find alternate routes- and will only get better as the season progresses. Redshirt frosh DE Chris Harris has done well enough to challenge for extensive P.T. Classmate Kyle Tatum could play a big part in the DL rotation as well. At 6'7" 285 lbs, he does a great job of filling running alleys and deflecting passing lanes with his intimidating stature and incredible wingspan. He might be the surprise player of the year on this defense.

Jeff Aul and Bo Freeland separated themselves as the top two punters bearing towards fall camp. Triandos Luke performed marvelously as a return man, showcasing his versatility and speed by zipping past wannabe tacklers. He'll most likely team with Ray Hudson and Brandon Brooks on kick returns. Antonio Carter and Brooks will be the top two in the PR slot.

FYI- It's going to be hard for the players to adjust to Shula's new offense so quickly. That alone could take a toll on this team. Think of what they have been through, emotionally, in the last eight months alone. These occurrences have already tainted a vision of their season (especially being on probation). If they win more than 8 or 9 games in a 13 game schedule, it would have to be considered a major accomplishment.