2009 Statistics

QUARTERBACK

Despite a perfect record in 2009, Alabama was not really known for its passing attack. However, first year starter Greg McElroy proved he is more than just efficient as a game manager. With only four interceptions, McElroy did his job almost perfectly. The Tide did not really need a QB to win a game in the clutch until the regular season closer against Auburn. McElroy is now a senior and still has not lost a game as a starter since he was in middle school. When it comes to making his reads, knowing the system and feeling comfortable in his drops, the comparison now as to where Greg was last spring is like night and day; he may get some early talk as an outside Heisman contender because, well, 'Bama continues to just win. But he still won't be throwing the ball frequently in this system. The backups are also steady. A.J. McCarron and Star Jackson are in a tight battle with true freshman Phillip Sims. Sims enrolled early to get a jump on grasping this offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE

While there are a few holes on this line of scrimmage, a viable mix of depth and top-quality youth is plentiful. Don't let the young faces fool you. Redshirt freshmen such as Love and Fluker, who are battling for starting positions, were former five star prep recruits. Some future potential All-Americans are lining up here. Returning sophomore starter Barrett Jones continues to work at right guard, though, at any moment he is talented enough to slide out to tackle where Fluker will hopefully stabilize that right outside position. Center William Vlachos may not be the best lineman of the bunch, but he is the glue that holds this group together as he also makes up a big part of the offensive identity. His ability to pull has been extremely beneficial to the running game. Redshirt frosh Chance Warmack is getting most of the first team reps at left guard and has the making of a future All-SEC guard. Then ,of course, there is returning All-SEC performer James Carpernter at left tackle. The Coffeyville Community College transfer stepped in last fall for All-American Andre Smith and did more than most could ever have imagined. He may not be a dominating run blocker, but his pass protection is exceptional.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Much like other units on the defensive side, the DL goes through a major reloading phase. And the term reloading is a proper description based on the monstrous play Bama is about to get out of DE Marcel Dareus, a brightly burning shooting star. Dareus only had four starts last fall, but over the second half of the team’s title run he became one of the main weapons. Dareus' development forced opponents to change their game plan. His solid play continued this spring and, long story short, he looks like the Tide's best defensive player. Marcel is talented enough to play his way into a Top 5 NFL Draft pick down the road. Attempting to fill the mountainous cleats of Terrence Cody at nose tackle will be Josh Chapman, who is known as Alabama's strongest player (squats close to 700 pounds). He and Kerry Murphy are qualified enough to eclipse the tackle numbers Cody put up, which is bad news for opposing blockers as this entire line will make things (like who to double-team) tough. Luther Davis looks to take over at the other DE spot. Davis was a highly touted prep recruit out of Louisiana who now gets his chance to shine as a senior after playing a reserve role til now.

LINEBACKER

The best news this off-season has to be the healthy, ahead-of-schedule return of linebacker Dont'a Hightower (tore ACL and MCL late last fall). Cleared for full contact, he has been lining up at Rolando McClain's former middle linebacker spot. McClain (8th overall pick in the '09 NFL Draft) didn't come off the field, and that continues to be the burden placed on the middle linebacker in this defense. Regardless of formation, the MIKE stays out there. Ergo, the prospect of Hightower sliding into McClain's old spot makes sense. But he is versatile enough as an athlete to play any of these linebacker positions at any time. Such a statement has been put to the test too, as musical chairs appears to be the theme with everyone. Who lines up where when the whistle blows is anyone's guess, even the coaches. One day there's four players in distinct spots, and the next day, everything's completely different. Jerrell Harris fits this rotating scheme while adding even more versatility to the mix. He has played everywhere but the JACK pass rush position. A six-game suspension last fall kept Harris out and pushed Nico Johnson into a situational role he will likely make permanent in 2010. Opportunity will knock again for Harris, and he is more than capable physically. Each of the linebackers brings something different to the table. They are all interchangeable which makes this group as good as any Bama has fielded despite the inexperience. Like all other units, young able bodies are everywhere.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Rebuilding the secondary will be the No. 1 priority this spring. Not only are three of four starters gone, but so are most of the nickel and dime backs. Strong safety Mark Barron does return, giving the unit a solid leader and an All-American player around which to build. He is everything to this defense in 2010 and can play either safety spot or one of the nickel/dime roles. Robby Green, expected to start at free safety, has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA for 2010, making the youth movement that much more important. How quickly the young corners develop will be key. Phelon Jones, a former LSU transfer, is the only player with starts to his credit (from 2008). Three former five-star recruits (Kirkpatrick, Scott and Milliner) are in the mix, as is John Fulton. The athletic potential is enormous but understanding these coverages will make for some struggles. Out of all the newbies, Dre Kirkpatrick wasted little time this spring in declaring that he was one of the top contenders in this entire secondary behind Barron. B.J. Scott is the most physical of the CBs and seems a lock the other spot.

2010 SPECIAL TEAMS

Alabama loses veterans at place kicker, punter, snapper, holder and all kick returns. Freshman kicker Cade Foster enrolled in January. Foster has power in his leg, and proved such while drilling most of his second half kickoffs out of the back of the end zone in Alabama's A-Day spring game. Freshman punter Jay Williams won't arrive until August; don't be surprised if one of the offensive/defensive players gives punting a shot. There are not many other options. Julio Jones backed up Javier Arenas returning punts lat fall and was effective to some degree in a limited role. One would have to believe he has the upper hand based on his overall quickness and shifty abilities. Powerful RB Trent Richardson could emerge as the leading kickoff returner.