The final four players in this series on impact-player signees in the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2014 play in a variety of positions: J. K. Scott (6’5”, 185 lbs), a kicker/punter from Mullin High School in Denver, Colorado; Dominick Jackson (6’7”, 310 lbs), a JUCO offensive guard from the College of San Manteo in San Manteo, California; Cameron Robinson (6’6”, 320 lbs) an offensive tackle from West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana; and Cameron Sims (6’4”, 205 lbs) a wide receiver from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana.
Cody Mandell, who made dramatic strides in his football career punting for the Crimson Tide, is, unfortunately, now gone. He is currently particularly missed, since it seems that, so far in spring practice, a legitimate punter has not emerged for the Crimson Tide. However, this is a position that J. K. Scott could fill immediately. At 6’5”, Scott has great hang time as well as high velocity on punts, achieving good leverage with his long legs. In addition, Scott is talented in kicking field goals, as well as kick offs.
If Adam Griffith does not take control of the field goal kicking duties, Scott could step into that position, as well. Alabama first found out about J. K. Scott from national kicking instructor, Chris Sailer. After contacting Scott, Sailer encouraged him to give Alabama a call. Eventually, Scott ended up working out in front of Nick Saban. He must have been pretty impressive, as the next day Scott was offered a scholarship to play for Alabama, which he accepted. There will be a lot of pressure on Scott, especially at the punting position, but this is one player who has the talent to deliver.
Wanting to add some big bodies with long arms up front, the Tide did just that when it signed the top JUCO offensive line player in the country, Dominick Jackson. Since Alabama is currently only four days away from A-Day and still seems to be shuffling offensive linemen in an attempt to get the best five players on the field at the same time, Jackson could prove to be an interesting prospect in the mix. If he does not have a position at guard, which he well may, Jackson has the ability to play tackle, as well.
Standing a lengthy 6’7”, Jackson is uncannily good at getting low at the pad level and crushing defenders off the line of scrimmage as well as downfield. In spite of his huge body, Jackson moves well and has good technique. Definitely a priority for the Crimson Tide staff, Jackson should have an opportunity to make a difference for Alabama in the fall. Since Jackson was recruited by practically every top program in the country, Mario Cristobal and the rest of the Nick Saban staff should be congratulated for doing an exceptional job of recruiting this versatile player to play for the Crimson Tide.
Cameron Robinson is not just a big name with a big reputation…he is one big man. Every bit of 6’6” and 320 lbs, this monster, hailing from Louisiana and the #1 rated offensive tackle in the country, is already doing damage at the Capstone in his push for a starting position for the Crimson Tide. Though the talent is there, the work will come in learning the play book. Currently, Robinson is projected to play at the valued left tackle position. Though it is very rare to see a player of Robinson’s caliber who can actually start as a true freshman in the SEC on the offensive line, it has been done, as in the cases of Andre Smith and Cyrus Kouandjio. Only time will tell what Cameron Robinson can deliver that may earn him a starting position, as well.
While in high school, Robinson made playing left tackle look like a cake walk, as he bull-dozed straight through his opponents. Though Robinson has decent technique, he will have to constantly be reminded to get his hands inside, get low, and push down field. Possessing no physical weakness, Robinson, however, may encounter some difficulties in dealing with the offensive philosophies of the Crimson Tide’s new offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin, who is installing some different packages. Yet, when all is said and done, Cameron Robinson should prove to be one sensational player for the Crimson Tide.
Another great high school football player from the state of Louisiana, Cameron Sims, is already on campus, attempting to break in to a wide receiver rotation. Simply because of the talent in that position in front of him, like Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Robert Foster, Christian Jones, etc., Sims has his work cut out for him. However, at 6’4”, 205 lbs, Sims, one of the biggest targets Alabama now possesses, has looked exceptionally sharp throughout spring practice. He is definitely a sensational vertical threat downfield.
His height, combined with his athletic ability and a pair of good hands, make Sims an almost unstoppable possession receiver. In high school, the ball was simply lofted to Sims to the left or right side of the field, who went up and caught the ball at its highest point. Though Sims is not what one would call a burner by any means, he does have real good quickness. He is skilled at making adjustments to put himself in position to make the catch. When Alabama needs to lob the ball up in the end zone to a big, physical receiver who can out-jump the DB’s, Cameron Sims may be the Crimson Tide’s go-to man.
This is the final report of a 4-part series on impact-player signees in the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2014.
