All eyes will be on the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala., this week for 2015 SEC Media Days.
Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide is set to speak on Wednesday, July 15. Seniors Ryan Kelly, Reggie Ragland and Kenyan Drake will join Saban in Hoover.
Its defense should be relentless in 2015, but Alabama does have concerns on offense.
A new signal-caller will be under center, and for the first time since 2008, the Crimson Tide lacks depth at running back. Sophomore wide receivers Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart both emerged in spring practice, and will took fill the void of losing Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White to the National Football League.
Defensive backs coach Mel Tucker returned to college football, after spending nine season in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.
His energy and enthusiasm inspired Alabama’s secondary in its spring game. It forced five of six interceptions, and looks to be much improved this fall. Senior cornerback Cyrus Jones and safety Geno Smith are the leaders, but Tucker has to get these players in the right mindset.
Coach Saban will be addressed numerous times about Alabama’s quarterback competition, but listed below are the top five questions he will receive aside from that issue.
1. Is Mel Tucker the answer for Alabama’s secondary?
2. How much depth is being developed at running back?
3. Will Robert Foster take the next step? Is he ready to be a primary target?
4. Does Mario Cristobal get it done for Alabama’s offensive line in year three?
5. Is placekicer Adam Griffith healthy? Where is his confidence level?
Answers to these questions will be left up to the interpretation of Saban and Crimson Tide fans. Alabama’s motto this season is “Finish.” It failed to do so in the last two seasons.
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
