The month of June arrives Wednesday, which gives media personnel a chance to embrace its favorite offseason pastime: starting conversations about preseason watch lists.
Phil Steele, ESPN insider and College Football preview writer for Football Writers Association, is the king of such lists. While his magazine is set to hit stores on June 28, Steele updated his online version of predictions in projecting the preseason AP top 10 rankings for 2016.
He has Alabama slotted at No. 1 after the Crimson Tide secured a national championship last season. Despite early doubts, Jacob Coker navigated the Tide through the Southeastern Conference. Ole Miss gave it a blemish, but Alabama was able to win a conference championship, a national title and crown its second Heisman winner (Derrick Henry) in school history.
It enters year three of finding a new quarterback, nevertheless, the talent that lies at running back, wide receiver and tight end should help the Tide be successful in the fall. Defensive end Jonathan Allen along with linebackers Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson will spearhead a nasty defense. The return of Jeremy Pruitt at defensive coordinator brings an attacking mindset.
Coach Nick Saban has brought in seven top-ranked recruiting classes since 2007, including four straight No. 1 classes from 2011-14. His 2016 bunch that includes five-stars Jonah Williams (January enrollee), Lyndell “Mack” Wilson and Ben Davis arrived on campus last week for summer conditioning.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
