Could the program have its second ultimate guinea pig?
It is starting to look that way after Nick Saban spoke to the media, following Wednesday’s practice on the team trying to create depth at various spots. He mentioned safety and running back as the two positions where some young players – freshmen included – will be called on.
With it losing Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs to the National Football League, Saban looks to find guys that will help Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. in the rushing attack.
“These guys have been good,” Saban said of Harris and Robinson.
“They have had great offseason programs. They have practiced really well. They have enough playing experience to have what it takes to be successful in terms of being responsible and accountable.”
Despite signing Trey Sanders and Keilan Robinson, the Crimson Tide also expects for sophomore Jerome Ford to step up next season. Another name stated in the conversation was sophomore, Chadarius Townsend.
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The four-star athlete in the 2017 class was an explosive standout at Tanner (Ala.) High School, as he totaled more than 2,700 yards offensively and posted 35 touchdowns in his senior year.
Listed at 6-feet and 194 pounds, Townsend has seen work at running back, wide receiver, defensive back and special teams. He took reps with the backs in the Tide’s third practice of the spring semester and Saban “sees promise” in him.
Prior to Townsend, Blake Sims was someone that did everything to help Alabama win.
The former signee of the 2010 recruiting class stepped in at running back, wide receiver, defensive back and backup quarterback. He even worked on special teams prior to earning the starting quarterback job in 2014, where he recorded 3,487 passing yards and 35 total scores.
As a receiver, Townsend caught a pass from Mac Jones and turned it into a 65-yard touchdown in last year’s A-Day Game. He was No. 199 on the ESPN 300 when he arrived on campus and it will be interesting to document his progress as move through spring ball.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
