Nick Saban and Alabama are no strangers to playing freshmen as they have consistently given young players a chance to play early, but the 2019 season has seen an uptick in freshmen participation due to injuries and a lack of depth at certain positions.
Multiple freshmen have started at some point for the Tide. Freshmen defensive players, DJ Dale, Shane Lee and Christian Harris, have started every game this season as they have continued to show improvement. Like clockwork, Alabama’s commits have taken notice of this trend.
After all, early playing time is arguably at the top of every recruit’s checklist during the recruitment process.
4-star defensive back and Alabama commit, Malachi Moore, sees Alabama’s willingness to play freshmen as an opportunity as he plans to enroll early.
“I think it is good, they are giving freshmen a chance to play,” Moore said. “I definitely see myself in their shoes next year.”
Alabama will lose some veteran players at the end of this season and the door could be open for a couple of freshmen to step up next year.
The Tide’s outside linebackers, Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis, are more than likely going to be in the NFL next year, which will leave some questions for the Tide at the position as back up outside linebackers, King MwiKuta and Chris Allen, have five total tackles on the season so far.
One of those guys, who could get an opportunity there is 5-Star outside linebacker, Quandarrius Robinson, who is committed to Alabama. The Jackson-Olin product feels an opportunity to play early in Tuscaloosa shows if a player has his mind focused, doors will open.
“To me, it means if you come in and you take this thing serious and do what you got to do, you could possibly work your way up to the starting position,” Robinson said. “I just want to improve my game and if any other commit start, I would be happy for them.”
This trend is also not lost on Alabama’s targets as Alabama’s staff constantly expresses if a particular player comes in ready to play, they will get the opportunity.
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
