As we continue to battle through the coronavirus pandemic, the one hope that Alabama fans and fans of college football have together is the return of the gridiron game in the fall.
For Nick Saban, he is in a familiar situation.
After not winning a national championship in 2018 and 2019, Alabama is prepared to take its aim at being the best program in the sport again.
While it loses some offensive firepower and graduates its secondary to the NFL Draft, both talent and experience return to its roster.
RELATED: Does Alabama have its next elite pass-catching tight end in Jahleel Billingsley?
He spent last season explaining the “Bama factor” to his players; however, Saban will need for leaders to emerge and take ownership.
On the heels of rough endings in 2013 and 2014, a leadership council was formed in 2015 and it guided the Tide to a national championship.
In this article, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine names the five student-athletes Saban will depend on to navigate the team to the College Football Playoff.
5. Patrick Surtain II, Defensive Back
He is the most experienced player in the secondary – 28 starts – but Alabama will need for Surtain to trust his technique. Despite totaling 79 tackles, 15 pass breakups and three interceptions in two years, there are moments where he’s taken advantage of in coverage.
The 6-foot-2, 203-pounder is about to enter his money season.
NFL scouts will focus on Surtain and he must put his best work on tape, in terms on-field performances and communication.
Along with denying big plays in the passing game, Saban looks for Surtain to consistently play the ball in the air. He has the attributes to be a first-round selection, but the former five-star has to make this his best year and shut down opposition.
4. Christian Barmore, Defensive Line
He was a little raw at points last year, but Saban loved his effort.
As he enters his third season, Barmore will be much more refined. He collected 26 tackles – including six for loss, two sacks and five quarterback hurries in 2019.
Regardless of limited action, players, coaches and fans witnessed the electricity Barmore carries on to the field.
He is reminiscent of A’Shawn Robinson, and it is the style of play that supporters of Alabama football want to see. At defensive end, Barmore will be the energy of the group.
He affects both the running game and passing attack of opponents
3. DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver
He showed his clutch gene as a freshman and last season, Smith proved his abilities in being a game-breaking receiver to national media.
With the trio of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle garnering the attention, Smith led the team in yards (1,256) and scores (14).
The Louisiana native had three 100-yard games in 2019, including a pair of 200-yard performances versus Ole Miss and LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Even in a 46-41 loss to the Tigers, Smith brought in seven catches for 213 yards with two touchdowns. He averaged 30.4 yards per reception and if the Tide would’ve had more time, an epic comeback win happens.
Smith becomes the No. 1 target with Jeudy and Ruggs gone.
He will not only position himself to be a first-rounder, but the Tide looks to him to continue coaching the unit on how to be successful route runners. A competition will brew for the No. 3 spot behind Smith and Waddle. The junior must help develop the next rising superstar.
2. Mac Jones, Quarterback
The coronavirus outbreak denied Bryce Young a chance to have a spring practice, so the experience of Jones makes him the starting quarterback for Alabama.
He accounted for 1,503 passing yards last year with 14 touchdowns to three picks. Jones tallied two 300-yard games (Auburn, Michigan) and tossed at least two scores in his four starts.
He guided the Tide to at least 40 points versus Arkansas (48) and Auburn (45), while dropping 35 points on Michigan.
Jones has greatly improved his throwing mechanics and with the talent around him, all Saban and Steve Sarkisian (offensive coordinator) will ask of him is to play within himself.
The redshirt junior will be looked upon to balance the offense.
1. Dylan Moses, Inside Linebacker
He will able to relive his junior campaign, seeing how an injury took it from him.
Moses made the All-Freshman Team for the Southeastern Conference in 2017 and he led the team in tackles (86) as a sophomore. A native of Baton Rouge, La., he is back to oversee the communication and production on defense.
Once a five-star prospect, it didn’t take Moses long at all to absorb the complexity of the system. If he would have played last year, Alabama is probably hoisting the CFP trophy as national champions.
In his return, Moses anticipates restoring the Tide to where it was from 2015-17 as the most feared unit in the nation. He has the pressure of making sure Alabama does not slip again on his shoulders.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
