Alabama fans have many reasons to be happy about the recent football recruiting class.
The 2022 cycle brought athletes that are hungry, determined, focused, coachable, and desire to be impactful on the field.
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Thirteen of 24 student-athletes enrolled early to participate in spring practice, including five stars Ty Simpson, Aaron Anderson, Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, and Jeremiah Alexander. All of them excelled in sessions, including the A-Day Game.
The Crimson Tide had several freshmen to stand out at Bryant-Denny Stadium for fans.
Here is a list of names that were impactful in the spring game.
Ty Simpson, Quarterback
Ty Simpson is going to be an elite quarterback for Alabama someday.
His dual-threat abilities and strong arm have people wondering if the coaching staff needs to stop its pursuit of Arch Manning for the 2023 class. Simpson stood in the pocket and made some great throws. He possesses zip on the football and brings accuracy to his game. Simpson totaled 43 passing yards on five of 12 completions, but his athleticism was impressive.
He showed the ability to avoid sacks and keep plays alive with his feet.
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The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder needs to continue developing his body and getting more acclimated with the playbook, but he has the skills to be dynamic. Simpson can be a prolific quarterback in the years to come.
Jamarion Miller, Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs and Trey Sanders got the A-Day attention, but Jamarion Miller looked good throughout spring practice.
The former four-star from Texas is a tough, hard-nosed running back with some bounce in his game.
Miller totaled 44 yards rushing on 15 carries, including a long run of nine yards in the spring game. The 5-foot-10, 201-pounder has the potential to be a successful runner for the Crimson Tide. He will continue to develop, but Miller has a good skill set.
Miller can break tackles and has speed.
Kendrick Law, Wide Receiver
Aaron Anderson had a great spring, but Kendrick Law had the better A-Day Game.
The Louisiana native caught four passes for 30 yards, including a 13-yard reception.
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He averaged 7.5 yards per catch on eight targets. Law could have had a touchdown catch, but he did not hang on to a pass from Ty Simpson. Saban talked about his ability to play multiple positions and the quickness he brings at wide receiver. Law did good things at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and people need to be excited for what he’ll provide the Tide in the fall.
Jaheim Oatis, Defensive Lineman
Jaheim Oatis recorded a sack in the spring game.
He has transformed his body and continues to be a force in the middle. Oatis, a former four-star from Mississippi, excelled in spring practice. Coach Saban said he is “hard to block” and flashes a lot of abilities.” He posted two tackles, including a tackle for loss. Oatis is the future at nose tackle for the Crimson Tide. He is an impressive specimen that can be a dominant pass rusher.
Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker
Jeremiah Alexander collected a sack, but Jihaad Campbell showed impressive coverage skills as a linebacker in the spring game.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder tallied a pass breakup with three tackles. Campbell has lateral quickness, excels in coverage, can stop the run, and can pressure quarterbacks.
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He will be an asset as an inside linebacker as he continues to grow.
Tyler Booker, Offensive Line
Tyler Booker looked good on the second-team offensive line.
His technique, footwork, and hand placement stood out in the spring game.
Booker is a great run blocker, but he can pass protect well. The 6-foot-5, 332-pounder hails from IMG Academy like JC Latham and Evan Neal. Booker has the potential to be a starter in the future. He will push for an opportunity to get reps in the coming fall.
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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.
