Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
After previewing Jermaine Burton, we made it to running back Trey Sanders at No. 17.
Trey Sanders
-Classification: Redshirt Junior
–Position: Running Back
-Hometown: Port Saint Joe, Fla.
-Height: 6-0
-Weight: 214 pounds
–Strengths: Experience, power, toughness, natural runner with the ball, athletic
-Weaknesses: Durability (injuries), lacks versatility in passing game
SUMMARY:
Can Trey Sanders turn back the clock on his injuries this season?
He was on a trajectory to take opportunities from Najee Harris and Brian Robinson in 2019. Sanders arrived as a five-star freshman from IMG Academy. People expected special things from him, but a foot fracture in preseason camp prevented him from playing his first year. He recovered as a sophomore and earned reps, including an 80-yard rushing performance against Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Sanders started to see success, but another setback tested his faith again.
He sustained injuries in a car accident. Sanders had surgery on multiple areas, including his hip. He watched his teammates celebrate an undefeated national championship as he was in a wheelchair. The 6-foot, 214-pounder trained to return better, and he opened last year with a rushing touchdown versus Miami. Sanders recorded two rushing scores, but Alabama returns Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. The Tide brought in Jahmyr Gibbs from the transfer portal and signed two talented freshmen.
He is not known for receiving skills, but Sanders could grow into the role. Alabama fans expect Gibbs and McClellan to start at running back. Williams will be worked into a role, but what will happen to Sanders? His experience brings value, but in what situations could we see him on the field? He turned in a good spring and seems to have regained some quickness in fall camp.
Sanders wants his career to end on his terms, not external factors. Hopefully, he can turn in an exciting campaign.
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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.
