Alabama’s starting depth chart for this season has arrived.
Crimson Tide fans waited in anticipation for Nick Saban to bring the chart before speaking.
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Some things from the depth chart were not surprising, but there were a few shockers.
Alabama has two freshmen starting with Kobe Prentice (H or slot receiver) and Jaheim Oatis (nose tackle). Tim Smith, a junior, finally gets his opportunity to be a full-time starter as a defensive end. The Tide has a four-man battle at cornerback between Kool-Aid McKinstry, Eli Ricks, Terrion Arnold, and Khyree Jackson. McKinstry and Arnold have their names listed first, but Ricks and Jackson are co-starters. Arnold has been surging throughout fall camp, and he is in front of Jackson.
Traeshon Holden, a junior wide receiver, is now a starter. Bryce Young told reporters on Monday that he’s emerged as a leader in the receiver room. He stepped up in the final scrimmage of preseason camp with five catches, including three touchdowns.
Tyler Harrell and Ja’Corey Brooks were not listed as starters. It came as a shock to some, but Harrell had to work back from an injury and Brooks is getting work on special teams. Kendall Randolph got awarded the starting position at left guard in his sixth year. Javion Cohen, a junior, is behind Randolph, but Randolph has the job. Henry To’oto’o is the starting middle linebacker, but his backup is surprising. People see Kendrick Blackshire as an intimidating athlete, but he has grasped the playbook as a signal-caller. If he hits like Reuben Foster and controls the field like C.J. Mosley, Blackshire will be a special player.
Alabama will practice today as it prepares for Saturday’s game against Utah State.
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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.
