Alabama begins its preparation Friday for the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Kansas State.
A few of its freshmen for the 2023 recruiting class will be on campus for bowl prep.
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Six names — including Eli Holstein, Miles McVay, Hunter Osborne, Ryqueze McElderry, Brayson Hubbard, and Wilkin Formby — are looking forward to helping the Crimson Tide finish the season with a victory over the Wildcats. Alabama has lost 10+ names to the NCAA transfer portal, including four wide receivers and four offensive linemen. Some of the freshmen may create an impact in bowl practices to propel them into possibly earning playing time or getting a starting spot in the spring.
The enrollees that could provide this effect are below.
Miles McVay, 4-star OL
Alabama lost two offensive guards and two offensive tackles to the transfer portal.
Miles McVay, an East St. Louis, Mo. native, is one of the most physical guard/tackle prospects in the 2023 class. The 6-foot-7, 345-pounder is an imposing specimen. He prides himself in becoming a successful run blocker, but McVay possesses the ability to neutralize pass rushers on the interior or outside. He mentioned on The Bama Standard that he looks to the toughness back to the Tide’s offensive front, especially in the run game. He wants to challenge veteran outside linebacker, Dallas Turner in practice.
Wilkin Formby, 4-star OL
Wilkin Formby screams elite offensive tackle at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds.
He gives Coach Nick Saban his first tackle prospect over 6’7.”
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Formby, a four-star from Northridge High School, is one of the best pass protectors in the class. He brings quick feet, an impressive wingspan, and strong hands. Formby can also lock defenders away on run plays, creating gaps for running backs.
The Tide lost Amari Kight and Damieon George to the transfer portal, which opens an opportunity for Formby to get work in.
Hunter Osborne, 4-star DL
Hunter Osborne has a chance to be a star at defensive end or outside linebacker.
As a four-star from Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School, he has a chance to take a spot left behind by DJ Dale and Byron Young as both pursue the NFL Draft after the Sugar Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is a quick-twitched edge rusher. He chases down running backs and quarterbacks, but Osborne also has the strength to stack and shed offensive linemen on run plays.
It will be interesting to see how quickly he can develop in Alabama’s system.
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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.
