Alabama football has a long list of newcomers set to participate in spring practice with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Tide will begin spring practice Monday ahead of its A-Day game, April 22. Here is a look at five newcomers to expect big things from:
Caleb Downs
Downs officially enrolled at Alabama in December, but he participate in Sugar Bowl prep with the Crimson Tide, and he looked as if he had been working with Alabama the entire season. From the clips gathered from his very short time in Tuscaloosa, the transition from high school to college appears it will be a smooth one for the five-star. At 6-foot and 203 pounds, Downs looks physically college ready. He displayed elite anticipation and a high football I.Q. throughout his high school career. The Georgia product is expected to challenge for Alabama’s open safety positions this spring and fall.
Former 5-Star DB Caleb Downs looks the part during Alabama football’s bowl prep. pic.twitter.com/TvV7YPPIjU
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) December 28, 2022
Justice Haynes
Haynes was one of the most complete backs in the 2023 recruiting class. The former five-star has displayed an ability to do it all out of the backfield, which is why he is in the conversation to make an impact in year one as a part of the Tide’s backfield rotation. Alabama featured three running backs last season in Roydell Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan. With Gibbs departing for the NFL, there is a spot in the rotation for Haynes to show off his skillset.
Malik Benson
Benson was the No. 1 JUCO prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. He was dominant during his two years at Hutchinson Community College, finishing his career with 2,206 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. Alabama lacked consistency at the wide receiver position last season, and Benson will bring speed and impressive route-running ability to the group, which should give him an opportunity to get on the field during his first year in Tuscaloosa.
“I would describe myself as a little bit of DeVonta Smith mix with Jameson Williams and Henry Ruggs.”
No. 1 JUCO WR Malik Benson @Leek_leek5 is ready to remind Alabama fans of some legendary Tide wide outs. pic.twitter.com/7FxZJhvn1t
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 21, 2022
CJ Dippre
Dippre is transferring from Maryland, where he finished the season with 30 receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Alabama has been in search of a true tight end, who can put his hand in the ground and block and be a receiving threat in recent years. Dippre has an opportunity to be that for the Crimson Tide at 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds. He is a physical layer, and he has shown he can make plays in the passing game at the college level. With Cameron Latu off to the NFL, Alabama’s No. 1 tight end position is up for grabs.
Alabama’s newest transfer TE commit CJ Dippre @CjDippre can fly. 🚀
— Touchdown Alabama Recruiting (@TDARecruiting) December 27, 2022
Kadyn Proctor
Proctor was considered by many to be the nation’s top 2023 offensive tackle prospect. The Iowa product is an athletic big man with a quick twitch with an ability to explode in a short area of space. He plays with a physical mindset with the goal to finish every block he engages in. Alabama lost its starting left tackle Tyler Steen to the NFL. Proctor could challenge for the position.
Top ranked lineman in HS Kadyn Proctor tonight – future Iowa Hawkeye! @KadynProctor1 pic.twitter.com/aMAs1LNe86
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) September 24, 2022
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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
