Photo by Kent Gidley of Alabama Athletics

We have made it to July and SEC Football Media Days are coming soon. 

The University of Alabama looks to return to the College Football Playoff in the fall and win a national championship. Nick Saban has several talented players, but which ones will emerge as the most impactful?

The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will spotlight numerous players for the upcoming season.

After looking at CJ Dippre for tight ends, Amari Niblack is next in player breakdowns.

Amari Niblack

Classification: Sophomore 

Hometown: Saint Petersburg, Fla.

Position: Tight End

Size: 6-4/233 pounds

2022 stats: one catch, 15 receiving yards, one touchdown (10 games, one start)

Strengths: Size, athleticism, route-running, toughness, speed, hands, versatility (split out as a receiver)

Weaknesses: Needs more opportunities on the field, has to develop as an effective blocker

Summary

Amari Niblack was one of the most interesting recruits in Alabama’s 2021 signing class.

He is a tight end by position, but Niblack was primarily a wide receiver in high school.

He was bigger and faster than everyone else, dominating in football and basketball as a four-star prospect. The 6-foot-4, 233-pounder gave Alabama fans a taste of his potential last year against Louisiana-Monroe as a freshman. He caught one pass, but it was for a 15-yard touchdown. He provided Bryce Young with a huge target in the red zone, and Young found him for a score. 

Nick Saban stated after the game that the Crimson Tide would use Niblack more, but it did not happen. He has to develop as a complete player, but the South Florida native can become a massive vertical target in the passing game. Niblack is faster than linebackers and stronger than defensive backs. He is a matchup problem waiting to happen for defensive coordinators.

Coach Saban wants to see him become an effective blocker, but Niblack has everything else to be successful. 

He needs more opportunities on the field moving forward.

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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.