Alabama football has several junior and seniors to be excited about, but Kalen DeBoer will look at a lot of second-year players — true sophomores and redshirt freshmen — to create an impact on this team.
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Since he is an offensive mind, we look at which second-year offensive players for the Crimson Tide could have a breakout campaign for DeBoer in the coming fall. A wide receiver, two running backs, and two offensive linemen are on this list.
Justice Haynes, RB
He learned a lot from Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, but Justice Haynes is back as Alabama’s potential starting running back in the fall.
He finished with 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 25 attempts in 2023.
Haynes can make a hole where none is and possesses the speed to bounce runs outside.
He carries an athleticism similar to former Tide standouts, Bo Scarbrough and Najee Harris.
Haynes carries the potential to catch passes out the backfield, which will add more versatility to the Crimson Tide’s passing game. He helped Alabama dethrone the two-time defending College Football Playoff National Champion of his home state (Georgia) in the SEC Championship Game as a freshman. Now, he sets his sights on being one of the most dominant players in college football as a sophomore. He continues to train hard this summer for the fall.
Richard Young, RB
Richard Young, a five-star, came in the same 2023 signing class as Justice Haynes.
The native Floridian switched his number from 25 to 9, paying honor to all the players who wore it before him.
Marquee names such as Bryce Young, Scarbrough, Amari Cooper wore No. 9 at Alabama. Young recorded a rushing touchdown during his redshirt freshman campaign. He played in only three games, which allowed him to maintain his redshirt.
Young gives this backfield power, speed, quickness, burst, vision, and versatility.
He should gain much playing in allowing Haynes and Jam Miller to rest.
Cole Adams, WR
Cole Adams, an Oklahoma native, showed Alabama fans in the spring game he can make things happen.
He made several receptions on A-Day, regardless of getting hit hard.
The 5-foot-10, 186-pounder was an excellent wide receiver and a world-class sprinter for track at Owasso High School. He caught 55 passes for 913 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior while returning three kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. Adams recorded a 6.98 in the indoor 60 meters, a time of 10.65 seconds in the 100 meters, and a time of 22.27 seconds in the 200 meters. He did not get many opportunities last season, but Adams is more than capable of making plays happen on the field.
Kadyn Proctor, OL
Kadyn Proctor’s return to Alabama from Iowa has him on the list.
He started his freshman season at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, aiding it to an SEC Championship in 2023.
The 6-foot-7, 350-pounder made the Freshman All-SEC Team, but he decided to transfer home to the University of Iowa after Nick Saban announced his retirement. Proctor realized he made a mistake and came back to Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The team and coaching staff are happy to have him back. He should return to left tackle and have a dominant season in the fall.
Proctor has the potential to be an All-American offensive lineman.
Wilkin Formby, OL
Wilkin Formby came to the Crimson Tide as a four-star offensive lineman from Northridge High School in 2023.
He arrived at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, but he thoroughly understands his blocking assignments from Alabama’s offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic. Formby had a very good spring, earning the start at right tackle on A-Day. According to sources close to Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Formby gives the Tide’s front the best option in pass protection. He is also a good run blocker.
Alabama may gave its bookend tackles with Proctor and Formby.
Honorable Mention
-Dylan Lonergan, QB
-Jaren Hamilton, WR
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
