Next week starts fall camp for the University of Alabama football program.
Kalen DeBoer enters his first preseason practice schedule as the Crimson Tide’s head football coach.
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After three years without a national championship, the Tide look to prove the media wrong and capture one without Nick Saban at the helm. We have looked at different aspects for Alabama this offseason, but now we dive at second-year players for the Tide. Which ones will make the marquee jump in practice?
A breakdown is below.
Justice Haynes, RB
Justice Haynes knows it is his time at the running back position to be a star.
He should have played more in 2023, but Alabama fans got a taste of what he brings during the Rose Bowl. Haynes pounded Michigan’s defensive front with a few nice runs, finishing his freshman campaign with 168 yards and three touchdowns.
The native Georgian is expected to do a lot more in the fall.
He will run behind an improved offensive line and has worked this offseason to be the best in the nation at his position.
James Smith, DL
He was a dominant player at Carver High School (Montgomery, Ala.), but James Smith is ready to make his presence felt on Alabama’s defensive line.
The former five-star improved his quickness in spring practice. He is strong against the run, yet the Crimson Tide wants to make Smith an elite pass rusher too. He is competing with Tim Smith and Jah-Marien Latham for a chance to start at defensive end.
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Smith has a high upside, and it’s time for him to show the coaching staff he belongs as a starter.
Keon Keeley, LB
We do not know the position he would play, but Keon Keeley needs to be on the field.
The former five-star from Tampa (Fla.) has too much talent to not be pressuring quarterbacks. Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, could have Keeley as a “Wolf” linebacker or a “Bandit” end on the line. He has so much speed, quickness, power, and explosiveness; however, the defensive coaches want Keeley to put the complete package together.
If he can do it in camp, then Keeley will be major in the rotation.
Wilkin Formby, OL
Alabama fans are glad to have Kadyn Proctor back, but keep your eyes on Wilkin Formby.
The 6-foot-7, 320-pounder came in the Crimson Tide’s 2023 class as a four-star from Northridge High School.
Formby, a Tuscaloosa native, played well at right tackle during spring practice. He was arguably the most technically sound tackle in his freshmen class and provided the Tide with more fluidity in pass protection. Elijah Pritchett is competing with Formby and Proctor at offensive tackle, but Formby looks like he may hold off Pritchett to secure a starting role at right tackle.
Cole Adams, WR
Cole Adams has stepped up the most at wide receiver in the summer.
JaMarcus Shephard, Alabama’s wide receiver coach, said Adams can make plays in any situation.
We saw it in the Crimson Tide’s spring game as he caught several passes. Adams, an Oklahoma native, was an electric football player and track athlete in high school. He is one of those players that will be a good contributor in the rotation.
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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.
