2015 SEC West Division Preview
2. Alabama
The College Football giant that is Alabama enters a bit of a transitional year in 2015. For the first time in a long time, Alabama has legitimate holes on their roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Their 2014 campaign was derailed by a white hot Ohio State team — a team that Alabama will surely have to go through again if they want back on top, but first they must survive another daunting SEC schedule.
Once again, we have a quarterback competition in Tuscaloosa. Senior Jake Coker thought that he had the job wrapped up last spring, but Blake Sims ran away with the job. This time around, Coker will try to fend off a host of young, talented arms.
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Redshirt Freshman David Cornwell figures to have the best shot at Coker.
While the quarterback position is the most important on the field, make no mistake about it; this is Derrick Henry’s offense. The 6’3, 242 pounder will be the main cog in Lane Kiffin’s offense, which figures to lean a lot more on the rushing attack this season. Kenyan Drake is on track to return after suffering a broken leg last season.
Perhaps the biggest area of concern will come from the receiver group. Amari Cooper left early for the NFL, leaving Kiffin without an obvious go-to receiver. Robert Foster, Chris Black and ArDarius Steward will try to collectively fill Cooper’s void. Maybe O.J. Howard can finally have a breakout season from the tight end position. Don’t expect to see Kiffin’s high-flying, pass heavy offense this season. Alabama must run the football to be successful in 2015.
Defensively, don’t expect too much to change. Kirby Smart lost Trey DePriest and Landon Collins, but they appear to be set to reload once again. Junior defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson took a big step last season and will step into a leadership role in 2015. Expect Robinson’s NFL stock to soar through the roof as the season goes on.
Senior Reggie Ragland returns to the center of the defense for one more year. He will hold down one inside linebacker position playing alongside Reuben Foster. Alabama will hope to generate enough pass rush with Ryan Anderson, Tim Williams and Rashaad Evans.
The secondary figures to be Alabama’s weak spot once again this season. Kirby Smart had to move some players around to fill needs this spring. It appears that Cyrus Jones and Tony Brown will man the two cornerback positions with Eddie Jackson and Geno Smith playing the two safety spots.
Alabama will get early tests from Wisconsin and Ole Miss, then must navigate a tricky SEC schedule from there. They’ll have to play two of the best teams from the east in Georgia and Tennessee this season, adding to an already difficult schedule.
Next: Ole Miss Rebels