Question: what freshman coming in gets a starting job
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Flame me if you wish, but as good as I think he will be, I would be surprised if Dre starts. I just think it is asking an awful lot of a kid right out of high school to start in our secondary as complicated as the defense is.
No flame here. I fully believe that Dre has all the potential in the world but so do Lawrence and Barron. Until they grasp the mental part of Saban's defense they will remain as unfulfilled potential. I hope they all excel sooner rather than later. RTR.:BigA:
Zo and Barron weren't top-10-player-in-the-nation guys though. Zo will probably play his freshmen year unless some of the younger guys from the last class really solidify the depth chart in the secondary. Kirkpatrick has been compared to Cormartie...even the best DB to come out of high school since him. Basically, Neon Deion potential, people.
Close enough. Even then, Barron came in to a vacant position left open by Marcus Carter and had a golden opportunity. Dre would have to jump either Javier Arenas - a potential 1st round draft pick - or Kareem Jackson, a two-year starter. The possibility would be there to move to safety, or play the star position, but that still would not be easy.
My top three:
1. Nico Johnson - Dont'a Hightower is ready to play the Jack position. All they need is for someone able to man his WIL position. The last two years, we have had a true freshman come in and play immediately on the inside, and Nico is as good if not better than both at this point in their careers. He probably has a 35% chance or better of starting by the end of the year.
2. DJ Fluker - I know, true freshman on the line, whatever. The dude is a prototype LT that is as physically developed as anyone. Yes, he is new to the position, but his natural athleticism at that size is too good to leave on the bench. Had he played on the offensive line his junior year, he very well could have been the #1 overall player in the country.
3. Trent Richardson - He won't be a popular choice here, but I just think running back is such an easy position for a freshman to make a statement at. He's physically ready. He's an elite talent. Our top two RBs both have had injuries recently, and our third RB and behind are simply not elite talents. While we certainly have talent, if Richardson makes a statement in Fall camp, he could easily start. Remember, last year, our starting RB, Grant, returned along with Upchurch and Coffee. Yet, Ingram was our #2 back from day one.
Dre is awesome, but the simple fact is that no matter how great you are, it still takes time learn a playbook. Especially one as complex as our Defensive playbook.
I don't see any freshman earning a starting job this year, but many will get significant playing time though.
I don't see any freshman earning a starting job this year, but many will get significant playing time though.
I would see Richardson, Lacy (if he qualifies), one of the WRs, and Kirkpatrick, in that order.
If Fluker starts, especially if he starts early, that's bad news. No knock on DJ, but a true freshman LT with a new QB is a bad combination. It says that our guys with 30 months in Saban's S&C program can't beat out a guy who was at his senior prom a month ago. No way to spin that positive.
RB is the best place for a freshman to contribute. WR is good as well. Saban's complicated coverages work against Kirkpatrick, but he's one of the best in the land, so maybe he can overcome. Beyond that, a true freshman starting against Virginia Tech is more a testament to the incumbents than to the new talent.
If Fluker starts, especially if he starts early, that's bad news. No knock on DJ, but a true freshman LT with a new QB is a bad combination. It says that our guys with 30 months in Saban's S&C program can't beat out a guy who was at his senior prom a month ago. No way to spin that positive.
RB is the best place for a freshman to contribute. WR is good as well. Saban's complicated coverages work against Kirkpatrick, but he's one of the best in the land, so maybe he can overcome. Beyond that, a true freshman starting against Virginia Tech is more a testament to the incumbents than to the new talent.
Generally 4q you're correct. But there are exceptions to the rule,Andre Smith being one,and D.J. Fluker fits into the exception category,imo!
Not being down in that area, I've only had the highlights, etc., with which to judge DJ. From what I've seen, he's a great raw talent. However, there's a world of difference between him and what I saw of Andre' as incoming freshman. DJ's coaching and short experience on the OL show. And he doesn't have much time to catch up. I expect him to play as a frosh and play more as the year progresses. I don't expect him to start against VT...
I dunno if any will really. DJ will be great at some point but he's got aways to go before he's ready to play SEC on the line. He'll pick it up for sure and will be great next year.
I think maybe Trent might have the best chance of all of them.
I think maybe Trent might have the best chance of all of them.
Agreed. I highly doubt he'll start at the beginning of the season, but by mid-season he could be pushing Ingram for the starting position. I've been saying it for a long time, but physically I think he is the most impressive RB recruit I've seen in several years.
That's pretty much the way I see it too. He'll play for sure, because like Andre, he'll probably only be here for 3 years, might as well get him into the mix ASAP.
Coming in I'd say one of the receivers has the best chance, but I fully expect Trent to be the starter by year's end. He'll probably get the job by week 3.
It's a sign of a healthy program when you don't have to rely on true freshmen. This years class will add much needed depth across the board. Nico Johnson will be dominant and should start sometime early this fall. Trent and the young receivers will see plenty of action as well.
I know it is unlikely but,
I was hoping against hope that DJ could come in, and despite only one year on O, have enough raw ability to start the first game.
From the rumors and "first hand reports" I've seen it is even more unlikely than I had hoped.
Rumor says a shoulder injury has kept him from doing any lifting;
(anyone know if there is truth to this?)
"First hand reports" have him up to 375 or better, which is too much even for this giant to handle.
I remember the Army Allstar game, he was said to be 340, - but he did say he wanted to get to 370, which I thought was ridiculous - I really thought
he could have stood some loose some then at 340.
Still I hope against hope, over rumor and "first hand reports", cause the O-line is point #1 on my concern list.
T7
I was hoping against hope that DJ could come in, and despite only one year on O, have enough raw ability to start the first game.
From the rumors and "first hand reports" I've seen it is even more unlikely than I had hoped.
Rumor says a shoulder injury has kept him from doing any lifting;
(anyone know if there is truth to this?)
"First hand reports" have him up to 375 or better, which is too much even for this giant to handle.
I remember the Army Allstar game, he was said to be 340, - but he did say he wanted to get to 370, which I thought was ridiculous - I really thought
he could have stood some loose some then at 340.
Still I hope against hope, over rumor and "first hand reports", cause the O-line is point #1 on my concern list.
T7
I hope to see Dre earn an early spot. We get killed in the passing game some of our DB's never turn to look for the ball and they get burned for it.
With James Carpenter in with the experiance he has at LT I think it would be hard for them not to redshirt Fluke this year. Give him some time under Coach Pendry then turn him loose at LT he will be another first rounder.
With James Carpenter in with the experiance he has at LT I think it would be hard for them not to redshirt Fluke this year. Give him some time under Coach Pendry then turn him loose at LT he will be another first rounder.
I agree that it will be a bad sign if we have to start a true freshman anywhere the first 6 games of the season excepting the OOC game (not talking about VT either). I think there are several that will get a whole lot of playing time.
