The Four Tops have a song titled “The same old song” which is fitting for the 2019 Alabama football team because once again the Crimson Tide are retooled, and ready to assert their dominance on the SEC and the nation. Falling just short of a 6th National Title under Head Coach Nick Saban, Alabama football now has added motivation heading into the 2019 season.
“I think that our players learned a lot from that experience. I think that we didn’t play with the discipline at the end of the season that we’d like to have as a team. I don’t think that our preparation so that we can go in a game and be very responsible and accountable to do our job at a high level on a consistent basis, was what it needed to be.” Stated Saban
Getting back to that high level of play expected at Alabama will fall on the shoulders of Heisman Trophy runner up quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide offense which returns a lot of production especially at wide receiver, a position group touted as one of the best in the nation. Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle all return for the Crimson Tide, putting Alabama in position to have one of the highest-powered offenses in the nation.
Saban has high praises and expectations for his quarterback.
“We’re happy to have him as a leader of our team. He’s got great character. He’s a hard worker. He affects his teammates in a really positive way. I think he’s very well respected by his teammates. And, you know, he’s obviously been as productive as anybody in his position in the country. So hopefully we can build on that.
Najee Harris leads a backfield, that lost both Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs to the NFL. Joining Harris will be Brian Robinson, who has patiently waited his turn, and 5-star recruit Trey Sanders. This group of running backs lack in game experience, but if past seasons are any indicator there should be no set back within this backfield, as the Crimson Tide continue with their bruising style of running.
With the addition of Steve Sarkisian as offensive coordinator Alabama looks to build on last season’s success.
“Steve Sarkisian has lots of experience as a coordinator, college and NFL. He’s also got plenty of experience in developing very good quarterbacks, which I think is really, really important in college football and has done a really good job in transition.” Said Saban
On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama is primed for another top-rated defense, even after losing top contributors from last year’s team. Losing Quinnen Williams, Mack Wilson and Deionte Thompson will create major holes that need to be filled. Phidarian Mathis will be looked to fill the void left by Williams and Isaiah Buggs.
Mack Wilson departing for the NFL leaves a considerable hole in the middle of this Alabama defense. Dylan Moses is the only middle linebacker to take meaningful snaps last season. Saban will look to Ale Kaho, who played mainly on special teams, or Markail Benton to replace Wilson. Terrell Lewis returns from a torn ACL to give Alabama a much-needed pass rusher on the edge.
Depth in the secondary of this defense is a concern for Alabama coming into the season. Patrick Surtain II, Shyheim Carter and Xavier McKinney return as starters on a unit that struggled mightily against top-rated passing offenses such as Oklahoma and Clemson in the playoff. Jared Mayden, who saw the majority of his playing time in the dime defense, will fill the role left by Deionte Thompson. Trevon Diggs will look to bounce back from a broken foot that sidelined him for most of last season.
Though missing key pieces from last year’s team, Alabama will stay the course, and continue what it has done over the past decade, and that competes at a high level even if it means replacing top talent year after year.
Is there a secret being held in Tuscaloosa?
“I don’t really know the secret to the success other than, you know, we worked hard and we’ve been in some really good situations through the years with really good people who are very supportive and given us the tools that we have that can create value for players so we can attract good players, and we’ve been able to develop those players.” Said Saban.
Written by Manuel DeLeon
