Alabama Crimson Tide Fall Camp Preview: Why the offense is on track to boast another Heisman winner
The Alabama Crimson Tide are in an age of turnover. And while change can be good, it's often scary. The defense in particular is the great unknown, though when you break it down, there is a chance they quietly surprise many. But on offense, there are no surprises, or at least not at the QB […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide are in an age of turnover. And while change can be good, it's often scary.
The defense in particular is the great unknown, though when you break it down, there is a chance they quietly surprise many.
But on offense, there are no surprises, or at least not at the QB position. That's because the Tide are led by a Heisman hopeful and potential first-round pick, QB Jalen Milroe.
Here's a preview of what he looks to do in 2024, to go alongside every other position on offense.
QBs
The man that needs no introduction, Milroe is hoping to build off one of the most impressive in-season development periods you will ever see.
From being shaky in the Texas game to being benched ahead of USF, to bouncing all the way back to lead the Tide to an SEC Championship, Rose Bowl, and within a TD of the national championship, last year's rollercoaster has set him up for this year's stability.
Milroe has the chance to take a massive jump under the tutelage of one of the brightest offensive minds and best QB gurus in recent memory via HC Kalen DeBoer.
Alabama's depth at the position is intriguing with Ty Simpson as the obvious backup to go along with Dylan Lonergan, and Austin Mack as third and fourth teamers. The latter are redshirt freshmen and Alabama fans hope they develop, but not at any point during the season.
RBs
Jam Miller is the veteran of the group, as the junior is favored to start for the Tide when they kickoff against Western Kentucky in just one month on August 31st. He has a multifaceted skillset that could win over DeBoer and his staff, not to mention continuity with QB Jalen Milroe.
Justice Haynes will have to beat out Miller, but he can lead a backfield when analyzing his build, recruiting status, and what spring tape he put up in 2023. Kalen DeBoer may opt to go with the more experienced man from the jump, but it may not be long before Haynes is heading off one of the better backfields in the nation.
WRs
Germie Bernard may be new to UA, but he's no stranger to the offense, following Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa after transferring from national champion runner-up Washington.
Projected to start at X WR, Bernard was the top WR in Alabama's spring game, with Jalen Milroe favoring him en route to three catches for 122 yards during the annual A-day game.
The junior recorded over 400 receiving yards for the Huskies last season, which is no small feat considering Washington sent three WRs to the NFL this offseason.
Look for Bernard to be targeted early and often during camp.
The top returning target for Jalen Milroe, Kobe Prentice manned the slot while Isaiah Bond and Jermaine Burton went to work on the perimeter. With the former headed off to join SEC rival Texas, and the latter looking to catch passes from Joe Burrow in the NFL, Prentice should be expected to build off his sophomore season. He helps a returning offense that mainly shines along the offensive line and aims to keep up Nick Saban's standards.
Kendrick Law is looking to finally break through in a new offense and during his third year in Tuscaloosa. An athletic marvel who can do a little bit of everything, he's projected to be the other outside WR alongside Germie Bernard. Playing the flanker or Z position, he will be tasked with doing dirty work while getting rewarded on big plays downfield from QB Jalen Milroe, who also aims to be unlocked by Kalen DeBoer. That is, if Law can hold off the next player on our preview.
TE
After transferring from Maryland, CJ Dippre made his presence felt in the passing game last year and also displayed an ability to drop his pads and create displacement at the line of scrimmage as a run blocker. There are other names to watch like Robbie Ouzts and Josh Cuevas, but they can't stretch the field like Dippre, who will be favored in HC Kalen DeBoer's high-flying aerial attack.
OL
The unit where it all starts. If Jalen Milroe is going to win the Heisman, it's because of how dominant the returning offensive line will be. Of course, there is projected first-round left guard Tyler Booker and potential future top-five pick Kadyn Proctor at left tackle, but it's the remaining three who can really bring the team over the top.
Parker Brailsford at center, Jaeden Roberts at right guard, and Elijah Pritchett at right tackle help form a right side of the line that could mirror the left if they reach their ceiling.
And if they do, the sky is the limit for the Tide.
Alabama Crimson Tide Fall Camp Preview: How embracing the unknown helps the defense prosper
A full defensive preview of the 2024 Crimson Tide.
