Three potential Alabama Crimson Tide breakout players for the 2024 college football season
The Alabama Crimson Tide might never look exactly the same now that Nick Saban is no longer the head coach, but they're certainly still going to be an incredible program. Kalen DeBoer's new staff has continued to dominate on the recruiting trail, and there's still plenty of returning talent on the roster that should keep […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide might never look exactly the same now that Nick Saban is no longer the head coach, but they're certainly still going to be an incredible program. Kalen DeBoer's new staff has continued to dominate on the recruiting trail, and there's still plenty of returning talent on the roster that should keep Alabama in the playoff conversation in 2024. However, if the Crimson Tide is going to win it all they'll likely need to lean on a few key breakout players who could take their game to the next level this season.
There are several potential breakout players on the Alabama Crimson Tide to watch for this fall, but let's talk through three that could completely change the course of the season if they step their game up to the peak of their potential in 2024.
Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver
Kalen DeBoer didn't bring many players with him from Washington to Tuscaloosa, but Germie Bernard was one of the few exceptions. Bernard was the WR4 for the Huskies last year, operating at times in a more expanded role as teammate Jalen McMillan was hobbled due to lingering injuries.
Now Bernard slides in as the potential lead wide receiver for the Crimson Tide in year three of his college career. And while that might not sound super promising for the Tide to be leaning on the fourth option in Washington's offense last year, Bernard would have starred on many teams last season (including Alabama). He just unfortunately got stuck splitting reps with three future day one and two NFL Draft picks, as college football analyst Cole Thompson discusses in the SEC Unfiltered post below.
As Bernard displayed this spring in Alabama's A-Day game, he creates easy separation and yards after catch with ease. Bernard snagged a couple big receptions in the spring game, one deep leaping grab near the end zone, and another where he hauled in a deep crosser and took it for another 30 yards.
Bernard averaged more than seven yards after catch per reception and only saw four of his 44 targets contested by a defender according to PFF last season. If he can create wide open targets for Milroe this fall Alabama's offense may prove to be incredibly successful through the air.
3 winners from Alabama’s annual A-Day spring game as Kalen DeBoer kicks off new era for Crimson Tide football
Alabama Football still absolutely stacked kicking off new era
Keon Sabb, Safety
Keon Sabb was one of the best safeties in the country last fall as a part of the Michigan Wolverines' national championship team. Although he was just a second year defender he played nearly 400 snaps, operating as a do-it-all third safety for the Maize and Blue. Again, Alabama relying on a "third safety" doesn't sound ideal, but talent isn't an issue. He was just playing behind All-Big Ten defensive back Rod Moore at times.
Sabb's athleticism and instincts should help him step in as an every down safety for Alabama this fall. Sabb allowed a passer rating when targeted below 50 last season, snagging two interceptions, and defending five more passes.
Justice Haynes, Running Back
Alabama just sent Jase McClellan to the NFL. Roydell Williams transferred to Florida State. That means it's time for the Justice Haynes and Jam Miller show in Tuscaloosa. And while Jam Miller did have a nice day at the spring game in April, Justice Haynes was the much more efficient runner on an admittedly small sample last fall.
Alabama Football running back trio looks ready to dominate college football after big A-Day spring game
Alabama Running Backs looking Special
Haynes averaged nearly seven yards per touch last fall, while Jam Miller couldn't crack five yards per carry in limited action a year ago. They both are certainly talented, but Haynes has otherworldly athleticism and potential. Haynes is a former five star recruit with great size, speed, balance, and underrated receiving chops (that we'll hopefully see more of this fall).
Nick Saban talked Haynes up quite a bit over a year ago, before he even began his true freshman season, which he has not been known to do with freshman. Expect both Miller and Haynes to see plenty of action, but by the end of the season, Haynes is likely the reason Alabama's ground game is feared.
Be looking for more Alabama Crimson Tide coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) on X (Twitter) for all the latest football news!
And if you want to watch some Germie Bernard highlights from last season to get excited about what he could bring to Alabama you can check out the video below!
