Alabama Crimson Tide Roster 2019 Tide Roster

Nick Saban now faces a somewhat favorable situation. Hurts has been his guy the past two seasons, but his style of play has now seen many reels of tape and game film. Predictability might be the biggest downfall for Hurts, but he has been one to work this off-season to change his game and diversify his play-calling. Tua Tagovailoa is still developing in the Alabama system. Saban wouldn't have placed him within that role, while knowing the implications, without feeling a sense of confidence in the young quarterback. Tagovailoa was an All-American product coming out of high school, so his background is deep within sport. The depth chart has these two listed in an either-or format, leaving anyone's guess as to who will be the starter this season. Saban is likely to rotate between the two, given that both players wished to stay within the program. Having signal callers that believe in your system is a strong recipe for success. The recruiting class for Alabama tailed-off from previous years. They had 21 players commit, only gaining 3 from the top-50 list. While this number seems minute for this powerhouse university, two of the players come from the top 10 available. Eyabi Anoma is a defensive end product that will have to earn his licks as a true freshman. He was the 4th ranked player in the nation and Saban plans to use him on the edge and from the linebacker position. Detailing Anoma's physical make-up is what will shape him into a true linebacker. Patrick Surtain II is the highly touted cornerback product and the 6th ranked recruit in the nation. He stands a better chance to be featured within a starting role this season, but the secondary remains tough to crack. If the name looks familiar, Surtain is the youngest son of NFL great, Patrick Surtain. The defense hopes this translates to productive numbers at the college level. The defense took the biggest hit with players declaring for the draft or graduating. The secondary took the biggest blow losing 6 players who started for the team last season. The lineman lost a key playmaker in Da'Ron Payne. Payne could line up anywhere across the frontline, making him a nightmare to defend and opening lanes for others. They retain some size upfront with players that were waiting in the wings. The linebacker core remains solid, with recruits and transfers helping to create a favorable depth at position. At offense, the wide receiver core retains a trio of talents. All three starting receivers enter their second year of action, a promising sign for whoever is to create the hook-ups at quarterback.