#31 Alabama Crimson Tide
Head Coach: Mike Shula
2003 Record: 4-9
2004
Preview By Steve Lassan
football.com
Team MVP: Although he
hasn’t played a full season of quarterback, Brodie Croyle is the
team MVP. Basically, for this team to get back to a bowl game, he
has to emerge as the quarterback and he has the potential. Should
he stay healthy, look for a big season from Croyle.
Quarterback: Expect a
better season from the Crimson Tide quarterbacks. Last season,
starter Brodie Croyle was injured and couldn’t be effective
because of it. Now that he has had a full offseason to recover,
expect him to be a better quarterback. Croyle has tremendous
potential and should display that this season. If he is injured
again this season, the depth is solid. Miami transfer Marc Guillon
and Spencer Pennington return. Guillon is highly thought of and
should eventually take over the starting job once Croyle has
graduated.
Running Back/Fullbacks: Losing
Shaud Williams was the biggest blow to this team during the
off-season. Williams provided good speed and was a target to catch
out of the backfield. Now that he is gone, expect Ray Hudson and
Kenneth Darby to step in. Hudson rushed for 490 yards last season
and is a bigger back than Williams. When a team loses a player of
Williams’ caliber, there is going to be a drop-off. However,
Hudson is talented enough to rush for 1000 yards.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Receivers
are the biggest concern for this offense. The offense should be
boosted by the return of Antonio Carter, but he has missed the
last two seasons with injury. Carter isn’t a breakaway receiver,
but does provide good speed and is elusive. Tyrone Prothro and
Brandon Brooks are small at 5’8 and 5’4, so a bigger receiver
must emerge. Overall, this is a small group of receiver, but they
should have some interesting speed possibilities.
Offensive Line: With
three starters returning, the offensive line should be in good
shape. Left tackle Wesley Britt is a key cog in the line and must
return 100% for this unit to be successful. Also returning
starters are Evan Mathis and J.B. Closner. Danny Martz and Kyle
Tatum are expected to start in the remaining two spots along the
line. Britt will be the key to line. If he is 100%, this unit will
be solid.
Defensive Line: With
top pass rusher Antwan Odom gone to the NFL, finding a pass rush
will be important. Three starters return, including promising
junior Mark Anderson. Last season, Anderson recorded three sacks
and 48 tackles. If he can pick up his sack totals, the line would
be in better shape. Look for Todd Bates and Chris Harris to
compete for Odom’s vacant end spot.
Linebackers: The
return of Cornelius Wortham gives the Crimson Tide defense four
players capable of starting. Wortham missed all of the 2003 season
with injury and is expected to battle sophomore Juwan Garth for a
starting spot. Garth was impressive as a freshman and should be a
solid player whether he starts or fills in. Middle linebacker
Freddie Roach is a steady performer and DeMeco Ryans led the team
in tackles last season.
Secondary: With a
developing defensive line, a ton of pressure is going to be on the
secondary. If the line cannot generate much of a pass rush,
quarterbacks are going to have time to pick apart the secondary.
Although they may have time, the secondary appears to be in good
shape going into the 2004 season. Safeties Charlie Peprah and
Roman Harper form a solid tandem at safety. This should be one of
the best in the SEC at stopping the pass.
Special Teams: Don’t
expect many problems from an experienced group returning on
special teams. Kicker Brian Bostick nailed 16 of 25 field goals
last season and punter Bo Freelend averaged 40.8 yards per punt
last season. Bostick could be more accurate, but overall this unit
is solid.
Final Thoughts: After
a horrible 4-9 season, this team is ready to bounce back. Head
coach Mike Shula is in his second season and he has now had a full
off-season to install his system and get the players more familiar
with them. Offensively, this team needs a healthy season from
Brodie Croyle. If he stays healthy, this offense is going to take
off. Defensively, if the line can pick up more of a pass rush,
this could be one of the best defenses in the SEC. Look for the
Crimson Tide to get back into the bowl scene and a solid seven win
season.
