Alabama will look to repeat as national champions this year as it aims to add a 19th title to its trophy case. The Crimson Tide opens its season on Sept. 4 against Miami inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To help pass the time until then, BamaInsider is delving into 21 topics and questions concerning the 2021 season.
Today, we conclude our series by looking at a few superlatives for the coming season.
Offensive MVP — Bryce Young
This year’s Alabama offense figures to go as far as Bryce Young will take it. The five-star sophomore enters his first year as the starter after waiting behind All-American Mac Jones last season. If the Tide wants to replicate last season’s record-breaking numbers, it will need Young to rise to his five-star potential.
So far this offseason has provided plenty of reason for optimism. Young earned MVP honors on A-Day, completing 25 of 44 passes for 333 yards and a touchdown. The dual-threat quarterback has also been excelling in team-run seven-on-seven workouts in recent weeks and seems to be building a solid bond with his future targets.
Young won’t have Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith or fellow first-round receiver Jaylen Waddle to throw to this season. However, he’ll still have a deep receiving corps at his disposal, including John Metchie III, who is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign in which he tallied 55 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensive MVP — Will Anderson Jr.
It’s difficult not to give this to Christian Harris as the junior figures to be the leader of Alabama’s defense. However, when it comes to the Tide’s most dangerous weapon on defense, Will Anderson Jr. takes the title.
Last season, Anderson earned the Shaun Alexander-FWAA National Freshman Player of the Year Award, leading the nation’s freshmen with seven sacks while also tallying 52 tackles including 10.5 stops for a loss. The former five-star recruit didn’t catch fire until late in the season, registering all seven of his sacks over a four-week span against Auburn, LSU, Arkansas and Florida. With a breakout freshman season now under his belt, he should be in line for even bigger numbers this year.
First off the board — Evan Neal
Young and Anderson might be Alabama’s biggest contributors on the stat sheet, but when it comes to next year’s draft Evan Neal is the name to watch. The five-star tackle is entering his third season as a starter and is already being projected as a top-10 pick in several mock drafts.
Neal began his career at left guard in 2019 before moving to right tackle last year. This season, he is projected to take over for departing Outland Trophy winner Alex Leatherwood at left tackle where he will be in charge of protecting Young’s blind spot. Neal is coming off a solid sophomore season in which he finished second on the team with an 86.4 run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder also proved efficient in pass protection, allowing just one sack over 423 pass-blocking snaps.
Freshman of the year — Kool-Aid McKinstry
Oh, yeah! Get used to reading the name Kool-Aid. Defensive back Ga’Quincy McKinstry is now listed by his nickname “Kool-Aid” on Alabama’s official roster. Based on his performance this offseason the five-star freshman could be a key figure in the Tide’s defense.
McKinstry recorded an interception and a fumble recovery along with three tackles and a pass breakup for the second-team defense during the A-Day game. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back is currently competing with redshirt junior Jalyn Armour-Davis for the starting spot at cornerback vacated by All-American Patrick Surtain II. Even if McKinstry doesn’t begin the season on the first team, it probably won’t be long until he finds his way onto the field.
Most improved — Drew Sanders
After joining Alabama as one of the most anticipated signees of last year’s class, Drew Sanders didn’t exactly live up to lofty expectations during his freshman season. The former Rivals100 recruit earned the lowest defensive grade on the team, registering a 28.8 mark from PFF over 52 defensive snaps.
While Sanders hasn’t yet developed into the pass-rushing force many have projected him to become, he did play a valuable role on special teams, earning special teams player of the week honors from the coaching staff following the games against Tennessee and Arkansas. Some of Sanders' first-season struggles can be chalked up to an abbreviated offseason last year. Now that he has had a full year to grow accustomed to the defense, he’s a strong candidate for a breakout sophomore season.
Most likely to break a school record — Jahleel Billingsley
Alabama’s departing stars rewrote several of the program’s records last season. While most of those marks appear to be safe for at least a few more years, there’s still a chance we see some history made again this season.
One of the Tide’s biggest breakout stars figures to be tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who developed into a viable pass-catching threat late last year. With Smith and Waddle out of the picture, the junior should be one of Alabama’s biggest targets this season, putting him in contention to post historic numbers at the tight end position.
Irv Smith Jr. holds the program’s single-season record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with seven during the 2018 season. Billingsley, who recorded three scores through the air last year, could make a run at that record as he figures to be one of the Tide’s biggest red-zone threats this year.
Special teams star — Will Reichard
This is the easiest call on the list. Last season, Reichard was named as a Lou Groza Award finalist, converting on all 14 of his field-goal attempts, as well as each of his 84 extra-point tries. His 98 combined makes are the most in FBS history by a kicker who remained perfect on the year.
Reichard caused a bit of concern on A-Day, converting on just 2 of 5 field-goal attempts. However, the sure-footed junior still figures to be a reliable option heading into this season.
Top transfer — Henry To’o To’o
Leave it to Alabama to lose its leading tackler and come away arguably stronger at the position. After seeing Dylan Moses depart for the NFL this offseason, Alabama turned to the transfer portal, adding Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o to the fold.
Last season, To’o To’o led the Volunteers with 76 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss while also registering two pass deflections and an interception which he returned 32 yards for a touchdown. Thanks to the NCAA’s new transfer policy as well as the SEC's adjusted legislation on intraconference transfers, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker will be eligible to play right away for the Tide.
To’o To’o figures to compete with returning senior Jaylen Moody for the starting spot alongside Harris in the middle of Alabama’s defense. That could give the Tide one of the most talented inside duos in the nation.
Most likely to land on SportsCenter — Agiye Hall
This one could go several ways. Last season, there was plenty of buzz about Javon Baker’s play-making ability in practice. Alabama also brought in a potential highlight generator this summer in JoJo Earle, who presents big-play potential on both offense and special teams.
However, if this spring is any indication, freshman receiver Agiye Hall figures to be a regular on SportsCenter’s Top 10 this season. The Rivals100 recorded a few of those highlight grabs on A-Day when he tallied four receptions for 72 yards. That performance came complete with a bit of praise from Nick Saban.
“He makes a lot of contested catches,” Saban said following A-Day. “He’s got great size. He’s got really some explosive speed that I think we need. We need some guys to complement John Metchie when he gets back. We are pleased with his progress. He had a really good spring.”
Hall is one of several receivers competing for the two starting spots vacated by Smith and Waddle. Regardless of whether he lands a first-team role, look for him to make the most of his time on the field this season.
Team leader — Chris Owens
Chris Owens isn’t one of the first names that come up when discussing Alabama’s returning stars. However, the sixth-year senior could be one of the Tide’s most important players.
After filling in at center for an injured Landon Dickerson during the Tide’s playoff run last season, Owens is the projected favorite to retain the role this season. Along with serving as the voice of the offensive line, he figures to be one of the key veteran presences in the locker room as well.
Alabama generally leans on its centers for leadership as its last four starters at the position have gone on to become permanent team captains. Owens appears to be a strong candidate to continue that trend as he is already regarded as one of the team’s most respected veterans.
Today, we conclude our series by looking at a few superlatives for the coming season.
Offensive MVP — Bryce Young
This year’s Alabama offense figures to go as far as Bryce Young will take it. The five-star sophomore enters his first year as the starter after waiting behind All-American Mac Jones last season. If the Tide wants to replicate last season’s record-breaking numbers, it will need Young to rise to his five-star potential.
So far this offseason has provided plenty of reason for optimism. Young earned MVP honors on A-Day, completing 25 of 44 passes for 333 yards and a touchdown. The dual-threat quarterback has also been excelling in team-run seven-on-seven workouts in recent weeks and seems to be building a solid bond with his future targets.
Young won’t have Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith or fellow first-round receiver Jaylen Waddle to throw to this season. However, he’ll still have a deep receiving corps at his disposal, including John Metchie III, who is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign in which he tallied 55 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensive MVP — Will Anderson Jr.
It’s difficult not to give this to Christian Harris as the junior figures to be the leader of Alabama’s defense. However, when it comes to the Tide’s most dangerous weapon on defense, Will Anderson Jr. takes the title.
Last season, Anderson earned the Shaun Alexander-FWAA National Freshman Player of the Year Award, leading the nation’s freshmen with seven sacks while also tallying 52 tackles including 10.5 stops for a loss. The former five-star recruit didn’t catch fire until late in the season, registering all seven of his sacks over a four-week span against Auburn, LSU, Arkansas and Florida. With a breakout freshman season now under his belt, he should be in line for even bigger numbers this year.
First off the board — Evan Neal
Young and Anderson might be Alabama’s biggest contributors on the stat sheet, but when it comes to next year’s draft Evan Neal is the name to watch. The five-star tackle is entering his third season as a starter and is already being projected as a top-10 pick in several mock drafts.
Neal began his career at left guard in 2019 before moving to right tackle last year. This season, he is projected to take over for departing Outland Trophy winner Alex Leatherwood at left tackle where he will be in charge of protecting Young’s blind spot. Neal is coming off a solid sophomore season in which he finished second on the team with an 86.4 run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder also proved efficient in pass protection, allowing just one sack over 423 pass-blocking snaps.
Freshman of the year — Kool-Aid McKinstry
Oh, yeah! Get used to reading the name Kool-Aid. Defensive back Ga’Quincy McKinstry is now listed by his nickname “Kool-Aid” on Alabama’s official roster. Based on his performance this offseason the five-star freshman could be a key figure in the Tide’s defense.
McKinstry recorded an interception and a fumble recovery along with three tackles and a pass breakup for the second-team defense during the A-Day game. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back is currently competing with redshirt junior Jalyn Armour-Davis for the starting spot at cornerback vacated by All-American Patrick Surtain II. Even if McKinstry doesn’t begin the season on the first team, it probably won’t be long until he finds his way onto the field.
Most improved — Drew Sanders
After joining Alabama as one of the most anticipated signees of last year’s class, Drew Sanders didn’t exactly live up to lofty expectations during his freshman season. The former Rivals100 recruit earned the lowest defensive grade on the team, registering a 28.8 mark from PFF over 52 defensive snaps.
While Sanders hasn’t yet developed into the pass-rushing force many have projected him to become, he did play a valuable role on special teams, earning special teams player of the week honors from the coaching staff following the games against Tennessee and Arkansas. Some of Sanders' first-season struggles can be chalked up to an abbreviated offseason last year. Now that he has had a full year to grow accustomed to the defense, he’s a strong candidate for a breakout sophomore season.
Most likely to break a school record — Jahleel Billingsley
Alabama’s departing stars rewrote several of the program’s records last season. While most of those marks appear to be safe for at least a few more years, there’s still a chance we see some history made again this season.
One of the Tide’s biggest breakout stars figures to be tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who developed into a viable pass-catching threat late last year. With Smith and Waddle out of the picture, the junior should be one of Alabama’s biggest targets this season, putting him in contention to post historic numbers at the tight end position.
Irv Smith Jr. holds the program’s single-season record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with seven during the 2018 season. Billingsley, who recorded three scores through the air last year, could make a run at that record as he figures to be one of the Tide’s biggest red-zone threats this year.
Special teams star — Will Reichard
This is the easiest call on the list. Last season, Reichard was named as a Lou Groza Award finalist, converting on all 14 of his field-goal attempts, as well as each of his 84 extra-point tries. His 98 combined makes are the most in FBS history by a kicker who remained perfect on the year.
Reichard caused a bit of concern on A-Day, converting on just 2 of 5 field-goal attempts. However, the sure-footed junior still figures to be a reliable option heading into this season.
Top transfer — Henry To’o To’o
Leave it to Alabama to lose its leading tackler and come away arguably stronger at the position. After seeing Dylan Moses depart for the NFL this offseason, Alabama turned to the transfer portal, adding Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o to the fold.
Last season, To’o To’o led the Volunteers with 76 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss while also registering two pass deflections and an interception which he returned 32 yards for a touchdown. Thanks to the NCAA’s new transfer policy as well as the SEC's adjusted legislation on intraconference transfers, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker will be eligible to play right away for the Tide.
To’o To’o figures to compete with returning senior Jaylen Moody for the starting spot alongside Harris in the middle of Alabama’s defense. That could give the Tide one of the most talented inside duos in the nation.
Most likely to land on SportsCenter — Agiye Hall
This one could go several ways. Last season, there was plenty of buzz about Javon Baker’s play-making ability in practice. Alabama also brought in a potential highlight generator this summer in JoJo Earle, who presents big-play potential on both offense and special teams.
However, if this spring is any indication, freshman receiver Agiye Hall figures to be a regular on SportsCenter’s Top 10 this season. The Rivals100 recorded a few of those highlight grabs on A-Day when he tallied four receptions for 72 yards. That performance came complete with a bit of praise from Nick Saban.
“He makes a lot of contested catches,” Saban said following A-Day. “He’s got great size. He’s got really some explosive speed that I think we need. We need some guys to complement John Metchie when he gets back. We are pleased with his progress. He had a really good spring.”
Hall is one of several receivers competing for the two starting spots vacated by Smith and Waddle. Regardless of whether he lands a first-team role, look for him to make the most of his time on the field this season.
Team leader — Chris Owens
Chris Owens isn’t one of the first names that come up when discussing Alabama’s returning stars. However, the sixth-year senior could be one of the Tide’s most important players.
After filling in at center for an injured Landon Dickerson during the Tide’s playoff run last season, Owens is the projected favorite to retain the role this season. Along with serving as the voice of the offensive line, he figures to be one of the key veteran presences in the locker room as well.
Alabama generally leans on its centers for leadership as its last four starters at the position have gone on to become permanent team captains. Owens appears to be a strong candidate to continue that trend as he is already regarded as one of the team’s most respected veterans.
