I'm going to rank all the freshmen and provide some analysis. All feedback is welcomed.
DJ Dale
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 1
Evaluation: Arrived in December of 2018, so he’s had nine months already in Tuscaloosa which has clearly sped up his development. Dale was rated as a Rivals.com three-star and quickly made an impact with the Tide earning a spot with the first-team defense during the springtime. He suffered a sprained knee early in fall camp, but the injury does not seem to be too serious. He should return to practice sooner than later. Dale is one of the most well-conditioned defensive linemen and has good strength and body control, which should help him get around blockers this season.
Evan Neal
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 2
Evaluation: Neal has more than lived up to his Rivals five-star status coming out of the IMG Academy and has really flourished at Alabama. He is currently earning reps with the first-team offense at the left guard position. Standing 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, Neal has very fluid movement and his initial steps out of his stance are quick and controlled. Neal continues to impress daily at practice and has demonstrated he can be a drive blocker under new offensive line coach Kyle Flood.
John Metchie
Receiver
Freshman Rank: 3
Evaluation: Alabama has without question the most dangerous receiving unit in college football and while names like Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III highlight the depth chart at the position, true freshman John Metchie is likely a starter at any other program in the nation come week one. Metchie is a gifted route runner, has incredible hands, and is a very smooth strider who is quick and quiet into breaks. A lot of people forget he was the A-Day MVP during the spring game, the last receiver to earn those honors as a true freshman was Jerry Jeudy.
Shane Lee
Inside Linebacker
Freshman Rank: 4
Evaluation: Lee might have the biggest biceps on the team and is absolutely jacked. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 246 pounds, Lee stands out each time you watch the inside linebackers. He has good explosiveness, is a thumper, and can move. During Alabama’s spring game, Lee intercepted the football and looked like a bruising fullback carrying the football. With senior Josh McMillon going down this training camp, Lee could get his number called more than a few times by the Alabama defense.
Trey Sanders
Running Back
Freshman Rank: 5
Evaluation: Sanders suffered what appears as a season-ending injury during fall camp which is obviously unfortunate news for Sanders and the Crimson Tide’s offense. Sanders arrived this summer and quickly turned heads at fall camp showcasing good footwork with controlled cuts with exceptional speed. What we like most from Sanders is his ability to track the ball like a receiver and that attribute would have allowed for Sanders to see the field plenty as a true freshman.
Taulia Tagovailoa
Quarterback
Freshman Rank: 6
Evaluation: Tagovailoa looked good from the day he set foot in Tuscaloosa. The first thing that stands out about him is his competitiveness and that clearly comes from having an older brother who has already set the bar. Tagovailoa is an undersized quarterback at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, but these attributes make up for his height: rocket release, lively arm, always seems to throw a catchable ball, effective when on the move (think back to the TD he threw during the spring game), and he showed plenty of times in high school that he’s clutch when the game is on the line.
Will Reichard
Kicker
Freshman Rank: 7
Evaluation: Reichard looks to be the answer to the Crimson Tide’s recent special teams woes, but he still has yet to see the field in an actual game. What has really stood out about Reichard is the fact he not only kicks PATs and field goals, but he also punts. He’s a well-rounded member of the special teams unit that will absolutely see the field from the get-go. During Alabama’s recent scrimmage, there were plenty of reports stating that Reichard was 4-4 on field goals with a longest of 40-yards.
Kevin Harris II
Outside Linebacker
Freshman Rank: 8
Evaluation: Harris was such a great get for the Crimson Tide, the Rivals.com four-star has continued to receive positive praise from outside linebacker’s coach Sal Sunseri and the upperclassmen on the roster. At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds he still needs to fill out more, but plays with a lot of authority. He has a great first step, which is great for rush quickness, and should be able to charge the offense off the edge. He’s a very hard worker and what stands out is he’s going 110% each time we see him on the field.
Justin Eboigbe
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 9
Evaluation: A very talented freshman who is climbing the depth chart and one who continues to get positive praise from defensive line coach Brian Baker. At practice, he is very, very physical and has a quick first step. Alabama has some very talented youth at the defensive line position, which is very important.
Antonio Alfano
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 10
Evaluation: Alfano came into Tuscaloosa with a Rivals.com five-star rating and he’s continuing to work each day to move up within the group. He wears 285 pounds very well and it’s clear he does not skip leg day at the gym as he has a very good frame with a lot of power. Alfano had a good spring game and showed effectiveness to get to the quarterback. It seems like he can switch gears from power bully to speed rusher when needed.
Paul Tyson
Quarterback
Freshman Rank: 11
Evaluation: First of all, no one is sleeping on Paul Tyson. While he looks fourth on the current make-believe Alabama depth chart, Tyson has something that none of the others in front of him have: Size. Standing 6-foot-5, and 220-pounds, Tyson is a towering quarterback with a very big arm. He has good accuracy on intermediate throws, but he still has an average release which will improve as he develops as a quarterback under the Alabama offense. Tyson is going to be a good one, there is zero question concerning that.
Jahleel Billingsley
Tight End
Freshman Rank: 12
Evaluation: Alabama really has someone special in Jahleel Billingsley. What a great addition to the tight end room this summer. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he plays more like a big receiver and has displayed superior hands. He is too much for a linebacker to cover, but we have not an opportunity to see if he can secure the edge in a run-blocking situation.
DeMarcco Hellams
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 13
Evaluation: Big defensive back at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds and is well built. He is very fluid and has good speed, meaning he should be able to lay the wood on receivers or tight ends coming across the middle of the field. Need to see more of him during coverage situations, but came into fall camp well prepared.
Scooby Carter
Defensive back
Freshman Rank: 14
Evaluation: Carter has been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue, but during fall we have not noticed him going less than 100%, so having his hamstring taped is just for precautionary measures. Carter has good range and a very good burst on the ball. Need further analysis to see what type of tackler he is in the open field.
Pierce Quick
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 15
Evaluation: Quick was the leader of the Class of 2019, he was actually the very first commitment in the class, so you can thank him for recruiting most of the guys on this list. He has an excellent attitude and work ethic and while he is a ways from seeing the field, he already has an NFL body type with a broad upper body and good lower body thickness.
King Mwikuta
Outside linebacker
Freshman Rank: 16
Evaluation: Catches your eye when you watch the outside backers and while he’s a bit behind Harris talent-wise, I feel those two are a great combination for the Crimson Tide during the next few years, as they are almost mirror images of one another.
Amari Kight
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 17
Evaluation: Massive dude at 6-foot-7 and 302 pounds. Still a ways from seeing the field, but can you imagine him next to Quick, and then add Tommy Brown on the other side at tackle? The sky is the limit for this young man, but he is not there right now. There is too much depth on the offensive line for him to see any significant paying time.
Brandon Turnage
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 18
Evaluation: Turnage is a good-sized defensive back just below 200 pounds and has caught our eye a few times during practice. One thing that stands out about him is that he’s chiseled, a clear sign he’s in the weight room working on his craft. You could see a guy like Turnage step up next season and fill the void of Trevon Diggs.
Bryon Young
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 19
Evaluation: Young has a massive frame at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds and during a recent practice we were able to observe him working with Raekwon Davis and Phidarian Mathis, if those two won’t get you better… Young in my opinion falls into the category of not being in fall camp shape, but he’ll get there.
Keilan Robinson
Running Back
Freshman Rank: 20
Evaluation: Saban said Keilan is coming around and from what we’ve seen he is a quick and shifty back and not a traditional built back as he’s only 184 pounds. Like the rest of the Alabama running backs, he’s a good receiver out of the backfield and has an exciting highlight tape from his senior season. Maybe Alabama will find a way to get him on the field this season.
Christian Harris
Insider linebacker
Freshman Rank: 21
Evaluation: Harris came with it to the weight room this summer and blew everyone away with his strength. At 6-foot-2 and 244 pounds, he’s a big man with a lot of athleticism and once he learns the inside linebacker position and grasps the defense more, he’s going to be a superstar.
Darrian Dalcourt
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 22
Evaluation: While it’s easy to get lost in the talent pool of the offensive line, when you slow the film down and watch Dalcourt he gets off the football very well, keeps his pad level low and can drive. He could probably be ranked a little higher on this list.
Jordan Battle
Defensive back
Freshman Rank: 23
Evaluation: He falls into the group of players who I need to evaluate more, but during the few times I’ve seen him this fall camp he’s working with the safeties behind the upperclassmen and has decent size at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds.
Braylen Ingraham
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 24
Evaluation: Ingraham might be behind a few other defensive linemen on the list, but I think it has to do with the speed of practice right now. Again, list him Bryon Young and Ismael Sopsher in the group of: need to get into better shape.
Ismael Sopsher
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 25
Evaluation: Sopsher is massive and while he’s listed at 334, interesting to see how much weight he’s lost since the start of camp. Him and Bryon Young have both been seen with hands on their hips, but with that said, Sopsher has looked much, much better during the second week of practice.
Tanner Bowels
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 26
Evaluation: Coming along at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds. He’s way in the back of the depth chart, but most of these linemen can drive their feet so well and Bowels is one of them.
Marcus Banks
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 27
Evaluation: Need more time to evaluate him, looks a little thin right now at just 6-foot-0 and 170 pounds.
All feedback welcomed
DJ Dale
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 1
Evaluation: Arrived in December of 2018, so he’s had nine months already in Tuscaloosa which has clearly sped up his development. Dale was rated as a Rivals.com three-star and quickly made an impact with the Tide earning a spot with the first-team defense during the springtime. He suffered a sprained knee early in fall camp, but the injury does not seem to be too serious. He should return to practice sooner than later. Dale is one of the most well-conditioned defensive linemen and has good strength and body control, which should help him get around blockers this season.
Evan Neal
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 2
Evaluation: Neal has more than lived up to his Rivals five-star status coming out of the IMG Academy and has really flourished at Alabama. He is currently earning reps with the first-team offense at the left guard position. Standing 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, Neal has very fluid movement and his initial steps out of his stance are quick and controlled. Neal continues to impress daily at practice and has demonstrated he can be a drive blocker under new offensive line coach Kyle Flood.
John Metchie
Receiver
Freshman Rank: 3
Evaluation: Alabama has without question the most dangerous receiving unit in college football and while names like Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III highlight the depth chart at the position, true freshman John Metchie is likely a starter at any other program in the nation come week one. Metchie is a gifted route runner, has incredible hands, and is a very smooth strider who is quick and quiet into breaks. A lot of people forget he was the A-Day MVP during the spring game, the last receiver to earn those honors as a true freshman was Jerry Jeudy.
Shane Lee
Inside Linebacker
Freshman Rank: 4
Evaluation: Lee might have the biggest biceps on the team and is absolutely jacked. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 246 pounds, Lee stands out each time you watch the inside linebackers. He has good explosiveness, is a thumper, and can move. During Alabama’s spring game, Lee intercepted the football and looked like a bruising fullback carrying the football. With senior Josh McMillon going down this training camp, Lee could get his number called more than a few times by the Alabama defense.
Trey Sanders
Running Back
Freshman Rank: 5
Evaluation: Sanders suffered what appears as a season-ending injury during fall camp which is obviously unfortunate news for Sanders and the Crimson Tide’s offense. Sanders arrived this summer and quickly turned heads at fall camp showcasing good footwork with controlled cuts with exceptional speed. What we like most from Sanders is his ability to track the ball like a receiver and that attribute would have allowed for Sanders to see the field plenty as a true freshman.
Taulia Tagovailoa
Quarterback
Freshman Rank: 6
Evaluation: Tagovailoa looked good from the day he set foot in Tuscaloosa. The first thing that stands out about him is his competitiveness and that clearly comes from having an older brother who has already set the bar. Tagovailoa is an undersized quarterback at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, but these attributes make up for his height: rocket release, lively arm, always seems to throw a catchable ball, effective when on the move (think back to the TD he threw during the spring game), and he showed plenty of times in high school that he’s clutch when the game is on the line.
Will Reichard
Kicker
Freshman Rank: 7
Evaluation: Reichard looks to be the answer to the Crimson Tide’s recent special teams woes, but he still has yet to see the field in an actual game. What has really stood out about Reichard is the fact he not only kicks PATs and field goals, but he also punts. He’s a well-rounded member of the special teams unit that will absolutely see the field from the get-go. During Alabama’s recent scrimmage, there were plenty of reports stating that Reichard was 4-4 on field goals with a longest of 40-yards.
Kevin Harris II
Outside Linebacker
Freshman Rank: 8
Evaluation: Harris was such a great get for the Crimson Tide, the Rivals.com four-star has continued to receive positive praise from outside linebacker’s coach Sal Sunseri and the upperclassmen on the roster. At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds he still needs to fill out more, but plays with a lot of authority. He has a great first step, which is great for rush quickness, and should be able to charge the offense off the edge. He’s a very hard worker and what stands out is he’s going 110% each time we see him on the field.
Justin Eboigbe
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 9
Evaluation: A very talented freshman who is climbing the depth chart and one who continues to get positive praise from defensive line coach Brian Baker. At practice, he is very, very physical and has a quick first step. Alabama has some very talented youth at the defensive line position, which is very important.
Antonio Alfano
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 10
Evaluation: Alfano came into Tuscaloosa with a Rivals.com five-star rating and he’s continuing to work each day to move up within the group. He wears 285 pounds very well and it’s clear he does not skip leg day at the gym as he has a very good frame with a lot of power. Alfano had a good spring game and showed effectiveness to get to the quarterback. It seems like he can switch gears from power bully to speed rusher when needed.
Paul Tyson
Quarterback
Freshman Rank: 11
Evaluation: First of all, no one is sleeping on Paul Tyson. While he looks fourth on the current make-believe Alabama depth chart, Tyson has something that none of the others in front of him have: Size. Standing 6-foot-5, and 220-pounds, Tyson is a towering quarterback with a very big arm. He has good accuracy on intermediate throws, but he still has an average release which will improve as he develops as a quarterback under the Alabama offense. Tyson is going to be a good one, there is zero question concerning that.
Jahleel Billingsley
Tight End
Freshman Rank: 12
Evaluation: Alabama really has someone special in Jahleel Billingsley. What a great addition to the tight end room this summer. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he plays more like a big receiver and has displayed superior hands. He is too much for a linebacker to cover, but we have not an opportunity to see if he can secure the edge in a run-blocking situation.
DeMarcco Hellams
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 13
Evaluation: Big defensive back at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds and is well built. He is very fluid and has good speed, meaning he should be able to lay the wood on receivers or tight ends coming across the middle of the field. Need to see more of him during coverage situations, but came into fall camp well prepared.
Scooby Carter
Defensive back
Freshman Rank: 14
Evaluation: Carter has been dealing with a nagging hamstring issue, but during fall we have not noticed him going less than 100%, so having his hamstring taped is just for precautionary measures. Carter has good range and a very good burst on the ball. Need further analysis to see what type of tackler he is in the open field.
Pierce Quick
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 15
Evaluation: Quick was the leader of the Class of 2019, he was actually the very first commitment in the class, so you can thank him for recruiting most of the guys on this list. He has an excellent attitude and work ethic and while he is a ways from seeing the field, he already has an NFL body type with a broad upper body and good lower body thickness.
King Mwikuta
Outside linebacker
Freshman Rank: 16
Evaluation: Catches your eye when you watch the outside backers and while he’s a bit behind Harris talent-wise, I feel those two are a great combination for the Crimson Tide during the next few years, as they are almost mirror images of one another.
Amari Kight
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 17
Evaluation: Massive dude at 6-foot-7 and 302 pounds. Still a ways from seeing the field, but can you imagine him next to Quick, and then add Tommy Brown on the other side at tackle? The sky is the limit for this young man, but he is not there right now. There is too much depth on the offensive line for him to see any significant paying time.
Brandon Turnage
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 18
Evaluation: Turnage is a good-sized defensive back just below 200 pounds and has caught our eye a few times during practice. One thing that stands out about him is that he’s chiseled, a clear sign he’s in the weight room working on his craft. You could see a guy like Turnage step up next season and fill the void of Trevon Diggs.
Bryon Young
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 19
Evaluation: Young has a massive frame at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds and during a recent practice we were able to observe him working with Raekwon Davis and Phidarian Mathis, if those two won’t get you better… Young in my opinion falls into the category of not being in fall camp shape, but he’ll get there.
Keilan Robinson
Running Back
Freshman Rank: 20
Evaluation: Saban said Keilan is coming around and from what we’ve seen he is a quick and shifty back and not a traditional built back as he’s only 184 pounds. Like the rest of the Alabama running backs, he’s a good receiver out of the backfield and has an exciting highlight tape from his senior season. Maybe Alabama will find a way to get him on the field this season.
Christian Harris
Insider linebacker
Freshman Rank: 21
Evaluation: Harris came with it to the weight room this summer and blew everyone away with his strength. At 6-foot-2 and 244 pounds, he’s a big man with a lot of athleticism and once he learns the inside linebacker position and grasps the defense more, he’s going to be a superstar.
Darrian Dalcourt
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 22
Evaluation: While it’s easy to get lost in the talent pool of the offensive line, when you slow the film down and watch Dalcourt he gets off the football very well, keeps his pad level low and can drive. He could probably be ranked a little higher on this list.
Jordan Battle
Defensive back
Freshman Rank: 23
Evaluation: He falls into the group of players who I need to evaluate more, but during the few times I’ve seen him this fall camp he’s working with the safeties behind the upperclassmen and has decent size at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds.
Braylen Ingraham
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 24
Evaluation: Ingraham might be behind a few other defensive linemen on the list, but I think it has to do with the speed of practice right now. Again, list him Bryon Young and Ismael Sopsher in the group of: need to get into better shape.
Ismael Sopsher
Defensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 25
Evaluation: Sopsher is massive and while he’s listed at 334, interesting to see how much weight he’s lost since the start of camp. Him and Bryon Young have both been seen with hands on their hips, but with that said, Sopsher has looked much, much better during the second week of practice.
Tanner Bowels
Offensive Lineman
Freshman Rank: 26
Evaluation: Coming along at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds. He’s way in the back of the depth chart, but most of these linemen can drive their feet so well and Bowels is one of them.
Marcus Banks
Defensive Back
Freshman Rank: 27
Evaluation: Need more time to evaluate him, looks a little thin right now at just 6-foot-0 and 170 pounds.
All feedback welcomed
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