Barrett Jones has moved on from the Crimson Tide to pursue an NFL career, seen here at the NFL Scouting Combine. (AP photo)
Thursday: Quarterbacks (click here to read it)
Friday: Running backs (click here to read it)
Saturday: Wide receivers (click here to read it)
Yesterday: Tight ends/H-Backs (click here to read it)
Today: Offensive Line
Tomorrow: Defensive Line
Wednesday: Linebackers/Pro Day
March 14: Cornerbacks
March 15: Safeties
March 16: Opening day of spring practice
This may be the hot-button issue of spring training: the boys in the trenches that so ritually decide the outcome of games. The drama surrounding this group are the three starters from the prevous two national championship teams that must be replaced before the journey for a three-peat can begin.
It all starts at the anchor, where Barrett Jones leaves a large void in both talent, football IQ and leadership. Alabama seems to favor Ryan Kelly to replace him. Kelly, from West Chester, Ohio, will enter the 2013 season as a redshirt sophomore after playing off the bench in nine games in 2012 and being named to the SEC-All Freshman Team.
At guard, Anthony Steen is sure to keep his spot as a starter, and Alabama has options to replace Warmack. Chad Lindsey and Leon Brown could both step in guards, plus guard Arie Kouandjio. If the name Kouandjio looks familiar, that’s because his younger brother, Cyrus, has quite the lock on his starting tackle position from last season.
Just like the guard position that needs to be filled, Alabama has options to replace D.J. Fluker. Both Brown and Lindsey could fit in as a tackle, as could Brandon Green, Brandon Hill, Alphonse Taylor and incoming freshman Grant Hill.
Breakdown: One senior (Steen), five juniors (Brown, C. Kouandjio, A. Kouandjio, Lindsey, Shepherd), two sophomores (Kelly, Hill), two redshirt freshmen (Taylor, Greene), one freshman (Hill).
Prediction: The obvious starters will hold their spots, being Kouandjio and Steen, and Kelly should establish a firm hold on the center spot. But the others need to buckle up: they’re in a battle that could easily last throughout the spring up until the first week of the regular season.
