Alabama was ranked No. 3 in Andy Staples’ post-spring portal Top 25 rankings and for good reason. Just because Kalen DeBoer took over for Nick Saban and it’s a new era, doesn’t mean the team can’t compete for a title.
Yes, there were some losses in the transfer portal, but there were also gains. Plus, with what is back, this is a bonafide playoff team.
Staples broke it down on Tuesday’s edition of his show on the On3 YouTube Channel.
“Alabama spring practice is the reason I have Alabama ranked No. 3 right now,” Staples said. “And have Alabama as one of the potential favorites to win the national title. You and I are pretty high in Alabama. I think we’re a little higher than others including Vegas on Alabama. I think they’re frickin’ loaded. Getting Kadyn Proctor back was massive. Like losing Caleb Downs, yeah, that hurts.
“But it feels like everywhere they needed to add something they did. And then what they have in terms of their defensive line and their linebacking core, on their offensive line, in the offensive backfield. They have everything. They have everything they need, and they’re deep.”
On3’s Jesse Simonton was on the same page as far as Alabama was concerned. It had a lot to do with DeBoer.
“I think everyone you know, tried to throw some dirt on Kalen DeBoer in the coaches rankings, I had him super high,” Simonton said. “I had him in the top four and there was a lot of, you know, consternation from other fan bases of what has he done? One one hit wonder. This guy is a hell of a football coach. He’s built a really strong staff. And I think defensively what we’ve seen, not only what they did in spring practice, what they’ve kind of assembled post-portal.
“You go in and get the corner from Wake. You know, these aren’t the flashiest guys, but they are pieces that were necessary to kind of flop around. I think Alabama is going to be really good. It may take a little bit of time to gel.”
Simonton’s other point on Alabama was the improvement of the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe is back as the starter and Ty Simpson really pushed him in spring ball.
“And honestly Andy, I think the fact that Ty Simpson generated as much buzz as he did is a good thing for Jalen Milroe because that’s just gonna continue to kind of keep that engine going,” Simonton said. “He has been anointed the starter but nothing’s guaranteed and so you know, he’s got to keep showing up every day.
“It was encouraging that Ty Simpson is a former five star, you know, flashed more this spring and then you have a guy like Milroe, we’ve seen what sort of electric talent he has if he can harness it all together.”
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