So I was looking around for the next girl to show, reading up on Top 100 lists, just clicking through with mucho ennui, when I just randomly fast-forwarded to the #10 spot on this particular list, and BAM. Sign from above, Kate wants some face time on the Joker Report. And what Kate wants, Kate gets.
I'm going to try to focus on this article, even though she'll be staring at me the whole time. Oh those eyes are talking to me...but I can't tell you what they're saying. I run a clean site, ya know. I'll let this clip explain.
Let's just get down to business now.
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MIKE - Rolando McClain. Or as Verne "I'm an old idiot who never really pays attention to the game being played" Lundquist prefers, "Orlando McCain". This guy still hasn't reached his potential, but guys this good typically hit their college peak in their junior years (before leaving...sigh), so I can't wait to see this Decatur product light some people up this year. I think we all know about Rolo, but not many people know about Chris Jordan. Dude is ripped, and at 6'2, 220 lbs, he's most likely our fastest linebacker hitting 4.5 in the 40. Jordan is a quality replacement for Rolo if anything ever happens (although a little green, making the switch from running back), and honestly I'd like to see a couple blowouts to see all these underclassmen I keep mentioning; you know, the ones who probably get a few plays in to end the game, yet we're all so got-damn drunk we don't know up from down, and our late night "sexting" has already begun. Hey, don't act like I'm the only one.
JACK - This hybrid LB/DE position was already mentioned in the previous article, but for those who forgot - Dont'a Hightower (please, Coach). Behind him could be anybody, from the previous starter Brandon Fanney to a young up-and-comer Courtney Upshaw.
WILL - Manning the Will position, or weakside backer, was where Dont'a played last season, and probably will show up again this season as well. It's not like Saban keeps people in one position just cuz people think that's what you're supposed to do. I will be somewhat disappointed if Jerrell Harris doesn't grab this spot from the beginning of fall camp until he leaves. He's got the size at 6'3, 215 (I've seen recent pictures---trust me, he's bigger now), and he's had experience at both inside and outside LB, which factors in here; as much as Saban likes to use the nickel package, that means one of the linebackers sits this play out and the "star" or nickel cornerback comes in. Which also means the Will 'backer will move from inside next to the Jack, to outside as typically the Jack is the one who leaves.
Still with me? Okay. Well Jerrell has all the tools to fill the gap beside the Jack man and crunch some skull, or once in nickel he can slide outside and he definitely has the speed to turn and run with his man. A lot of people are hoping JH gets the mental aspect down, cuz he's going to be a good one.
On third down, I'm guessing Coach will still go with Eryk Anders supplying blitzing pressure from the outside. Kid is GOOD at getting through and around the line, and technically speaking, he's not even that big. I think some of us Bama fans need to give more props to EA.
SAM - I believe Cory Reamer cemented this spot in 2008---something that came as somewhat of a surprise, considering he looked like a small white boy out there. Well, he bulked up and took it seriously, and Saban started him. Thing is, he's not small---6'4 223. Now others may see the Sam position differently than I do, but to me it shows your linebacker has the strength to take on one or two blockers on any given play (RT and TE); the awareness to choose run or pass if said TE runs a route; the ability to not only turn and run, but to cover your man wherever he goes (which is his specialty---remember he was a safety first); and the speed to be able to blitz when the TE shifts or stays on the sideline. That's asking a lot from a guy, and Cory has the trust from coach, the experience from last year, and the kid can flat out play. I don't see anyone usurping the SAM spot from Reamer, but anything can happen with the ridiculous athletes this staff is bringing in.
Now from what I explained about Cory's role, it could seem like Jerrell might fill in as his backup here quite nicely. But look for Saban to switch guys up and keep his best playmakers in the game, regardless of position. I'm telling you, it's all about the mental game---we all know they have the athletic ability, so boys, start studying up. At the very least, it's an excuse to get a Tuscaloosa cutie to throw up some flash cards for ya. Backing Cory up, and/or challenging him (doubtful), should be Chavis Williams, who has shown flashes on special teams and spring practices.
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But the real buzz is whirling around someone who isn't even on campus yet---5 star recruit Nico Johnson. Rumor has it he already has the skills to compete for playing time, even with the talent we already have starting. I won't know until I see him play firsthand, so I won't annoint him anything just yet.
Not to mention, there are some other guys who won't let him snatch up a job so easily---current players Glenn Harbin and Alex Watkins, and incoming recruits Tana Patrick, Jonathan Atchison, and Tiger-turned-Tider Petey Smith.
This linebacking corps may be the most difficult to predict...although we haven't discussed the DBs yet. And guess who's next?! Woot! Stay tuned.
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