Alabama football 2017: Projected Crimson Tide depth chart

Offense

Notable Losses: There is both good news and bad news for the Crimson Tide offense. While most of the positions around the ball (quarterback, running back, offensive interior) remain intact from last year, Alabama loses a few key players on the outside and some coordinators. Alabama’s three biggest departures offensively are tight end O.J. Howard, left tackle Cam Robinson and wide receiver ArDarius Stewart. The Crimson Tide have depth at wideout to account for Stewart’s early departure to the NFL. Replacing Howard and Robinson could be a tad trickier. Keep in mind that former offensive coordinators Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian now work for the Florida Atlantic Owls and the Atlanta Falcons, respectively.

Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, Sophomore

While Alabama rolled the dice with a true freshman at quarterback last year in Jalen Hurts, that decision ultimately serves the team heading into 2017. Hurts had a trial-by-fire first season as a starter. Though an adept scrambler, he struggled massively to move the sticks aerially. That being said, he does have a year of starting experience in the defensive-minded SEC at Alabama. Hurts should be solid in his second season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.

Running Back: Bo Scarbrough, Junior
Running Back: Damien Harris, Junior

Saban loves to pound the rock on offense and has two capable backs to lead the way. Last fall, Damien Harris was the tailback Kiffin leaned on in the running game early on. Mid-way through 2016 saw the emergence of the powerful Bo Scarbrough. While Scarbrough is a serious Heisman Trophy contender, it serves Alabama to use both strong running backs in a healthy rotation. Keep an eye on true freshman Najee Harris but it may be tough to unseat either for starter’s reps barring an injury.

Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley, Junior
Wide Receiver: Cam Sims, Senior

Losing Stewart a year early isn’t great, but keep in mind that he wasn’t the most gifted wide receiver on the Alabama offense. That would be Calvin Ridley, who will be returning to Alabama for his true junior season. Ridley had a tad of a sophomore slump after an electrifying freshman season in 2015. Likely playing opposite of Ridley on the outside will be senior Cam Sims.

Tight End: Hale Hentges, Junior

Tight end will be a major weakness for the Crimson Tide in 2017. Though he was rarely used in the passing game, there is no denying how incredible of a pass catcher Howard was his last two years in Tuscaloosa. His likely replacement is junior Hale Hentges, who is more of a block-first tight end. Since Robinson left school early, Alabama will look for more blocking out of tight end than they did with Howard.

Left Tackle: Jonah Williams, Sophomore
Left Guard: Ross Pierschbacher, Redshirt Junior
Center: Bradley Bozeman, Redshirt Senior
Right Guard: Lester Cotton, Junior
Right Tackle: Matt Womack, Redshirt Sophomore

Overall, Alabama is in great shape along the offensive line. The offensive interior of left guard Ross Pierschbacher, center Bradley Bozeman and right guard Lester Cotton has a ton of starting experience. However, both tackle spots could be liabilities. Jonah Williams will move from right tackle to left tackle to account for Robinson’s early departure to the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Matt Womack seems to be the guy to beat for right tackle after spring practice.

All-Purpose: Robert Foster, Redshirt Senior

It’s hard to diagnose who Alabama’s special offensive weapon will be. Had Stewart returned to school, it would have been him. Though he won’t be as flashy as Stewart, redshirt senior wide receiver Robert Foster could be that guy. Look for Alabama to use many three wide receiver sets with Ridley, Sims and Foster on the field at the same time.