Alabama

What You Need To Know

The fact that the Crimson Tide return only four starters on offense would be cause for concern at most schools.  But not here.  Not when two of those returnees are WR Julio Jones and RB Marc Ingram.  Both players should make fine fantasy options in 2009.

Best Fantasy Prospect(s)

Marc Ingram played second-fiddle to Glen Coffee in the running game last fall and still managed to rack up 728 yards and a dozen touchdowns.  Coffee moved on to the NFL and the No. 1 job is Ingram’s.  1,000 yards and double-digit TDs seems to be a lock.  The question is whether Ingram will be “very good” or “special”?  The answer to that question depends on how good incoming freshman Trent Richardson is.  If Richardson lives up to the hype, Ingram’s chance at a monster season diminishes.

Talent-wise, Julio Jones is one of the best in the country.  Fantasy-wise, one has to wonder if he picked the right offense to showcase his immense skills.  Last season, Alabama finished the year with the 97th best passing offense in the nation.  97th!  They only threw 10 touchdown passes as a team.  Jones snagged four of those TDs (58 receptions for 924 yards on the year).  This season, the Tide will be breaking in a new quarterback.  Do we expect the passing game to get better in 2009?  Not really.  Bama will still win football games by controlling the ball on the ground.  So on draft day, don’t be that owner who overpays for Julio Jones.  He will likely go too early based purely on his high national profile.

Sleeper Prospect

The aforementioned Trent Richardson is one to watch.  With Ingram sliding into the No. 1 RB position, the 5-star recruit is the frontrunner for the No. 2 job.  Remember, in that No. 2 spot last year, Ingram scored a dozen touchdowns.  Richardson has mad skills and could explode onto the scene.

Another guy to keep an eye on is TE Colin Peek.  The transfer from Georgia Tech can block and catch.  He could become a safety valve for the inexperienced Bama QBs.

Biggest Question Heading into August

Alabama rushed for 2,600 yards as a team in 2008.  The top two backs rushed for 2,100 yards combined.  The Coffee/Ingram split was about 65/35.  How many of those 2,100 yards will Ingram and Richardson get in 2009?  That’s the big question.

Spring Game Hero

New starting QB Greg McElroy completed 16 of 30 passes for 189 yards and two TDs.  He connected with a wide open Julio Jones on a 52-yard touchdown strike.

Injury Report

Nothing major to report.

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