"Five Alabama football players who'll have to step into big roles in 2014"

[WALL-E]

Five Alabama football players who'll have to step into big roles in 2014

By Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com
Published March 03, 2014, 02:06:48 PM

Five Alabama football players you'll be talking about this spring, summer and fall. Read more...

[Chechem]

WR DeAndrew White

After flirting with the possibility of going pro, White opted to return for his final season. He'll be a major part of the offense with a new quarterback throwing the passes as a talented veteran.

As a junior, White had the fourth-most receptions (32) and was third on the team in yards (534). Speed isn't an issue since he won the Texas 5A 200-meter state championship as a high school senior. And his ability to make circus catches (and concentrate on the ball) was on display against Georgia State.

And his Sugar Bowl was one to remember with a career-high 139 yards on three catches and a touchdown. His previous career high was 82 receiving yards set earlier in the year at Texas A&M. Numbers weren't always consistent, but he'll likely be featured more in this offense with Kevin Norwood's graduation.

White isn't the most vocal player, so that might be something to add for his senior season. ...

 

[N.AL-Tider]

My favorite pick to watch...

RB Derrick Henry

Perhaps no position group gains more attention than the running backs at Alabama. Like the quarterbacks of the past, the backups are the populist favorite before any season.

The rising sophomore Henry certainly has the fans' support entering his second season. A breakout Sugar Bowl (100 yards on only eight carries) kick started the offseason discussion in light of the fumbling issues of last season's top two backs.

Breaking off a few big runs helped push Henry's average carry to 10.9 yards on 35 attempts. Starter T.J. Yeldon averaged 6.0 (207 attempts, 1,235 carries) and Kenyan Drake finished at 7.5 (92-694), but Henry's size (6-3, 238) and break-away speed makes him the fan favorite.

His ability to continue growth as a complete back will be huge this spring. Playing time suffered early in his freshman year because of the struggles with the other jobs of a running back. Now that Henry's made improvements in pass-blocking as receiving, his profile will likely grow in Year 2.

[2Stater]

I don't think there is a Bama fan alive who isn't waiting with baited breath to see King Henry in action again. 

[ricky023]

I really look forward to how the RB's play. I also am interested in runs the defense and if Foster do it like his 5* appeared to everybody. Adam Griffith would be mine next worry. Yes, worry is the right word. Kickers live in a world of their own. They kick around, do nothing till the second that a big kick is needed and then the pressure. We need better than a 57 yarder but less distance. It is a long time to get to see spring practice. RTR!

[#1Tidefan]

On RB's, I still like Kenyan Drake. TJ is an outstanding back, and prolly should remain #1 in rotation. But I like how KD runs straight ahead with power instead of jukin right-left as TJ does, even though holding on to the ball has been an issue, I still thought he should have played in the Iron Bowl...( jmo). DH is on another level...this kid (if he stays healthy) could be one of the best bruisin backs since Mark or Trent. CNS really needs to focus on ST's. Is Adam Griffith our only K/PK/P??? should we be focusing our attention in that area?...so many questions, that should be addressed/answered on/during spring drills. Ohh well, time will tell us.

ROLL TIDE my friends!

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