Alabama Crimson Tide 2015 Spring Game Preview: What to watch for

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs the ball during the first quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Life without Cooper

Losing Amari Cooper is big for the Crimson Tide. A talent like Cooper is a big loss for any team, but for Alabama it could end up defining their season. The All-American receiver accounted for half of the Tide’s receiving touchdowns. That kind of production will not be easily forgotten.

It gets worse for Alabama. The Crimson Tide also lost its number two and three receivers in DeAndrew White and Christion Jones. That means Kiffin has plenty of new faces to utilize in his explosive offensive.

The two names to watch are Chris Black and Robert Foster. Both receivers have shown flashes of potential. This year they need to step up and become reliable targets for whoever wins the starting quarterback position.

The lack of proven receivers could end up benefiting from the addition of running back Kenyan Drake. Saban has publicly said that the team is considering some packages that would line up the athletic running back out wide. Drake had success out wide last year, but he will also likely play an even larger role in the ground game this year.

Speaking of running backs…

Next: Running backs other than Derrick Henry