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Alabama Football: 5 reasons the Crimson Tide will win the SEC again

By Erich Hilkert

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a pass against Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3) catches a pass against Kentucky Wildcats at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Wide receivers

It says a lot about Alabama’s depth at wide receiver that T.J. Simmons announced he is transferring to West Virginia and the news was received to lukewarm attention.

Alabama lost ArDarius Stewart, the team’s leading receiver in 2016.

Still, few are worried with top talents Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims expected to receive starting roles.

Additionally, Alabama scored an abundance of talent at the position with the recruiting class of 2017. Jerry Jeudy is a polished five-star prospect, while Tyrell Shavers is a tall four-star recruit. Devonta Smith has excellent hands and is a dynamic playmaker who should excel with deep balls because of his speed. Finally, Alabama also landed another four-star recruit in Henry Ruggs who might be the fastest of the incoming receiver recruits.

Some pundits assumed Alabama would return to a run-heavy offense when Brian Daboll took over as offensive coordinator. However, that is a difficult notion because of Alabama’s depth at wide receiver. It seems reasonable to assume Saban sees the talent on his roster. Likely, Alabama will continue to run a balanced offense that leans more on the running game, although admittedly, Daboll will draw up plays that play to Hurts’ strengths. Having so much talent at wide receiver should prove helpful for Hurts.

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