Alabama Football: 2017 Season preview and predictions

Offense

The Crimson Tide have a returning starter at the quarterback position for the first time since AJ McCarron in 2013. That season the Tide ran out to an 11-0 record before running into an Auburn team that just simply would not be beat.

Jalen Hurts will look to avoid repeating that in 2017. Two completely different players, Hurts posted a similar line in 2016 to McCarron’s 2013 year. McCarron threw 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions compared to Hurts’ 23 passing scores and nine picks. The difference was Hurts’ 13 rushing touchdowns. His mobility, combined with the terrifying three-headed backfield of Bo Scarbrough, Damien Hurts and Najee Harris will run roughshod over their opponents in 2017.

As if that wasn’t enough the Tide also return first team All-SEC wide receiver Calvin Ridley. They have a few notable pieces departing including O.J. Howard and Ardarius Stewart, but they’ll back fill those positions with some elite recruits and keep rolling full steam ahead.

Sophomore Trevon Diggs is a name to look out for. He averaged 10 yards per reception in 2016 but saw limited playing time behind Stewart. He’ll be asked to step into a full-time role this season and should quickly become a favorite target for Hurts. He’s big (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and quick. That will make him a convenient red zone target for an accurate passer.