Alabama Football: 5 keys to a successful 2019 season

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
6 of 6
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dives for the end zone against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dives for the end zone against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

1. Najee Harris, Brian Robinson Jr. need to fill the hole at RB

Josh Jacobs was one of the most underutilized weapons in recent memory at Alabama. His skills in special teams, pass protection, and every other facet of his game weren’t made clear until his final year with the Tide. It became even more valuable for him to do so well when you paired him with the senior Damien Harris. Harris wore down the defense, and Jacobs was the second punch that finally knocked them over.

With both of those running backs gone, there will be a need for players like Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. to step up in their absence. Harris has gotten some time as a rotational back, and he’s always made the best of it. he can make defenders miss at the first and second level of the defense, and his hurdles and jukes leave fans stunned as he finishes plays.

Brian Robinson has only seen time in garbage minutes, so I don’t focus on his stats. Every time he has touched the ball, the entire stadium has known that he was going to touch the ball. You can’t blame him for not getting huge yards when the defense stacks the box and glues their eyes on him.

There will also be depth with Trey Sanders, Jerome Ford, and Chad Townsend in the backfield. The specifics of the depth chart won’t be finalized until after Sanders comes in for summer workouts, but there is talent on the roster at the running back position.

Every successful Alabama football team has had a strong running game with players that who have stepped up when their numbers were called. Right now, Alabama will be calling Nos. 22 and 24. Harris and Robinson have to rise to the occasion.