Alabama football: 3 second-year players who’ll become stars in 2023

Every single cycle, Alabama football is bringing in a top recruiting class. It’s not even a surprise anymore when the Tide’s class is ranked No. 1 or No. 2, it’s more of an expectation.

And with that expectation comes new stars almost every single year.

Alabama just missed out on the College Football Playoff in 2022 and if it wants to get back to the biggest stage, it’ll need new stars to emerge in the form of second-year players.

Which second-year players could become household names in 2023?

Alabama is losing a couple of key offensive linemen from the 2022 team and that paves the way for Elijah Pritchett to take over a starting role.

The former top-40 recruit in the 2022 class showed some promise as a freshman and even came off the bench in the bowl game to help Alabama storm back against Kansas State after an early deficit. He was the No. 5 offensive lineman in the 2022 class, according to the 247Sports composite, and he is going to live up to that lofty ranking.

Alabama will need some help up front next season and I think Pritchett will project as a starter to begin the 2023 season and hold on throughout as long as he’s healthy. He has the tools to be the next great Alabama offensive tackle.

And he’ll become a star in 2023.