POLL: Which Alabama Player Will Have A Break-out 2010 Season?
by kleph on Aug 5, 2010 10:30 AM CDT
in Football
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PrintLast year, we knew Mark Ingram would be a beast but we had no idea how much so. His coming out party against South Carolina turned out to be the third best day any Alabama running back has ever had.
The 246 yards he racked up that evening against the Gamecocks is only eclipsed in the Alabama Record Book by Bobby Humphrey's 284 against Miss. State in 1986 and Shaun Alexander's 291-yard obliteration of LSU in 1996. And Ingram's 1,658 yard season is the best in Crimson Tide history. Oh, and he picked up an award or two on the way as well.
So as fall practices begin it's time to start considering who is going to have a breakout year this season. We expect Ingram to do well but he's the King of the Hill right now. It's hard to be a "break out" player when you are already on top. And there are plenty of folks on the Alabama roster who seem primed to have a stellar 2010 season.
Don'ta Hightower will return to the lineup after a knee injury abruptly ended his 2009 campaign. Julio Jones has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons but has been hampered by injuries. Trent Richardson's explosiveness has Crimson Tide fans simply agog with anticipation. Marcell Darius became a household name in the BCS National Championship game. Mark Barron led the conference in interceptions last year may actually possess the ability to fly.
So who will it be? And, due to popular demand, the ever-popular "other" returns with the traditional caveat -- you gotta leave the name of your nominee in the comments.
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Thank you Kleph!
You are making me blush. And no I will never quit this.
Most Valuable Participant 2009
"ever-popular"-Kleph
by Other on Aug 5, 2010 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
well, it was more polite than the more accurate appellation of “easy.”
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
appellation schmapolation
Most Valuable Participant 2009
"ever-popular"-Kleph
whats going on?
i'm not signin shit
by Captain_Oblivious on Aug 5, 2010 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions
McElroy
I think all the WRs will step up their game. The one who will benefit the most will be the QB. I think he will show that he can do more than just manage a game – he will build on the Auburn and Florida games and show that he has the ability to win a few with his arm and his head.
he's in there now
once again, i screwed up posting the poll and deleted him by accident.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
What a great poll question
It’s been a long time since Bama’s had this much depth and talent to choose from.
IMO, nearly everyone on this list is a known quantity, and it would not surprise me to see any of them rack up multiple end-of-season awards.
I voted for Jerrell Harris simply because he’s pretty much an unknown/untested physically gifetd player. His upside is unlimited and I really think our LB corps is gonna be far more athletic than it was last year. I love Cory reamer, but watching him try to cover TEs and RBs was excruciating.
Other....
I’m going with Nico Johnson – we need one of the young linebackers to step up with the departure of Ro and I think Nico could be the man.
Julio....
no real concrete reason..we all know he has the ability. Just a feeling that this is THE year we all know he can have.
Auburn-Where almost happens.
I'm thinking Julio, but my reasoning is his stock in the NFL draft.
It's not what you've done but what you are doing that matters.
And the roses in this grand ol' stadium are once again Crimson. - Eli Gold, CTSN Broadcast of the BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl, 1-7-2010
by AlabamaJammer on Aug 5, 2010 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Other...
I think the O line is going to stand out as the best O line in the conference. I think Fluker will get his chance and dominate and be a Freshman All American. Both Carpenter and Jones will make All American, while Vlachos will be 2nd team All SEC.
As much as I hate Auburn I hate Tenn. that much more.
I feel like Fluker needs some work
"You know, we had a lot of fun tonight. But there's nothing funny about vapor lock! It's the third most common cause of cars stalling. So please, take care of your car and get it checked!" -Joe Namath
by billycthulhu on Aug 5, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
The defenses we'll face --
— will probably be all loaded up to limit Ingram, then Richardson, with someone shadowing Julio everywhere. This is why I want Marquis Maze to break out on offense. And we need someone to step up into Colin Peak’s pass-catching role.
We’re going to see a whole lot of the same defensive approach J.P. Wilson saw in ‘08, similar to what AU tried on us in ’09. Our opponents will over-commit to stop the run, ’cause they know the consequences if they don’t!
Defensively, Dareus, then pick an LB — Hightower, Harris, Nico, et al.
oh my
the tight end situation is one that has given me the chills all off season.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
I went with Maze myself..
Flashes last year and with people doubling up on JUilo and his speed I think it could be great.
by chinesedentist on Aug 5, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I think a lot of people are
underestimating the type of season McElroy could potentially have. With an array of talent and experience returning at WR, OL, and RB…with the only legitimate concerns being TE…and possibly RT (Fluker is ready physically no doubt, but mentally is where the maturation needs to occur), McElroy will have weapons all over the field. With our monster of a running game and the need to keep the opposing offenses off the field due to our green secondary I think a lot of people are anticipating McElroy’s numbers to decline or stagnate. I foresee the opposite, our play-action passing is going to be absolutely lethal, with Julio and Maze playing in what I refer to as “paycheck” seasons their numbers are going to go up, and a QB as smart and as dedicated as Greg is only going to get better with time.
I dont think you want me to say what I think about that - Coach Nick Saban
by InTheShadowOfMtCody on Aug 5, 2010 9:06 AM CDT reply actions
I agree
completely. GMac is poised to do some serious damage this year…someone else who could freak us out is Jerrell Harris…he has freakish speed off the edge and has finally learned not to fook with CNS.
"...because you've got your mind right, and that's the way we like it." Nick Saban
I choose other
Imma go with Eddie Lacy.
"If wanting to win is a fault, as some of my critics seem to insist, then I plead guilty. I like to win. I know no other way. It's in my blood."- The Bear
Other
Or rather, by the stated terms, no one. Too many good players, with too much potential. Individuals will have break out games*. Then the next game, someone else will.
- Or even quarters. I can so see Jones, Maze, Richardson, etc. so dominating a quarter that the opposing defense over commits to stop them the rest of the game.
MacElroy...
…because Ginger Power will not be denied.
by Queen of the Universe on Aug 5, 2010 10:26 AM CDT reply actions
other
I’m waiting to declare “that’s my boy!” for this year until closer to the end of practices. I doubt they will surpass Barron’s achievements from last year…I got to scream that a lot during games right after picked off!
I’m leaning toward either Harris at LB or Square coming back off his injury. To me Square was starting to look like a player who could take over a game before he went down.
The poll is interesting but to me alot of these guys have already “broken out” which is not a complaint just a great observation.
Roll Tide! Thank goodness the off-season is over!
I understand hate. I'm a Alabama fan.
I thought the same about square..
and forgot good call
by chinesedentist on Aug 5, 2010 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
McElroy
This is the first time since maybe junior high that he has gone into a second season as the starter. For the first time in a long time he will get all the snaps in spring and fall camp as the starter two years in a row. I think most people forget that last year was his 1st year as a starter and before that he only started one year in high school. He did slump in the middle of last season, but still had a very good season. I look for GMac to have a great year with more experience and more practice as the starter under his belt.
Maybe it's just me.....
But in my opinion most of these guys have already “broken out”, including Julio, Dareus, Barron, and Richardson.
Therfore, I voted for other, but if I had to narrow it down I would say Damion Square.
by deaux68 on Aug 5, 2010 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
all i know
is i’m rooting for hanks to surprise us all.
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and barron...
the guy was unreal last year but never seemed to get the credit he deserved. i’m hoping he goes absolutely coo-coo-for-coco-puffs insane on opposing receivers in 2010.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
I voted Barron
I do think he was great last year, but this year he has the opportunity to become a real leader on defense as well as making spectacular plays.
"You know, we had a lot of fun tonight. But there's nothing funny about vapor lock! It's the third most common cause of cars stalling. So please, take care of your car and get it checked!" -Joe Namath
by billycthulhu on Aug 5, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Good point.
"Let's go be champions, boys!" - Greg McElroy
(Formerly SugarBowl93)
by RememberTheRoseBowl on Aug 5, 2010 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I foresee a a year of terror
from Courtney Upshaw off the edge.
"Yeah, it's Tennessee, that's the way it is sometimes." - Corey Zickefoose, Pulitzer Prize winner and robbery victim
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." - Dean Martin
by Thomas Walker Esq on Aug 5, 2010 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
There will be pain.
Some people say "If you can't beat them, join them". I say "If you can't beat them, beat them", because they will be expecting you to join them, so you will have the element of surprise.
by BamaHadMeAtHello on Aug 5, 2010 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
No Brandon Gibson?
I didn’t vote ‘other,’ but he has lit it up in practice, and while I know that doesn’t always turn into on-field success, it just might. I’m not sure I would have voted for him if he’d made the list, but I felt he was worth the mention.
"Let's go be champions, boys!" - Greg McElroy
(Formerly SugarBowl93)
by RememberTheRoseBowl on Aug 5, 2010 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
16 different players have votes right now.
It could 20, but I counted the OL vote (5026) as 1 vote. Regardless, that’s one helluva statement.
Julio already does his job
Julio may be the MVP of the running game. Teams have to scheme against him to take him relatively out of the game, stat wise. But by doing this, it opens up the running lanes for the big boys. On top of that, he may be one of the best blocking receivers that we have ever had. When teams try to go the other way and lock down the running game (Auburn), Julio finds the holes to make plays.
I don’t think we can ask much more from they guy.
We can ask for less drops.
I’m pulling for him to come up big this year. He has my vote.
Some people say "If you can't beat them, join them". I say "If you can't beat them, beat them", because they will be expecting you to join them, so you will have the element of surprise.
by BamaHadMeAtHello on Aug 5, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
It changes when you say "break-out"
Julio, Dareus, Dont’a, and Baron have all already arrived. I said McElroy, just because there is not reason he shouldn’t have a great year with all of the weapons around him. Ability wise Trent will probably make the biggest step forward, but Ingram will still be there so it won’t be as obvious as McElroy’s improvement, which I think will be substantial.
by dixiefootballpride44 on Aug 5, 2010 12:07 PM CDT reply actions
I agree, it could be Jarrell Harris
Because of the NCAA penalities – he might be ready to GO OFF!
GMAC already has a boat load of great stats, and it won’t matter if he never loses a game there will STILL be people that are critical.
Bama's Pluck and Grit have Writ Her Name in Crimson Flame
by TideFanAtlanta on Aug 6, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree, most of these guys have already broke-out to a point
But, having said that I expect them all to improve from last year. Upshaw will be a terror. Dareus will too. Barron might be the best safety in the nation. I’m not even sure Trent can get any better than he already is (kidding of course). Julio’s star will shine much brighter this year. Hightower has something to prove and he will. G-mac will continue to make sound decisions and minimize turnovers. Sorry to rant like I just did, but I feel all of these guys will prove me right. BJ Scott is one to keep an eye on. After it all, I gotta vote for Harris at LB.
by Chadrob15 on Aug 5, 2010 12:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Has there been any news on Arie Kouandjio
possibly breaking into the two-deep? I know we are pretty deep at OL, but I also think we have some concerns.
Kinda
surprised Dareus is in 4th place…. of the defense.
"A demagogue is one who preaches doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots." -H. L. Mencken
two names not to forget is
Mr. Kerry Murphy and Darrington Sentimore roll tide roll and I just cant wait and hope to be surprised with anyone on the list but more so people we havent seen yet.
JJ
Kirkpatrick.
I think the majority of the list have already “broken out” for the most part and have been pretty regular names as play makers.
I think it would've been more accurate
if the poll had been limited at least to non-returning starters (and maybe non-BCS MVPs).
Kerry. Muthaflippin'. Murphy.
If Ima choose someone who hasn’t broken out already, I choose the moving human wall.
"High standards come from passion within...." --Coach Nick Saban
by NiceLittleSaturday on Aug 5, 2010 6:28 PM CDT reply actions
Damn right....
although I voted for Julio I think Kerry is going to have a big time season……it’s a rare athlete that can do a standing backflip at 6’5 300
Wrong answer.
Heisman Trophy Winner cannot have a break out year. He can improve, but he has already broken out.
Actually, if you had said this last summer, you would have still been wrong—to a degree, because Ingram’s real break out came in 08.
Now if you said Eddie Lacy, that would be a gutsy call.
As much as I hate Auburn I hate Tenn. that much more.
To be fair
Ingram could rush for over 200 ypg, 3500 total all purpose yards, and 30+ touchdowns this season. I’m just sayin’.
and develop a cure for cancer and whip chuck norris’ ass in a stare down contest.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
Then
using that formula, why is Julio on the list?
"A demagogue is one who preaches doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots." -H. L. Mencken
50, c'mon man,
look at his name, methinks it was a joke…
"Yeah, it's Tennessee, that's the way it is sometimes." - Corey Zickefoose, Pulitzer Prize winner and robbery victim
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." - Dean Martin
by Thomas Walker Esq on Aug 6, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
It
would be nice for someone to step up out of no where ala Drew Davis and Robby Green last year. Anyone from the list wouldn’t be too surprising to me ( I voted Jerrell Harris). Here’s a couple for wishful thinking: Cade Foster and/or Jay Williams.
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