Grading The Tide: Wide Receivers and Linebackers

Alabama's spring game and 14th practice overall is in the books. A crowd of 65,175 fans filed into Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday to witness what head coach Nick Saban and company looks to unveil in 2015.

Former Alabama receiver Amari Cooper got his hands and feet imprinted in the Denny Chimes Walk of Fame, but Saturday witnessed two young guns take anther step forward. Sophomore receivers Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart both put on a show. Senior Parker Barrineau recorded a touchdown reception, and Alabama's linebackers had a good outing. Below we grade the Wide Receivers and Linebackers.

Wide Receivers-Overall [A]

Robert Foster [A]- Robert Foster has officially submitted himself as Alabama's second option, behind Chris Black. He put in a stellar A-Day performance, grabbing six passes for 125 yards. Foster displayed solid game speed as well as balance and body control.

ArDarius Stewart [A]- ArDarius Stewart built chemistry with Jake Coker, Alec Morris and Blake Barnett. He led Alabama's receiving corps with eight catches and totaled 118 yards with two touchdowns. Stewart's route running was crisp.

Summary: Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart could be the tandem to watch in the fall. Both players rose to challenge Saturday and were awarded the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the A-Day Game Award.

Tight end Ty Flournoy-Smith quietly had a productive game. He caught five passes for 46 yards for the Crimson team. Running back Ronnie Clark chimed in with seven receptions for 40 yards. Wide receiver Parker Barrineau scored the lone offensive touchdown for the Crimson team, a 9-yard strike from David Cornwell late in the fourth quarter. Junior Raheem Falkins finished as the third leading receiver on the Crimson squad, totaling three catches for 28 yards. Tight end Dakota Ball had three catches for 23 yards, while Chris Black lined up the rear with two receptions for 13 yards.

Linebackers-Overall [A]

Reuben Foster [A]- Junior Reuben Foster was a mad man inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. He put in seven tackles with one for loss. Foster had his nose in on every play and did a god job of getting Alabama's first-team defense ready. Coach Saban said Foster is playing with more maturity and that he's progressed tremendously in the system.

Reggie Ragland [A]- Senior Reggie Ragland tied for second in tackles for the White team (7) and recorded a pass breakup. Like Foster, Ragland was strong against the run and exceptional in coverage. He was exceptional in calling out plays.

Tim Williams [A]- Junior Tim Williams is an outside linebacker on the rise for Alabama. He emerged as an edge rusher, collecting five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries. He can play on the defensive line as well as at linebacker, but Williams's athleticism fits perfectly as a jack linebacker.

Keith Holcombe [A]- Redshirt freshman Keith Holcombe will be a stud in the future for Alabama. He registered eight tackles with one for loss and a sack for the Crimson team. He was explosive inside and on the edge as a pass rusher. Holcombe is an instinctive player who will get better as he continues to absorb the system under inside linebackers coach/defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.

Dillon Lee [A]- Senior Dillon Lee can be a major factor at outside linebacker, if he can stay healthy. Lee compiled three tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and an interception in Saturday's contest. He looked engaged and played with much poise.

Other playmakers: Christian Miller put in two sacks. Walker Jones and Rashaan Evans each had one sack. Sophomore receiver Cam Sims will be out for a while, but it's encouraging to see Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart stepping up. Alabama's O.J. Howard draws a lot of attention, but Ty Flournoy-Smith has had a good spring according to Saban.He said Flournoy-Smith has played with more confidence, and that tight end is another position where Alabama has to create more depth. The Crimson Tide doesn't have many experienced receivers apart from Chris Black. Saban said Alabama looks to develop depth there as well and could possibly see some freshman suit up in the fall.