2015 Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Depth Chart

Coming into spring practice, there appeared to be a bit of uncertainty in the offense after losing the top three receivers, starting quarterback, running back, fullback, a blocking tight end, and three starters across the offensive line. However after completing 15 spring practices that included two scrimmages and April 18’s A-Day spring game, the offense almost looks set in stone.

2014 STARTERS

LT - Cam Robinson
LG - Arie Kouandjio
C - Ryan Kelly
RG - Leon Brown
RT - Austin Shepherd
TE - Brian Vogler
TE - O.J. Howard
QB - Blake Sims
RB - T.J. Yeldon / Derrick Henry
FB - Jalston Fowler
WR - Amari Cooper
WR - DeAndrew White
WR - Christion Jones

(* returners in bold)

2015 PROJECTED TWO-DEEP*

LT - Cameron Robinson / Korren Kirven
LG - Ross Pierschbacher / Isaac Luatua
C - Ryan Kelly / J.C. Hassenauer
RG - Bradley Bozeman / Alphonse Taylor
RT - Dominick Jackson / Brandon Greene
TE - O.J. Howard / Ty Flournoy-Smith
TE - Dakota Ball / Johnny Dwight
QB - Jacob Coker / David Cornwell
RB - Derrick Henry / Kenyan Drake / TBD
FB - Michael Nysewander
WR-X - ArDarius Stewart / TBD
WR-Z - Robert Foster / TBD
WR-H - Chris Black / TBD

* as of close of spring

OFFENSIVE LINE

Starters: If a team only has two returning starters from the O-line, let it be the left tackle and the center. Robinson is the anchor and Kelly is the captain of this line. Jackson was expected to compete for a starting spot last season but an injury slowed his progress. Bozeman was impressive last season filling in at center for Kelly after an injury in the Ole Miss game. The rising sophomore earned playing time as a reserve guard later in the season and has a firm grasp on the playbook. After a redshirt year, freshman Pierschbacher is living up to his recruiting hype.
The Rest: Hassenauer is a solid back-up to Kelly and a future starter. Taylor had a few starts last season but has fallen behind younger players in Bozeman and Pierschbacher. Converted defensive lineman Kirven is a surprise behind Cam Rob at LT. Dallas Warmack looked good but is fresh out of high school. RS frosh Josh Casher has not developed like I had hoped but is still young. Luatua is running out the clock. True freshman Brandon Kennedy was injured and did not participate.
Reporting this summer: Four-star guards Lester Cotton and Richie Petitbon, humongous tackle Matt Womack (6-7/320).

TIGHT END

Starters: Howard's spot is a no-brainer. There may be some more battles in the fall for TE playing time from the others. Senior Flournoy-Smith made some good receptions in the A-Day game but is coming off a disappointing 2014. Converted from defensive lineman, Ball has slimmed down to 254 and has been a solid blocker. He too caught a few balls on A-Day and also worked some at H-Back in the slot.
The Rest: RS freshman Johnny Dwight is another DL moved over to help with blocking. Brandon Greene appears to once again be switching back to tackle but could flip back to #89 if needed.
Reporting this summer: Four-star Hale Hentges.

QUARTERBACK

Starters: Coker may have the edge over Cornwell.
The Rest: I can't see rising junior Alec Morris overtaking anyone anytime soon. I also don't see him transferring out... ever. Cooper Bateman flirted with moving to wide receiver this spring. I think Saban likes him and wants him to stick around. Blake Barnett is but a wee babe.
Reporting this summer: A certain transfer from up north? Nah.

RUNNING BACK

Starters: Henry is primed for a big year. Drake looks like he is back but how will we know until he lines up against Wisconsin in September?
The Rest: Pray for our running backs. Bo Scarbrough tore an ACL this spring. Desherrius Flowers is banged up. Ronnie Clark was meant to be a safety but looked good carrying and catching the football.
Reporting this summer: Five-star Mark Ingram clone Damien Harris.

FULLBACK

Starters: Walk-on Nysewander by default.
The Rest: Dakota Ball could be used in short yardage situations.
Reporting this summer: N/A

WIDE RECEIVERS

Starters: Stewart and Foster cemented their starting spots. Despite a quiet A-Day (2 catches, 13 yds), Black had a solid spring overall.
The Rest: Even with a summer arrival, five-star Calvin Ridley should break into the rotation. Cam Sims suffered an early spring ACL injury and may not be back for awhile. Walk-on Parker Barrineau has earned his way onto the field but I cannot imagine him making a big impact. Raheem Falkins has underwhelmed. Derek Kief is still young but is probably getting passed by... (see below)
Reporting this summer: Ridley, four-star Daylon Charlot