Written by Ell
| 10 August 2008
Mark Barron - # 4 – S – 6-2 – 215 lbs. – Mobile, AL – St. Paul’s Episcopal
Alonzo Lawrence - #15 – CB – 6-1 – 190 lbs. – Lucedale, MS – George County
Robby Green - #23 – CB – 6-0 – 180 lbs. – River Ridge, LA – John Curtis
Robert Lester - #37 – CB/S – 6-2 – 210 lbs. – Foley, AL - Foley
Wesley Neighbors - #46 – S – 6-1 – 200 lbs. – Huntsville, AL - Huntsville
With Bama having lost 1/2 of last season's secondary there is a huge opportunity for everyone in the defensive backfield to earn early playing time. It also important to note that the kick coverage units tend to be loaded with players from the secondary, so any of these guys could find their first playing opportunity on special teams.
Mark Barron was considered by many to be the best athlete in the Tide's 2008 recruiting class - he could have easily started his career at running back, wide receiver, linebacker, or safety. It was clear from signing day, when he was one of the very few players singled out by
Coach Saban in his signing day press conference, that he would begin his career at safety.
Chance he plays in 2008: Almost certain. He's gotten a look at both safety and at the star position in Bama's nickel defense. He is still behind
Justin Woodall at the strong safety position, and he's battling walk-on
Tyrone King for reps with the 2nd unit. He is one of the best athletes on the team already, and given his ability to come up from the safety position and play like a linebacker, I think he'll see early playing time.
Alonzo Lawrence didn't pop up on the Alabama recruiting radar until late. He was thought to be an extremely successful return man, with decent cover skills, who seemed to have no chance of qualifying, and that kept a lot of schools from pushing for him. Then late in his senior season his academic situation began to improve, and his showing at the Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star game solidified his standing as one of the nation's premier cornerbacks.
Chance he'll play in 2008: Very likely. He is athletically ready to play right now, but Nick Saban's defense, especially for the defensive backs is extremely complex, and he'll have to show a complete understanding of it before he gets playing time. With
Javier Arenas having seemingly locked down the corner position opposite
Kareem Jackson it appears as though Alonzo's ticket onto the field might be at the star position. Bama is thin at corner, and if
Marquis Johnson can't put a strangle-hold on the star, Alonzo will take the position early.
Robby Green was a priority for Nick Saban, identified early as one of the Louisiana recruits that the coaching staff really wanted. He comes to Tuscaloosa from John Curtis High School, a powerhouse at which Bama would love to start a pipeline.
Chance he'll play in 2008: Decent. Bama's lack of depth at the corner position is what will give him the best opportunity. He is not quite physical enough right now to play corner the way that Coach Saban wants it to be played, and that's likely what will keep him from playing early. As the season goes on, his continued development in the strength and condition program could go a long way towards him possibly becoming a mid season contributor.
Robert Lester exploded onto the recruiting scene after one of his Foley High School games was televised by ESPN. All eyes began the game on
Julio Jones, but as the game wore on, the lanky safety on the Foley defense made play after play after play. He committed to Alabama the following Monday.
Chance he'll play in 2008: Decent. He has worked at both safety and corner, though he's spent most of his recent time at safety. There is a decent amount of depth at the safety position, and that could keep him off the field. However he is a very fluid athlete who appears physically ready to play. He is one of those guys that could very easily find their way on kick and punt coverage teams, and might find his way into Bama's dime package.
Wesley Neighbors has been the source of some controversy among Bama fans this off season. There has been a ton of debate over whether Wesley, the son of former Bama star
Wes Neighbors qualifies for the Bryant Scholarship. He does... whether or not he's taking advantage of that is unknown, but with him having been recruited, when he plays, it won't matter whether he is on the Bryant Scholarship or not, he'll count towards the 85.
Chance he'll play in 2008: Not likely. Wesley reported in great shape, and appears to be a very "heady" player. Having said that he is behind several players at the safety position, and he isn't likely to crack the 2 deep this season. If he does see the field this season it will likely be as a part of the kick and punt coverage teams, where he could take advantage of his "head hunting" skills.
