Written by Ell
| 11 June 2008
Jonathan Lowe - #30 - RB/WR - 5-7 - 172 lbs - Phenix City, AL - Transfer from Mississippi St - 1 Varsity Letter
Jonathan is Bama’s lone Senior contributing walk-on. A Special Teams dynamo, Lowe was forced into action at Running Back during the 2007 season, and unfortunately his size and running back in the SEC just don’t mix. LSU’s Trindon Holliday is about the same size, but possesses literally world class speed. And even with that speed, Holliday is only used in situations where LSU designs plays to get him to the corner untouched.
With Bama adding 4 running backs to the team in the 2008 signing class, to go along with redshirts Demetrius Goode and Jeramie Griffin, Lowe worked some at WR during the spring. Jim McElwain loves to call WR screens and to use his RBs out of the backfield on quick hit passes – essentially, he likes to get his small, quick players the ball in space, where they can take advantage of their elusiveness and speed to make plays. That gives Lowe an opportunity to earn snaps on the field.
2008 Prospectus: His skill set does fit nicely with Jim McElwain’s offensive philosophy, at least in terms of earning situational playing time. Unfortunately for Jonathan, in terms of talent, he is behind Terry Grant, Demetrius Goode, Marquis Maze & Burton Scott on the list of guys with similar skill sets.
Early in the season he might get a few opportunities to make plays on offense, but special teams will still be his best opportunity. Having said that, he’ll see stiff competition from Marquis Maze, Alonzo Lawrence & Burton Scott for his spot on the kickoff return team and his backup spot on punt returns. He will likely start the season alongside Javier Arenas on the kickoff team, but ultimately his size could cost him playing time. The fact that coaches are hesitant to put freshmen on return teams could be what keeps him on the field.
