We’re now on to Bama’s Junior class, where there are 22 scholarship players, plus 2 contributing walk-ons. Among the 22 scholarship players there are 2 newcomers (Terrance Cody and transfer Colin Peek) and one who is currently on suspension (Prince Hall); we’ll deal with that more when we get to them.

As with the Seniors, we’ll move straight now the roster, and first up:

Roy Upchurch - #5 - RB - 6-0 - 192 lbs. - Tallahassee, FL - Godby HS - 2 Varsity Letters

It’s been a struggle for Roy to get onto the field at Alabama. Considered by many to be the best all-around back on the squad, he’s dealt with major injury problems in his career. He has exacerbated those problems by staying in the coach’s doghouse due to a rumored bad attitude and propensity to take plays off in practice.

It’s now or never for Roy. With the number of running backs being brought into the program, Nick Saban is going to likely have a short leash for his rushers. A career average of 4.4 yards per carry is nothing special, but certainly adequate. He must improve his work ethic in practice and in the weight room and stay out of the dog house.

2008 Prospectus:    He will have either demonstrated an improved work ethic over the spring and summer or he won’t be here in the fall. With Bama still 5 players over the scholarship limit, career underachievers are the likeliest candidates for attrition, and Roy falls into that category. It is just that simple.

If he is still here, expect to see him get carries. With Terry Grant and Glen Coffee also being injury prone, I expect we’ll see at least 3 backs rotate the carries in the fall. Roy is also a good receiver, and did a great job of picking up blitzes in the A-Day game – two things that are essential in Jim McElwain’s offense.

If he is still here, expect to see him blow by his career rushing total of 274 yards by the 8th or 9th game of the season.

If he is still here…

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