Alabama fans have become accustomed to true freshmen having an immediate impact when they arrive on campus.
DeVonta Smith, Tua Tagovailoa and Will Anderson Jr. all made early contributions during their freshman seasons at Alabama.
During last year’s recruiting cycle, coach Saban and his staff brought in a top-tier recruiting class,
highlighted by quarterback Ty Simpson, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and offensive tackle Tyler Booker.
This season could be difficult for the freshmen to see the field, but it isn’t out of the question.
Some positions still have battles, such as offensive tackle and wide receiver.
Today, Roll Tide Wire looks at five freshmen Alabama fans should keep an eye on this season.
1. Jaheim Oatis (DL): Oatis is built like a starting NFL lineman at 6-foot-5, 342 pounds. He hails from Columbia, Mississippi. At his size, it is hard to see Oatis not contributing during his freshman season.
1. Jaheim Oatis (DL): Since arriving on campus, he has lost about 75 pounds. Alabama fans should be excited to see how he performs on the field this season. In all likelihood, he will be a rotation player along the interior. He should get a good amount of playing time in comparison to other true freshmen.
2. Jihaad Campbell (LB): Campbell is an interesting last-minute addition to Alabama’s 2022 recruiting class. Originally, Campbell was committed to Clemson for more than five months. However, the Crimson Tide steered him toward Tuscaloosa.
2. Jihaad Campbell (LB): He has a nice blend of twitch and versatility, allowing him to play either outside or inside linebacker. He will likely see the field in an increased capacity. 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins compared Campbell to Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
3. Kendrick Law (WR): In years past, Alabama had an abundance of success at wide receiver. This year doesn’t appear any different with JoJo Earle, JaCorey Brooks and Traeshon Holden returning.
3. Kendrick Law (WR): On the other hand, transfers Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell are expected to have large roles on the offensive side of the ball this season. No starters have been announced at the position, so there could be a spot or two up in the air.
3. Kendrick Law (WR): True freshman Kendrick Law is a player to keep a close eye on. He played fairly well in the spring game and has learned the offensive playbook over the past few months.
4. Jeremiah Alexander (Edge): Alabama has had no shortage of success from edge rushers in years past. It shouldn’t be any different with true freshman Jeremiah Alexander.
4. Jeremiah Alexander (Edge): The native of Alabaster, Alabama, can play off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker in the Tide’s 3-4 scheme. Regardless, he should see a lot of playing time with his ability to play multiple spots on Pete Golding’s defense.
5. Tyler Booker (OL): The offensive line has been a weak spot lately for the Crimson Tide. Nonetheless, there is still some elite talent along the offensive front.
5. Tyler Booker (OL): One of those players is an incoming freshman and IMG Academy alumnus Tyler Booker. The native of Connecticut played alongside current Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham at IMG Academy two years ago.
5. Tyler Booker (OL): Both have the potential to be starters at one of the offensive tackle positions. The other tackle spot will be manned by Vanderbilt transfer Tyler Steen.
5. Tyler Booker (OL): Booker has played against elite competition and is likely ready to face even more talent at the collegiate level.