Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30), Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (32), and DeAlabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96), lineup for the snap against Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL on Saturday, Sep 23, 2023.
Keep your eyes on these three players to potentially have a breakout game for Alabama football in its ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with Michigan
Alabama football has avoided the opt-out bug that typically goes around college football for teams playing in non-playoff bowl games, but with over a dozen players already entering the NCAA’s Transfer Portal, there’s still going to be opportunities for younger players to step up in New Year’s Eve’s ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with the Michigan Wolverines.
There could be more Transfer Portal attrition to come for the Crimson Tide, but there’s been enough already to give us an idea of where the opportunities lie for some younger players. With 15 bowl practices and then the game itself, there will be players who make big moves up the depth chart.
Some will be obvious, others won’t. Here’s three players who I think will have breakout performances during bowl practice and then in the game against Michigan.
3 players poised to breakout for Alabama Football:
3. WOLF Yhonzae Pierre
Redshirt freshman WOLF Yhonzae Pierre has seen some non-garbage time action in recent weeks as the primary backup for Qua Russaw. With Keanu Koht entering the portal and Que Robinson’s season-ending injury, the Tide’s depth took a hit at the position.
Pierre is a talented kid from Eufala who both the previous and the current coaching staff have been high on. He’s still a young player and learning, but these bowl practices will give him a big opportunity to continue his growth and position himself for a big role in Tuscaloosa in 2025.
His development will be key and potentially allow for some positional versatility for Russaw next season, who could be a potential candidate to move to Jihaad Campbell’s off-ball linebacker spot if Pierre continues to develop.
2. WRs Rico Scott or Jaren Hamilton
The position that will present the most opportunity for Alabama players in bowl practices will be at wide receiver. The Crimson Tide has seen three receivers enter the portal already with Caleb Odom, Kendrick Law, and Kobe Prentice announcing intentions to transfer.
All three guys had seen playing time as Alabama tried to find a reliable No. 3 option behind Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. With all three out and with Cole Adams still out with injury, a young WR or two will have an opportunity to make a big impact against Michigan in Tampa.
True freshman Rico Scott will likely get the first crack at it. He caught a touchdown pass from Austin Mack against Mercer a few weeks ago. I wouldn’t discount redshirt freshman Jaren Hamilton here, either.
1. RB Richard Young
With Justice Haynes in the portal, there’s a big opportunity for Richard Young to solidify his position as the No. 2 RB behind Jam Miller. Young has been running as the No. 3 back all season, but has flashed the potential that made him a former 5-star recruit.
Young has totaled 140 yards on 25 carries this season. He broke a 62-yard run in the fourth quarter of Alabama’s win over Missouri that put his potential on full display. He seemed to be in line for a slightly bigger role, too, but he suffered an injury against Wisconsin that slowed his progression a bit.
With Alabama likely relying on more of a traditional run game next season instead of all the QB runs with Jalen Milroe, Young should be given a chance to shine. Bowl practices and then the game itself against Michigan will give Young an opportunity to show what he can do.
