One week removed from a loss in Tallahassee that had Alabama fans panicking, things have gotten back on track for the Crimson Tide after a 73-0 dismantling of Louisiana-Monroe.
The stock report last week wasn’t pretty, but this week will feature more names that have shot up the board. Here are the biggest risers for Alabama football right now.
RISING: Lotzeir Brooks, wide receiver
The freshman wideout from New Jersey drew the start this past Saturday after Ryan Williams was out due to a concussion.
Brooks caught four passes for 58 yards and showcased his playmaking ability, with 44 of his yards coming after the catch. He showcased his solid connection with quarterback Ty Simpson and could’ve been in line for a bigger day if he hadn’t been taken out at halftime due to the blowout nature of the game.
“Guys like him play a long time in the league and help us in a lot of different ways,” Simpson said.
While Williams will likely return against Wisconsin, expect Brooks to continue to get the ball in his hands.
RISING: James Smith, defensive lineman
With Tim Keenan III still out with an injury and Jeremiah Beaman suffering a season-ending injury in practice last week, the Crimson Tide needed someone to step up on the defensive line.
Smith did just that against the Warhawks, as he recorded three tackles for loss and was disruptive in the backfield the entire game.
“James Smith had a really good game,” Wommack said. “I think he was a player of the game from an interior defensive line standpoint.”
The former 5-star recruit is poised for a breakout season and has all the opportunity to do so. Look for him to continue making plays.
RISING: Conor Talty, kicker
The kicker position may not be as big as some of the others on this list, but the special teams unit was a real concern heading into the season after the Crimson Tide graduated all three starters from last season.
But Talty has been a decent surprise so far, as he made a 46-yard kick against Louisiana-Monroe and a 40-yarder against Florida State, and he has made every extra point attempt thus far. The only miss he has this season is from 53 yards in the rain in Tallahassee.
RISING: Keelon Russell, quarterback
Last Saturday was the first time Alabama fans got to see the 5-star freshman take the field, and he didn’t disappoint.
Russell completed four of his six passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. He showcased both his awareness in the pocket and his rocket of an arm, and he looked every bit like a star in the making.
“Man, Kee was great for us,” Bernard said. “He’s a young guy, but he’s ready. He has the mentality of a great quarterback. A quarterback that you want to play with.”
The Crimson Tide appears to have a star in the making at the quarterback position, and he looks like he may play the part of the next great Alabama quarterback whenever he gets an opportunity to start.
