After an 11-4 finish last season, Alabama football is preparing to begin another season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The new season brings an opportunity for several players on offense and defense to step into larger roles.
With fall camp starting July 30th, here are two offensive and defensive players who could stand out early and see larger roles for the Crimson Tide this season.
Derek Meadows, wide receiver
As a freshman last season, the 6-foot-5 receiver played in 12 games, including one start. Meadows’ primary role was on special teams, but he was able to rotate in at receiver during several games. With Germie Bernard and Isiah Horton leaving behind an abundance of snaps in the receiver room, Derek can look to become a vertical threat and an option in the end zone.
In preparation for a larger role, Meadows recently practiced with quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Head coach Kalen DeBoer noted his presence throughout the spring and his ability to make plays heading into the season.
“A guy like Meadows sticks out in my mind. Derek is a long receiver that can cover a lot of ground and make a lot of plays,” DeBoer said.
Jackson Lloyd, offensive lineman
Playing one of the most important positions on the field is blindside tackle Jackson Lloyd. Last season, Lloyd was the backup behind 12th overall pick Kadyn Proctor, and now he will step in as the starting left tackle of a relatively revamped offensive line.
Jackson saw limited playing time throughout the first season, but he was able to sit behind Proctor and gain valuable lessons as the year went on.
“I was behind what I believe is the best tackle in the country with Kadyn Proctor, and he taught me so much on the field and off the field. I got to see the way he attacks everything,” Lloyd said.
The 6-foot-7 tackle from Carmel, California, will look to set the tone of how the line wants to play alongside tackle Michael Carroll. DeBoer named him the starting blindside tackle well before next season, while offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke positively of him, which is a good sign of what the tackle can be capable of.
“He has really stood out as a guy that we’re going to be really excited about as our left tackle,” Grubb said.
Red Morgan, defensive back
One of the more anticipated breakouts on this list is cornerback Red Morgan. On this list, Morgan notably saw the most playtime on the field. He played Husky as the fifth versatile defensive back and made plays all over the field.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack consistently noted Morgan’s improvement throughout the season.
“His consistency on the field has improved so much. It’s really great to see him be rewarded with the way he’s playing,” Wommack said.
Xavier Griffin, linebacker
The last highlight on this list comes fromthe freshman linebacker from Georgia, Xavier Griffin. A five-star from Gainesville, Griffin has reportedly been talked about as a potential starter as a true freshman. Being a potential instant impact player like Xavier comes by him doing things such as putting on 25 pounds of muscle and speaking to former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster.
Griffin has shown the willingness to be teachable, which could pay dividends in his chance to see the field as a true freshman. His ability to line up as an edge rusher was shown at A-Day as a tool to use on game days.
The freshman linebacker understands the tools at his disposal, which motivates him to perform from the start. He stated his goals for freshman year that fans can anticipate from him.
“Of course to hit the field, but really just making sure I’m developing and on pace for what I’m on track to be. Really I have high expectations, and I’m just trying to reach them,” Griffin said.
