Andre Smith is one of the biggest names to play on Alabama’s offensive line. Starting all 13 games as a true freshman in 2006, he became just the fourth true freshman to start on Alabama’s offensive line. He soon earned Freshman All-American honours and led the team in pancake blocks. Oh, and he even scored a touchdown as a lineman.
Julio Jones was Alabama’s first absolute recruiting superstar under Nick Saban. And he lived up to the hype. Jones started all 14 games as a freshman, notching 924 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
JC Latham arrived in Tuscaloosa as a blue-chip prospect. After playing 2021 as a backup, Latham became a regular on the offensive line starting in 2022. For the next two seasons, he anchored the right tackle spot. And Latham never missed a game!
One of the most talked-about recruits in 2018, Eyabi Okie-Anoma (formerly Eyabi Anoma) was a five-star defensive end. He was ranked No. 3 nationally and ruled the Under Armour All-America Game.
Najee Harris was named in the 2017 recruiting cycle, rated No. 1 by Scout and Rivals. And he didn’t disappoint behind a crowded backfield. Then became one of the most productive backs in Alabama history.
Ryan Williams is in his teens. But already a part of the Alabama lore. He made his first start at just 17. He debuted with 139 yards and two touchdowns. But it was against No. 2 Georgia where the world truly saw him. In the game, he had a 75-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Cam Robinson was the anchor in the trenches. Robinson followed in Andre Smith’s footsteps as a true freshman starter at left tackle. He played all 14 games in 2014, allowing just three sacks on 861 snaps. Now that is a brilliant stat for someone out of high school.
Da’Shawn Hand joined Alabama as one of the top defensive recruits in the country. Under Nick Saban, Hand was essential to Alabama’s defensive line rotation. He played nine games as a freshman, with two sacks and seven total tackles.
Before Najee, there was Trent Richardson. He was one of the most explosive backs Alabama had ever signed. As a true freshman in 2009, he posted 751 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. This includes some of the best runs that left defenders tired. By 2011, Richardson was a Heisman finalist and had rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was selected third overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Julian Sayin was supposed to be the next big thing at Alabama. But just when everything looked set, Nick Saban retired. And Sayin hit the portal. Two days later, he’d already made up his mind. Ohio State was it. On September 7, against Western Michigan, he stepped in and tossed his first collegiate touchdown.
