Alabama Crimson Tide: Jonathan Allen
Ranking UA top 10 freshman contributors
May, 23, 2013
May 23
7:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
It’s Rankings Week at TideNation. Every day we’ll rank some aspect of the Alabama football program heading into the 2013 season. Today we’re ranking the top 10 UA rookies with the chance of making the biggest impact in the fall. On Friday we’ll rank the Tide’s top needs in recruiting for the Class of 2014, as well as give you the top players the staff are pursuing at those positions.
Rookies with the best chance of making an impact
1. TE/H-back O.J. Howard: He's big, he's tall and he's fast. Really, he's unlike any tight end Alabama has had in the Nick Saban era in that he can make plays on his own because of his athleticism. Howard, the former No. 2 tight end prospect in the country, enrolled early and showed why he's viewed as a game-changer at the position. As teammate Brian Vogler put it, "He's a whole new dimension to the offense."
2. RB Derrick Henry: He'll play running back. Let's get that out of the way right now. At 6-foot-3 and some 240 pounds, Henry doesn't look like your prototypical ball-carrier, but that's what he'll be as a freshman. And watch out. Teammates marveled at his strength, saying he looked like a taller version of Trent Richardson on the practice fields. A broken leg caused him to miss A-Day, but he's expected to be back to 100 percent before the start of fall camp.
3. WR Raheem Falkins: As the No. 41-ranked receiver in a signing class that featured No. 2-ranked Robert Foster, it's understandable why Falkins wasn't on many people's radar coming into spring camp. But the tall, rangy wideout from Louisiana enrolled early and showed he's more than just a project. He was quick, smooth and graceful with the football, belying his size. But it's his size that gives him an edge. At 6-foot-4, he'll be the tallest receiver on the roster and thus a good option in the red zone.
4. OT Leon Brown: Don't count Brown out of the race at right tackle just yet. Veteran Austin Shepherd has the lead, but Brown isn't so far behind that he can't catch up. The former No. 2-ranked juco offensive tackle enrolled early this spring and transitioned well to the college game under new position coach Mario Cristobal. He could hit his stride this fall after a full offseason in the weight and film rooms.
5. LB Jonathan Allen: It's no secret that Alabama needs help rushing the passer, and Allen is a talent in that respect. The former No. 3-ranked defensive end in the country got after the quarterback well in high school, and the native Virginian will be asked to do the same in Tuscaloosa, albeit from a hybrid linebacker position. He already has the size at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, it's just a matter of taking to a new position.
6. DL Dee Liner: Nabbing Liner away from the Auburn Tigers late in the recruiting season was a home run for the Alabama staff. The No. 4-ranked defensive tackle in the ESPN 150 has the quickness Alabama is looking for in its defensive linemen, as well as the versatility to play multiple spots on the field.
7. RB Alvin Kamara: Like Falkins, Kamara will have an edge on his competition in that he'll have a niche role. Unlike all the other Alabama tailbacks that are generally one-cut power runners, Kamara is a guy with the shiftiness to get outside the tackles, make multiple cuts and run away from the defense. He's got good hands, too, meaning he could be a weapon on third down and in passing situations if he shows he can block effectively.
8. CB Maurice Smith: Alabama needs depth at cornerback, and Smith is the highest-rated defensive back in the Tide's 2013 signing class. More importantly he's a physical corner which Bama coach Nick Saban will like, and he's a guy who is used to competition having come up through the Texas high school football ranks. But be warned, his transition to college will take time. It's no easy task for a freshman to learn Saban's way of playing corner. It took Geno Smith until nearly the end of his first season to figure it out.
9. LB Reuben Foster: The tattoos and backstory now fully behind him, it will be interesting to see what Foster does with a fresh start. Say what you will about his personality, but his talent is undeniable. As the No. 1-rated inside linebacker in the ESPN 150, he has the strength, size and speed to be a force at the next level.
10. LS Cole Mazza: In all honesty, Mazza could be at the top of this list if it were "Who is the most likely to play as a freshman?" Instead it was a question of impact, and measuring the potential for impact is debatable given the position he'll play. We could see the long-snapper playing from Day 1 seeing as he's the only player Saban has ever awarded a scholarship at his position. He's the heir to Carson Tinker, who played in 38 career games.
Rookies with the best chance of making an impact
[+] Enlarge
Miller Safrit/ESPNO.J. Howard is expected to make an immediate impact at tight end.
2. RB Derrick Henry: He'll play running back. Let's get that out of the way right now. At 6-foot-3 and some 240 pounds, Henry doesn't look like your prototypical ball-carrier, but that's what he'll be as a freshman. And watch out. Teammates marveled at his strength, saying he looked like a taller version of Trent Richardson on the practice fields. A broken leg caused him to miss A-Day, but he's expected to be back to 100 percent before the start of fall camp.
3. WR Raheem Falkins: As the No. 41-ranked receiver in a signing class that featured No. 2-ranked Robert Foster, it's understandable why Falkins wasn't on many people's radar coming into spring camp. But the tall, rangy wideout from Louisiana enrolled early and showed he's more than just a project. He was quick, smooth and graceful with the football, belying his size. But it's his size that gives him an edge. At 6-foot-4, he'll be the tallest receiver on the roster and thus a good option in the red zone.
4. OT Leon Brown: Don't count Brown out of the race at right tackle just yet. Veteran Austin Shepherd has the lead, but Brown isn't so far behind that he can't catch up. The former No. 2-ranked juco offensive tackle enrolled early this spring and transitioned well to the college game under new position coach Mario Cristobal. He could hit his stride this fall after a full offseason in the weight and film rooms.
5. LB Jonathan Allen: It's no secret that Alabama needs help rushing the passer, and Allen is a talent in that respect. The former No. 3-ranked defensive end in the country got after the quarterback well in high school, and the native Virginian will be asked to do the same in Tuscaloosa, albeit from a hybrid linebacker position. He already has the size at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, it's just a matter of taking to a new position.
6. DL Dee Liner: Nabbing Liner away from the Auburn Tigers late in the recruiting season was a home run for the Alabama staff. The No. 4-ranked defensive tackle in the ESPN 150 has the quickness Alabama is looking for in its defensive linemen, as well as the versatility to play multiple spots on the field.
7. RB Alvin Kamara: Like Falkins, Kamara will have an edge on his competition in that he'll have a niche role. Unlike all the other Alabama tailbacks that are generally one-cut power runners, Kamara is a guy with the shiftiness to get outside the tackles, make multiple cuts and run away from the defense. He's got good hands, too, meaning he could be a weapon on third down and in passing situations if he shows he can block effectively.
8. CB Maurice Smith: Alabama needs depth at cornerback, and Smith is the highest-rated defensive back in the Tide's 2013 signing class. More importantly he's a physical corner which Bama coach Nick Saban will like, and he's a guy who is used to competition having come up through the Texas high school football ranks. But be warned, his transition to college will take time. It's no easy task for a freshman to learn Saban's way of playing corner. It took Geno Smith until nearly the end of his first season to figure it out.
9. LB Reuben Foster: The tattoos and backstory now fully behind him, it will be interesting to see what Foster does with a fresh start. Say what you will about his personality, but his talent is undeniable. As the No. 1-rated inside linebacker in the ESPN 150, he has the strength, size and speed to be a force at the next level.
10. LS Cole Mazza: In all honesty, Mazza could be at the top of this list if it were "Who is the most likely to play as a freshman?" Instead it was a question of impact, and measuring the potential for impact is debatable given the position he'll play. We could see the long-snapper playing from Day 1 seeing as he's the only player Saban has ever awarded a scholarship at his position. He's the heir to Carson Tinker, who played in 38 career games.
The TideNation mailbag returns with Alabama recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf and beat writer Alex Scarborough answering your questions about recruiting, football and basketball.
This week’s mailbag looks at the top five recruits on the Crimson Tide’s big board, which incoming freshmen will make the biggest impact this fall, and whether there’s a 2014 quarterback who has an Alabama offer that doesn’t hinge on his performance at camp.
From taylorja373: Regardless of position, who do you see filling out Bama’s top 5 on their board right now for this class and why?
This week’s mailbag looks at the top five recruits on the Crimson Tide’s big board, which incoming freshmen will make the biggest impact this fall, and whether there’s a 2014 quarterback who has an Alabama offer that doesn’t hinge on his performance at camp.
From taylorja373: Regardless of position, who do you see filling out Bama’s top 5 on their board right now for this class and why?
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Spring evaluation: Defensive front seven 
May, 7, 2013
May 7
11:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor's note: TideNation will use this week to look at the four major positions on the football field and how their outlook has changed after spring practice. Today we examine the front seven:
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OPELIKA, Ala. -- Taking visits to premier college football programs and being courted by the nation’s top head coaches sounds lavish, but when the time to make a decision finally comes, it’s never an easy choice. Determining the next three to four years of your life rarely is. Just ask Reuben Foster, who committed three times during his recruitment, or Matthew Thomas, who signed with Florida State in February but now wants out of his letter of intent because he feels like he gave his signature in haste.
Despite the trend toward halfhearted commitments, recent Alabama cornerback commit Stephen Roberts (Opelika, Ala./Opelika) is sticking by his pledge. To him, the process is finished and he isn’t planning on taking visits elsewhere.
Despite the trend toward halfhearted commitments, recent Alabama cornerback commit Stephen Roberts (Opelika, Ala./Opelika) is sticking by his pledge. To him, the process is finished and he isn’t planning on taking visits elsewhere.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- By any statistical measurement, Alabama's signing class this year was a success. The number of ESPN 300 members who faxed in their paperwork was staggering. Thirteen signees were ranked in the top 10 nationally at their positions.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
Rewind: Top recruits take in Tuscaloosa
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
9:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Coming off its second straight national championship, the University of Alabama hosted a parade on Saturday to honor this year’s team. With more than 30,000 people coming into town, it was a perfect weekend to host recruits, and the Crimson Tide took advantage, hosting 12 official visitors.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For the University of Alabama, it was a weekend geared more toward the undeclared official visitors as the staff looked to fill up the remaining spots in the 2013 class, but the top committed visitor was ESPN 150 defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
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Scouts: Williams fits at OLB for the Tide
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
8:35
PM ET
By
Craig Haubert | ESPN.com
Alabama added a 10th ESPN 150 prospect to their 2013 class in Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./University Lab). This is a big pickup for the national champs because for they were able to pluck the four-star prospect who hails from Baton Rouge, La., but even more importantly because Williams is a promising player. He is listed as the No. 5 defensive end, but in Alabama’s defensive scheme he will make a move to linebacker and that should suit him well.
At this stage, he is a bit of a DE/LB ‘tweener and has somewhat of a slight build for the defensive end position and a move to linebacker in their scheme should actually be more of an ideal fit for him. While not a physically imposing prospect, Williams does possess very good playing strength and that should only improve with continued physical development. He is a physical and very active defender who can develop into not only a pass-rushing threat, but also a tough run defender.
At this stage, he is a bit of a DE/LB ‘tweener and has somewhat of a slight build for the defensive end position and a move to linebacker in their scheme should actually be more of an ideal fit for him. While not a physically imposing prospect, Williams does possess very good playing strength and that should only improve with continued physical development. He is a physical and very active defender who can develop into not only a pass-rushing threat, but also a tough run defender.
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Tide commits see a rise in new rankings
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
5:52
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Univeristy of Alabama was well-represented in the various all-star games last week, and if the final ESPN 150 and ESPN 300 rankings for the 2013 class were any indication, the Crimson Tide commitments must have performed well against the nation’s best.
The new rankings, which came out following last week’s all-star games, included nine Alabama commitments in the ESPN 150 and 13 future Tide players in the ESPN 300.
Yulee, Fla., athlete Derrick Henry, who enrolled at Alabama this week, is still the highest-ranked player in the Tide’s class. After setting the national career rushing yards record as a senior, Henry jumped to No. 9 in the latest rankings, and he also earned a fifth star. He is currently the only five-star in Alabama’s class.
The new rankings, which came out following last week’s all-star games, included nine Alabama commitments in the ESPN 150 and 13 future Tide players in the ESPN 300.
- Derrick Henry
- Athlete
- 2013
- Committed: Alabama
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Introducing the class: Jonathan Allen
January, 9, 2013
Jan 9
2:26
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will run through signing day.
With DeMarcus Walker’s recent switch to Florida State, the commitment of defensive end Jonathan Allen becomes that much more important for Alabama.
With DeMarcus Walker’s recent switch to Florida State, the commitment of defensive end Jonathan Allen becomes that much more important for Alabama.
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On Monday night, the University of Alabama won its second consecutive national championship and its third in the last four years. The Crimson Tide dominated Notre Dame to the tune of 42-14, and the nation’s top recruits took notice.
Members of Alabama’s current class, remaining 2013 targets, and the nation’s elite prospects in 2014 all chimed in after the Tide’s win last night.
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U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:52
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
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Forecasting the Tide: Linebacker
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
6:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and national signing day, TideNation will review each position and look at who figures to start, who could rise up the depth chart and who might be on the way. Today we’ll look at the linebackers.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama didn't lack for options at linebacker this season. What the Crimson Tide lost in experience from a year ago, it made up for with depth. Their best and most productive linebacker wasn't even a starter technically.
C.J. Mosley, the junior inside linebacker who leads the team with 99 tackles, wasn't the clear-cut No. 1 at his position. Instead, he shared time with either Nico Johnson or Trey DePriest depending on the formation and down and distance. Next season he won't have to. It's part of the reason why he put the NFL on hold and announced last week that he would return for his senior season.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama didn't lack for options at linebacker this season. What the Crimson Tide lost in experience from a year ago, it made up for with depth. Their best and most productive linebacker wasn't even a starter technically.
C.J. Mosley, the junior inside linebacker who leads the team with 99 tackles, wasn't the clear-cut No. 1 at his position. Instead, he shared time with either Nico Johnson or Trey DePriest depending on the formation and down and distance. Next season he won't have to. It's part of the reason why he put the NFL on hold and announced last week that he would return for his senior season.
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Forecasting the Tide: Defensive end
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
6:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and national signing day, TideNation will review each position and look at who figures to start, who could rise up the depth chart and who might be on the way. Today we’ll look at the defensive ends.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The defensive line has been a veteran unit at the University of Alabama this season, highlighted by seniors Damion Square and Quinton Dial. The duo has helped the defense uphold its lofty status as the tops in the country in yards allowed. Their ability to rush the passer as well as help in run support is something that comes only with age and experience -- knowing how and when to maintain their lanes and gap assignments.
But when Square and Dial leave for careers beyond The Capstone, who will inherit their positions on the defensive line? How will their replacements balance the desire to sack the quarterback with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of coach Nick Saban's intricate 3-4 scheme?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The defensive line has been a veteran unit at the University of Alabama this season, highlighted by seniors Damion Square and Quinton Dial. The duo has helped the defense uphold its lofty status as the tops in the country in yards allowed. Their ability to rush the passer as well as help in run support is something that comes only with age and experience -- knowing how and when to maintain their lanes and gap assignments.
But when Square and Dial leave for careers beyond The Capstone, who will inherit their positions on the defensive line? How will their replacements balance the desire to sack the quarterback with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of coach Nick Saban's intricate 3-4 scheme?
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Tracking the Tide: Xzavier Dickson
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
6:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Alabama's date with Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship, we will review the season for a key Crimson Tide player and attempt to project what’s next for him. Today we’ll look at linebacker Xzavier Dickson.
No. 47 Xzavier Dickson
Outside linebacker
33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Role in 2012: Dickson was the starting Jack linebacker and one of the top pass-rushing threats for the Crimson Tide.
The good: The sophomore had some very large shoes to fill with the departure of Courtney Upshaw, who was picked at the top of the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. While he wasn't as dominant as his predecessor, Dickson filled in admirably considering he recorded just three tackles in seven games last season. The former four-star prospect showed glimpses of the tools necessary to play the Jack position: size, strength, agility and a high motor. He saved his best game of the year for last, tallying two sacks against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
The bad: While Dickson was able to get pressure on the quarterback in some games, others he struggled to get upfield and affect the opposing offense. Consistency has eluded the first-time starter. He'll need to learn to shed tackles better and bring it every week to make the jump from good to elite.
Crystal ball: Just because Dickson started at Jack this season doesn't mean he's destined to continue there next year and beyond. Alabama has recruited linebackers with the tweener linebacker-defensive end mold very well, which means that much more competition. Ryan Anderson, a former four-star who redshirted this season, will have a say. So will Denzel Devall, who was able to make a significant contribution off the bench this season. It's possible recruits like DeMarcus Walker and Jonathan Allen could make a run at early playing time as well.
No. 47 Xzavier Dickson
Outside linebacker
33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Role in 2012: Dickson was the starting Jack linebacker and one of the top pass-rushing threats for the Crimson Tide.
The good: The sophomore had some very large shoes to fill with the departure of Courtney Upshaw, who was picked at the top of the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. While he wasn't as dominant as his predecessor, Dickson filled in admirably considering he recorded just three tackles in seven games last season. The former four-star prospect showed glimpses of the tools necessary to play the Jack position: size, strength, agility and a high motor. He saved his best game of the year for last, tallying two sacks against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
The bad: While Dickson was able to get pressure on the quarterback in some games, others he struggled to get upfield and affect the opposing offense. Consistency has eluded the first-time starter. He'll need to learn to shed tackles better and bring it every week to make the jump from good to elite.
Crystal ball: Just because Dickson started at Jack this season doesn't mean he's destined to continue there next year and beyond. Alabama has recruited linebackers with the tweener linebacker-defensive end mold very well, which means that much more competition. Ryan Anderson, a former four-star who redshirted this season, will have a say. So will Denzel Devall, who was able to make a significant contribution off the bench this season. It's possible recruits like DeMarcus Walker and Jonathan Allen could make a run at early playing time as well.
ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.