Positional Grading of Alabama Football’s Offense in 2024
As one of college football’s most storied programs, the University of Alabama football team has consistently maintained a reputation for excellence, particularly under head coach Nick Saban. The 2024 season represents a new chapter in the Crimson Tide’s football dynasty, with a roster filled with young talent, experienced playmakers, and a fresh outlook on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
In this analysis, we will provide an in-depth look at the positional grading for Alabama’s offense heading into the 2024 season, examining each key unit and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses they bring to the field. Our analysis will cover the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, and overall offensive strategy as they look to maintain their place among the top teams in college football.
1. Quarterback: A-
The quarterback position for Alabama in 2024 is an area of transition, with Jalen Milroe returning after a season of high expectations and learning curves. Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback, had flashes of brilliance in 2023, showcasing his athleticism and ability to make explosive plays both in the air and on the ground. However, his inconsistency in the passing game raised questions about his development and his ability to lead a championship-caliber offense.
Milroe’s improvement will be crucial in 2024, particularly in his decision-making, ball placement, and consistency under pressure. His ability to manage the offense, avoid turnovers, and connect on deep balls will determine whether Alabama’s offense can take that next step. Alabama has a strong supporting cast of skill players, and if Milroe can elevate his play, the Tide’s offense will be difficult to stop.
Behind Milroe, the Tide have several promising young quarterbacks, including Ty Simpson, who is considered one of the top quarterbacks from his recruiting class. Simpson offers a more traditional pocket-passer style, which gives Alabama some flexibility in terms of offensive strategy and could provide a contingency plan if Milroe struggles.
Overall, the quarterback position is one of intrigue in 2024. While Milroe has the physical tools and experience to excel, his continued development as a passer will determine whether Alabama can maintain its elite status on offense.
2. Running Back: A
Alabama’s running back room is one of the strongest in the nation, led by junior Jase McClellan. McClellan is a dynamic, explosive back with the vision, power, and speed to make defenders miss in space. His ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles and break away on long runs makes him a key piece in Alabama’s offensive game plan.
Backing up McClellan is a talented group of running backs, including Roydell Williams, who has demonstrated excellent ball security and a knack for finding the end zone. The emergence of young players such as Justice Haynes, a freshman with elite talent, gives Alabama depth at the position that can wear down defenses and create mismatches. With these backs in the mix, the Crimson Tide will have no shortage of options to establish a strong running game in 2024.
A strong running game has always been central to Alabama’s success on offense, and with a deep and talented backfield, the Tide will continue to rely on their ground attack to open up the passing game and control the clock. McClellan, in particular, has the ability to become one of the premier backs in college football in 2024, and his contributions will be vital for the offense’s success.
3. Wide Receiver: B+
Alabama’s wide receiver group in 2024 has the potential to be one of the best in the SEC, though it remains an area that needs to continue to develop and mature. The Tide have several talented players in the receiving corps, including returning contributors like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond. Burton, who showed flashes of elite ability in 2023, will be counted on to be a top target for whichever quarterback starts under center. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches will be crucial for the Tide’s success.
Bond, who emerged as a reliable deep threat in 2023, will continue to develop into one of the SEC’s premier wideouts. His speed and ability to make plays down the field should complement the more possession-oriented aspects of Alabama’s offense. Additionally, the inclusion of true freshman standout Kobe Prentice gives the Crimson Tide another weapon who could emerge as an impact player in his first season.
While there are several talented players in the mix, the group is somewhat unproven in terms of elite playmakers at the wide receiver position. Alabama has a history of dominant wideouts, and in 2024, they’ll be looking for that next great player to emerge. While the group has the potential to be great, their consistency and ability to produce in big moments will ultimately determine how strong the passing attack can be.
4. Tight End: B
The tight end position at Alabama has always been an important part of the offense, whether serving as a reliable blocker or a big-play threat in the passing game. In 2024, the Tide return a solid but unspectacular tight end group, led by Cameron Latu, who is one of the most experienced players in the unit. Latu is a versatile player who can contribute both as a blocker in the run game and as a target in the passing attack.
While Latu will likely be the starter and top receiving option, Alabama has a number of young tight ends who could provide depth and competition. These players, such as Amari Niblack, are expected to provide additional size and athleticism that will be valuable as both blockers and receiving threats. However, there’s uncertainty about whether any of these players will emerge as a dominant force at the position in 2024.
The tight end group has the potential to become more dynamic with development throughout the season, but for now, Alabama’s tight ends are viewed more as solid contributors rather than elite game-changers. If the group can develop into a more reliable weapon in the passing game, it could provide a huge boost to the overall offense.
5. Offensive Line: A
The offensive line is often the unsung hero of Alabama’s offense, and 2024 is no exception. The Tide’s offensive line is one of the best in college football, with a blend of returning experience and high-level recruits who can plug and play. Players like JC Latham, an All-American caliber tackle, and Tyler Booker, a physical interior lineman, give Alabama the foundation it needs to dominate in the trenches.
Alabama’s offensive line is known for its ability to generate a strong running game, and in 2024, this unit will be instrumental in establishing the Crimson Tide’s offensive identity. The size and athleticism of this group, combined with their ability to open up running lanes for McClellan and the other backs, will be a key factor in controlling the tempo of the game.
Additionally, the offensive line must continue to improve in pass protection, as this will be critical for Milroe or any other quarterbacks who take the reins. With a strong and experienced group, Alabama’s offensive line has the potential to be the best in the SEC and among the nation’s elite in 2024.
6. Overall Offensive Strategy and Outlook: A
In 2024, Alabama’s offensive strategy is likely to remain grounded in their traditional strengths: a strong running game, a dominant offensive line, and a balanced attack that plays to the team’s physicality. However, with Jalen Milroe at quarterback, the Crimson Tide will likely incorporate more designed quarterback runs and play-action passing to take advantage of his dual-threat capabilities.
As the season progresses, Alabama will need to find ways to balance their run-heavy approach with explosive plays in the passing game. The development of Milroe as a passer, along with the maturation of their young wide receivers, will play a significant role in determining whether Alabama can truly return to its high-octane offensive ways from previous seasons.
The offensive line will continue to be a strength, and with a deep and talented backfield, Alabama has the tools to grind out victories. The key to the offense’s success in 2024 will be how well they complement these physical traits with explosive plays through the air and consistent, mistake-free quarterback play.
