Rising Freshman

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban predicted that there will probably be eight to 10 true freshmen or new players, if not more, who could contribute this season.

How does 14 sound?

That's how many were listed either as a starter or at least tied for a spot on the second unit when the Crimson Tide unveiled its depth chart Monday, when the team began final preparations for Saturday's season opener against Clemson in the Georgia Dome (7 p.m. Tuscaloosa time).

As expected, true freshman Julio Jones was named the starter the 'X' wide receiver position, while Don'ta Hightower got the nod at weakside linebacker. Junior college transfer Terrence Cody, now correctly listed on the roster as a junior, was named starter at nose guard.

Jones will also likely line up deep on kick returns, and back up Javier Arenas on punt returns.

'Julio did an outstanding job coming in here in camp,' coach Nick Saban said. 'He worked hard in the summer. He was in good shape. He's been able to sustain his performance. He's consistently made plays in practice as well as both scrimmages, Probably after the first scrimmage it was pretty evident that he was going to have some role as one of the three receivers that we use quite a bit, and this last week he certainly solidified his position as a starter.'

Among the true freshman who will be backups against the Tigers include Mark Ingram at running back, B.J. Scott at slot receiver, Jerrell Harris at strongside linebacker, and strong safety Mark Barron. Hightower's backup was also in his recruiting class, converted running back Chris Jordan.

'The Chris Jordan move has worked out really, really well,' Saban said.

Alabama has only had nine true freshman start a season opener since NCAA rules changed in 1973 making freshman eligible again. Last year, linebacker Rolando McClain and cornerback Kareem Jackson joined that exclusive club, along with left tackle Andre Smith the previous season.

But this is obviously different after Alabama signed the most-hyped recruiting class in the nation.

'It's the first thing everyone asks,' senior quarterback John Parker Wilson said. 'It was Coach Saban last year. Now it's Julio.'

Although Saban doesn't allow new players to meet with reporters, the Tide spoke volumes about the three rookie starters Monday.

On Jones:

'He's a hard worker,' Smith said. 'He's not boasting ‘What I'm gonna do,' ‘What I can do.' He lets his actions speak louder than words.'

'He's a humble guy,' said junior wide receiver Mike McCoy, later adding, 'He's just a different breed. Some people got it, some people don't.'

On Cody:

'I'm going to be taking T.C. out after every game,' McClain said. 'He's great. It's been fun having him in front of me.

He's a load. He's opened up a lot of gaps for me and giving me a chance to make a lot more plays.'

'In most cases it's going to take two guys to block him. The good thing about Terrence is a lot of teams we're going to play don't have film on him, so they don't know what they're about to get in to,' said senior center Antoine Caldwell, who jokingly added the best way to face him was to, 'Take a gun with them out there.'

On Hightower:

'He's a great player,' McClain said. 'He's bigger than me. The guy can move, from sideline to sideline. He came in 6-3, 260 and he looks every bit of 260.'

'He and Rolando give us two really good inside backers,' Saban said. 'Not meaning to make any comparisons, but he's the type of young player who seems to be able to come in and get it, learn it, take it to the field. He's a great competitor. It really bothers him when he doesn't do things correctly.'

A number of other true freshmen are also listed on the depth chart, like Brad Smelley fourth at tight end along with sophomore Preston Dial, and Barrett Jones as Smith's backup at left tackle ahead of Tyler Love. Additionally, Corey Smith is second-string kicker.

However, at some spots, like Chris Jackson at 'X' receiver, being listed third means he'll likely be involved in the regular rotation.

'A lot of young faces, but they definitely proved themselves at camp,' senior end Bobby Greenwood said. 'I feel comfortable with them.'

'They're gifted athletes,' Caldwell said. 'Gifted talents. Julio is already probably one of the best receivers I've seen. A lot of the young guys that we're going to be counting on to play they do a lot of stuff well. They're all gifted and we're all looking forward to seeing them play Saturday.'

Reach Christopher Walsh at christopher.walsh@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.