This spring, five offensive rookies who could have an immediate effect
As Alabama football’s Crimson Tide resume spring practice from Tuscaloosa, the Kalen DeBoer era gets underway. The spring festivities will kick off with the yearly A-Day Game from inside Bryant-Denny Stadium in less than a month.
The Tide’s offseason roster churn has been extensively reported and somewhat overstated, but Coach DeBoer and his staff will surely need to bring in some fresh talent to make an impact on both sides of the ball in 2024.
Here is a list of five offensive players that I think will start to get noticed this spring and generate some excitement before the start of the college football season.
Bernard Germie | WR
The former Washington wide receiver filled a huge vacuum left in the receiver room by Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond by moving with Coach DeBoer from Seattle to Tuscaloosa. Bernard is a playmaker, to put it simply. In 2023, Bernard started seven games for the Huskies. After 34 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns, he emerged as the fifth-best receiver. Bernard participated in the return game and added two more rushing touchdowns. Because of his systemic experience, Bernard is likely to have an early and frequent impact.
Parker Brailsford | C
Similar to Bernard, Brailsford moved with Coach DeBoer to Alabama, where he filled a critical position this offseason for the Alabama squad. The Tide’s centerfield season in 2023 was not great, despite the fact that Brailsford is considered among the best in the nation. Brailsford will have to contend with players such as James Brockermeyer for the starting position, although he very certainly will be paired with Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts, the guard duo.
WR Caleb Odom
Caleb Odom is a 6-foot-5, highly skilled receiver who is not frequently signed. Odom is a special person who has the potential to be very successful. Even with players like Bernard, Prentice, Law, and company in the mix this spring, Odom might still find himself making an early impression at receiver, especially in jump-ball situations.
Betrand Naquil: OT
Alabama must be pleased with their interior offensive line players, as I have stated, but both tackle positions are still up for grabs. This spring, Naquil Betrand is definitely someone to keep an eye on. Betrand, who moved from Texas A&M, will be fiercely competing for one of the two available tackle positions. Even if Betrand is seen more as a project, anything is conceivable with a fresh coaching team.
Daniel Hill | RB
Daniel Hill is a different kind of player than any other back on the Alabama roster, so depth and talent are definitely not a problem at running back for the Tide this spring. Hill, a bruising back who can pick up the hard yards at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, is a threat to have an immediate impact in scenarios with short yardage. However, Hill is not a one-trick pony. Because of his skill as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Hill may also get some action at H-back if the situation calls for it.
