With news of the season opener against USC being cancelled, the remainder of the season seems to be in limbo as we await a statement from Greg Sankey.  If the SEC chooses to move to a conference only schedule like the Big-10 and now Pac-12, the season could potentially become much more exciting; at least for SEC fans.  If we see the Tide take the field this fall, in a conference only schedule or not, these players should be on your radar for breakout seasons.

John Metchie III

Metchie, a former 4-star recruit from New Jersey, saw action in thirteen games as a freshman in 2019.  Though he didn't post overly impressive stats last year, his high school tape should get anyone excited for his first feature year in the Tide offense.  In his four years of high school, Metchie was responsible for almost 4,000 yards of offense, 2,500 of which were receiving, and 42 total touchdowns.  With the departure of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, there are some big shoes to fill, but Metchie has been able to learn behind one of the best receiver rooms in Alabama history and showed immense promise in high school.  Alabama's offense will pick up right where it left off with their receivers this season, and John Metchie will be a big part of it.

Ale Kaho

It's safe to say that Ale Kaho has been a difference maker for Alabama in his time on the field, albeit mostly on special teams.  Although most of Kaho's tackles have come on special teams, he's made some huge plays there.  Kaho blocked three punts last season for the Tide, and gave us several Reuben Foster-style special teams highlights.  I think Kaho will see a rise similar to other Tide linebackers who started their career making highlights on special teams like Reuben Foster, Mack Wilson, and CJ Mosley.  While Kaho may not have the NFL potential of CJ Mosley, he will be a force in the middle of the defense this Fall.  Coming into his Junior year, this could be the season he takes the next step.

LaBryan Ray

LaBryan Ray, a junior hailing from Madison, AL, saw time as a true freshman and worked his way into the starting lineup for the Tide's first three games last season before aggravating a nagging foot injury from the 2019 offseason.  In the three games Ray appeared in for Alabama last year, he recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.  In three seasons, Ray has 53 tackles and 4.5 sacks, one of which came his freshman year against Texas A&M for a 14 yard loss.  Ray, recently named to the SportsIllustrated preseason All-SEC team, should be healthy and ready to resume his role as a starter, and is poised to have a huge year.  A former 5 star recruit, Ray should be a premier pass rusher this season for the Crimson Tide.  Be ready to hear his name a lot this fall.

Players to Watch

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