9. Mac Jones, QB
Jones was thrusted into the starting position in November, after Tua went down with a season-ending knee injury. It seems as if the fan base is split on who should be Alabama’s starting quarterback for 2020, Mac Jones or the true freshman Bryce Young.
“Jones showed enough late last season that he’s more than capable of being a starter in the SEC, says Marcello. “He also can put up big numbers, even though it may be difficult to replicate Tagovailoa’s star power, he’ll have plenty of firepower around him to pump up his numbers and make him one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC during his first full year as the starter.”
8. Alex Leatherwood, LT
Leatherwood is not turned to as the leader of the Crimson Tide offensive line, Jedrick Wills entered the 2020 NFL draft and was selected with the No. 10 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. Leatherwood is also being praised as a potential first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
“Alex Leatherwood will be Mac Jones’ best friend in 2020. The former guard moved to left tackle last season and was a monster up front,” says Marcello. “This year he will not block for a left-handed quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa) and will instead by the blind-side protection for Jones, who figures to step in as the starter after ending the season as the top guy with Tagovailoa injured.”