Second-Year Surge: Alabama players who could take the next step in Year 2

Alabama returns 10 starters from last year’s team, but there are still plenty of roles that will be occupied by new faces following the offseason departures. With fall camp starting in one week, BamaOnLine looks at some Crimson Tide players who are entering their second years in the program who could be poised for larger workloads this upcoming football season.

CJ Dippre , TE

Dippre is the only non-sophomore on this list, but the senior tight end is entering his second full year at Alabama. After beginning his college career at Maryland, Dippre played in all 14 games a season ago, starting 11 contests for the Crimson Tide. But he only caught 11 passes for 187 yards and no touchdowns. Washington’s top 2023 tight end, Jack Westover , caught 46 passes, while its No. 2 option eclipsed 200 yards. With Amari Niblack transferring to Texas, it could be a big year for Dippre as the No. 1 option. Although players like Robbie Ouzts and UW transfer Josh Cuevas will be factors, too, Dippre’s stats should climb.

Wilkin Formby , OL

Alabama’s offensive line is now viewed as a strength , coach Kalen DeBoer said at SEC Media Days. The additions of Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford in addition to the return of Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts help, but DeBoer also mentioned the development of the options at right tackle. He first brought up Elijah Pritchett , who worked exclusively at left tackle this spring in Proctor’s absence, but Formby also got a shoutout. The redshirt freshman started the A-Day Game at right tackle and should continue to compete for the job in fall camp. He’ll have to hold off Pritchett and others, but 2024 could be a big year for the local product.

Justice Haynes , RB

Haynes was strongly considered for yesterday’s feature on potential breakout candidates for the upcoming season. Entering his sophomore year, the former 5-star recruit showed flashes a year ago as a true freshman, and now, with Alabama replacing its top two tailbacks from the 2023 roster, Haynes has a prime opportunity this fall. He ended the spring as the first running back up in both practice and the A-Day Game, and while Jam Miller will also be a factor in the run game as the oldest player at the position, Haynes should also see a boost in usage in Year 2. And the sophomore could prove to be Alabama’s top back at year’s end.

Qua Russaw , LB

Russaw was one of three 5-star linebackers who signed with the Crimson Tide last year but did not see the field in their first seasons. Of those three players, he appears to have the best shot at seeing an increased role, at least from a defensive standpoint, as a redshirt freshman. In the spring, Russaw was third in the Wolf line behind program veterans Quandarrius Robinson and Keanu Koht , who have both waited their turns to play. Spending A-Day with the second unit, the Montgomery native received first-team reps before the spring finale. Should Alabama use more than two edges this fall, Russaw should get some reps.

James Smith , DL

The other half of the 5-star duo from Montgomery, Smith actually saw playing time in Year 1 with the Tide. He played in nine games as a true freshman and registered two tackles as a reserve on the defensive line. That is arguably the deepest position group on Alabama’s 2024 roster, but the Tide has to replace its most productive player, Justin Eboigbe , this fall. Smith is expected to be part of the rotation up front, though still as an option off the bench. Alabama needs negative plays from its linemen, and if the sophomore can prove to be disruptive, coming off a promising spring, Smith could see more snaps in an increased role.

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