Alabama preview, part 2

Linebackers - Here the Tide is thinner than four-year old boxer shorts, but the flip side is that the solid crop of newcomers will get plenty of opportunity to step in and contribute immediately. Rolando McClain anchors the middle and was a freshman All-American last season, with 75 tackles, five of them for loss and one sack. But the rest of the linebacking corps is a big unknown. Prince Hall's status is up in the air and he will likely be suspended for the first few games at least, opening the door for a stellar crop of freshmen to step in and get spots in the rotation. Jerrell Harris leads a stellar class of linebackers and will likely play a bunch. Other names to watch among the freshmen are Chris Jordan (who worked with the defense during summer 7-on-7 drills) and Don'ta Hightower. Grade: C-

Defensive line - Here Alabama has greater depth than in past seasons. Brian Motley, a converted offensive linemen, anchors the nose position in Saban's three-down linemen scheme, but he will likely be pushed by gigantic JUCO prospect Terrence Cody. Lorenzo Washington will see time here as well. The end spots will likely be converted tackle Alfred McCullough, who was unstoppable during A-Day and either Brandon Deadrick or veteran pass rusher Bobby Greenwood. Expect Luther Davis and possibly some of the freshmen to get reps on the line as well. Grade: B-

Secondary - The Tide has one of the SEC's best secondaries and with a serious infusion of new talent, it figures to get better still. With so much depth at defensive back and so little at linebacker, expect the Tide to play more nickel and dime packages. Kareem Jackson seemingly came out of nowhere and proved to be a tough cover corner as a freshman. With a year in the strength and conditioning program, he only looks to get better. Rashad Johnson is the other returning starter at strong safety, where the former walk-on proved to be equally strong in pass coverage and in run support. The other spots are up for grabs. Justin Woodall may take over the free safety spot, but expect super recruit Mark Barron to give Woodall a run for his money, if he's not put at linebacker first. At the other corner spot, Marquis Johnson may have the edge, but super phenoms Alonzo Lawrence and Robby Green could beat him out. Grade: A

Specialists - Leigh Tiffin returns as the Tide's kicker and he appears recovered from his earlier career struggles, while P.J. Fitzgerald is a serviceable punter with a decent leg. Javier Arenas is one of the nation's best return men and any time the speedster touches the football, big things could happen. Expect teams to kick away from him all year long. Grade: B-

Coaching - Saban is considered one of the nation's best defensive minds and recruiters and his top-rated recruiting class proved why. LSU took a big leap in his second season in Baton Rouge and expectations are high. Greg McElwain is new running the offense, but expect his system to be more friendly to John Parker Wilson and the offense. Grade: A