Future Assessment: Five Alabama players who may see valuable playing time vs. Mercer

Alabama is a 41.5 point favorite against the Mercer Bears on Saturday. There are plenty of games where UA has struggled against lesser competition, and it happened even in the Nick Saban era.

The expectation, however, is for the Crimson Tide to provide a chance for more playing time. Give several back-ups, underclassmen the opportunity to showcase what they can do- from a quality depth perspective for the remainder of the season or faith their ability for next season.

Below are the players BOL will keep a watchful eye this weekend.

Alabama Snapshot: Re-setting the Big Board with less than three weeks until signing day

Justin Okoronkwo, inside linebacker, freshman

Alabama may lose its two starting inside linebackers after the season if Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson decided to forgo their senior season to enter the NFL draft. This game may give Alabama a better look at some of the young players at the position, and it starts with Justin. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder had an excellent showing during the spring, and seemed on the verge of having an expanded role this season. He’s played sparingly, but accounted for five tackles in the Tide’s win against Mizzou three weeks ago.

Olaus Alinen, guard, sophomore

Let’s stick with the international players. Alinen, who stands 6-foot-6, 330-pounds, wasn’t viewed as a ‘project’ when he first arrived. He was seen as one who may need a year or two in the offensive system to adjust. He spent two high school football seasons in Connecticut after moving to the U.S. from Finland. Alinen has played 17 snaps during the last two SEC games. All-American guard and team captain Tyler Booker has the option to return for his senior season. He will likely enter the NFL Draft. Who’s his replacement? UA has an incoming freshman who will battle for early PT, Michael Carroll, but Alinen has a chance to get valuable reps/experience heading into next year.

Caleb Odom, wide receiver, freshman

Alabama WR Caleb Odom (Courtesy of UA Athletics)

A fan favorite upon his arrival at the Capstone. It hasn’t translated to heavy production or a lot of reps this season. He was in on 11 snaps against LSU last weekend, but he has not had reception since the Wisconsin game (9/14). Odom has five catches for 45 yards overall. This is sort of a time period where highly-ranked incoming freshmen who haven’t played much start to consider if a better opportunity elsewhere or other schools begin to connect with agents to gauge interest. Receiving some attention in this type game may have much more value for both sides moving forward.

Jeremiah Beaman, defensive line, freshman

Alabama has its impressive share of high quality defensive linemen from the Birmingham area through the years, and Beaman is one with a tremendous amount of upside. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder should see an increased workload this week. He hasn’t registered a tackle this season, and he has only played in two games (Wisconsin and LSU). He has eight snaps against the Tigers in Baton Rouge which was the same redshirt freshman Jordan Renaud and more than RS freshman Edric Hill. Beaman has been a great practice/scout team player for Alabama during his first season, and he has potential as a major factor on the defensive front during the next few years.

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the Mercer Bears

Rico Scott, wide receiver, freshman

Ryan Williams and Caleb Odom have received most of the attention at the receiver position in the freshman class. We keep hearing Scott is one to watch in the future. He hasn’t played since the Wisconsin game where he had two receptions for 14 yards (his only stats this season). Scott had a really good fall camp, but it’s a position a little deeper than others. An opportunity to snag playing time hasn’t been there yet. He’s one who may return to the stat sheet this week if the Crimson Tide can create a significant lead going into the second half. Scott is certainly one who should have a much bigger role with the team next season so getting more game experience is crucial.

Five more to watch:

•Cayden Jones, linebacker, freshman
•Casey Poe, guard, freshman
•Daniel Hill, running back, freshman

Want to talk with the BOL staff and also thousands of other Alabama fans about all the latest recruiting intel? CLICK HERE to join daily conversations about the Crimson Tide and much more on the BOL RoundTable.

The post Future Assessment: Five Alabama players who may see valuable playing time vs. Mercer appeared first on On3.