Bryce Young addresses new leaders stepping up for Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide returns offensive leader and starting quarterback Bryce Young but in order to reach the mountain top once again, others must step up as well. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner noted several teammates who’ve joined him in the 2022 leadership group.

“It’s always tough when you lose guys who played a big role not only on the field and off the field,” Young said. “We’ve had some guys step up, (Jordan) Battle, DJ (Dale), obviously, Will (Anderson), he’s been a big leader for us ever since he’s been here. Those guys have done a really good job of stepping up and being more vocal. I’m excited to see how we take it as a team and as a leadership group.”

Although the Tide do have new leadership stepping in, thus far, besides Young, most of the leadership group is from the defensive side of the ball. On offense, Alabama is still lacking an offensive line leader like Evan Neal, or a John Metchie for the wide receivers group or Brian Robinson for the running backs.

Young is coming off a phenomenal season that saw him win the Heisman Trophy. However, Alabama’s season ended with a loss in the National Championship Game against Georgia.

Nick Saban on Bryce Young’s scrimmage performance

Expectations for Young as higher than they’ve ever been as he follows his 2021 season while pursuing a national title. Following the team’s first spring scrimmage, Nick Saban evaluated Young’s play.

“I think Bryce had a good day today,” Saban said. “We had a couple of drops but, you know, the first offense for the most part moved the ball really well. Didn’t do great on third down period, but I think that was more the pressure, the offensive line — gotta continue to improve there.”

Saban continued his comments by speaking on the successes of their other quarterbacks who saw playing time in the scrimmage. Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson took plays at quarterback after Young, as Saban appeared to be impressed with their development as well.

“But I thought Jalen Milroe has made really consistent strides,” added Saban. “And he did some good things today. He actually moved the team. We always give the second guy an opportunity with the first team and he moved the team down the field pretty effectively. So I think he’s got a better understanding of what we’re doing. He’s getting a little more consistent in his ability to execute.

“Of course, Ty [Simpson] is this young guy, freshman — he’s got a lot of promise, a lot of upside. Smart guy, works hard at it. Everything’s pretty fast for him right now but we’re not at all disappointed with the progress that he’s making.”

Saban reloads for 2022

Saban brought in the No. 2 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings, while also adding three transfers. All three of them were in the top 15 of the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, led by Georgia Tech RB transfer Jahmyr Gibbs — On3’s No. 3 transfer in the portal. Georgia WR transfer Jermaine Burton came in as On3’s No. 5 transfer, while LSU DB transfer Eli Ricks checked in at No. 12.