Roster countdown: 8 Smith; 7 Brooks; 5 Williams
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: safety DeVonta Smith; wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks; and running back Roydell Williams.
8 S DeVonta Smith
2022: As a sophomore, Smith saw action in 10 games, with most of his work coming on special teams.
Of note: During the early stages of fall camp, Smith, who sat out the A-Day game in April, emerged as a legitimate candidate at safety. As is the case with a handful of defensive backs, Smith’s candidacy in the nickel and dime packages is tethered to the star and money positions, where position mates are very much in the mix. While Smith also has experience at those spots, the expectation is for the junior to impact his base position and special teams.
7 WR Ja’Corey Brooks
2022: In his second year in the program, Brooks appeared in every game, making eight starts. Of his 39 receptions last season, a team-high eight went for touchdowns. Brooks also led the Crimson Tide in yards per catch, averaging 17.3 yards per reception. On special teams, the Miami native returned seven kickoffs for 106 yards and blocked a punt.
Of note: Brooks returns as a prime option on the outside, joining Jermaine Burton, Kendrick Law and Malik Benson as top options at the X and Z spots. In the A-Day game, Brooks was targeted a scrimmage-high nine times. He caught two passes for 52 yards. Like the rest of the rotation, consistency remains the primary objective for Brooks. Here’s what we do know: In some of the biggest moments the last two seasons (not just Auburn in 2021), Brooks delivered when UA needed it the most. As far as documented “gamers” heading into the upcoming season go, the Miami native leads the way at his position.
5 RB Roydell Williams
2022: As a top reserve on offense and significant contributor on special teams, Williams saw action in all 13 games. He carried 56 times for 250 yards and four touchdowns; caught five passes for 37 yards and recorded six tackles.
Of note: Nearly two years removed from the ACL injury he sustained late in the 2021 regular season, it was a more confident and assertive Williams we saw back in the spring. In working with the White (first-team) offense in the A-Day game, Williams carried four times for 23 yards and caught three passes for 20 more. After the scrimmage, he was honored with the Johnny Musso Offensive Back Award. With the offense expected to feature more in the way of direct runs in 2023, Williams, who was featured in short yardage situations a year ago, should benefit from the approach. In addition to making strides as a receiver, he can also be counted on in pass protection.
Previous:
11 Story; 11 Benson; 10 Holstein
13 Adams; 12 Kite; 12 Lonergan
15 Turner; 15 Simpson; 13 Moore
17 Bond; 16 Reichard; 16 Hamilton
18 Preston; 18 Hubbard; 17 Marshall
20 Little; 19 Law; 19 Koht
24 Henderson; 22 Haynes; 21 Pope
28 Jefferson; 26 Miller; 25 Hurley
32 Lawson; 30 Campbell; 29 Ricks
35 Alexander; 34 Robinson; 33 Osborne
41 Braswell; 40 Blackshire; 36 Jackson
45 Ouzts; 44 Payne; 43 Murphy
49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
54 McVay; 52 Booker; 50 Smith
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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