There are several ways to look at youth and the Alabama football roster. The most media attention has gone to the number of true freshmen starters. The number is seven now, including Will Reichard on special teams. Five freshmen are defensive starters after the LaBryan Ray injury. They are D. J. Dale, Justin Eboigbe, Shane Lee and Christian Harris. Jordan Battle is included when the Crimson Tide is using six defensive backs. The lone, true freshman starter on offense has been left guard, Evan Neal.
No Alabama football team coached by Nick Saban has ever depended so much on such youth.