5 players who can give Alabama a boost with bigger roles in SEC play

Alabama football’s roster has talented players on both sides of the ball who have yet to fully establish themselves as contributors in the first three games of the 2025 season.

However, there a group of players who can provide the Tide with a boost in SEC play if they earn the opportunity to do so.

Late bloomer contributors on the Crimson Tide’s roster were leaned upon heavily last season in Kalen DeBoer’s first year as head coach. This indeed was the case when Alabama called upon the services of under-experienced talents such as Bray Hubbard, Zavier Mincey, Rico Scott, and others last year to help give Alabama a boost in the second half of the season due to injuries.

Here is a look at five players to watch as the Tide prepare to enter SEC play.

1. Lotzeir Brooks

Alabama fans have already gotten a small glimpse of what Brooks can do in the Crimson Tide offense, reeling in six catches for 88 yards in three games so far this season. These totals give the true freshman wideout an average of 14.7 per reception, showing his ability to stretch the field as a vertical threat. Brooks could provide quarterback Ty Simpson and the Crimson Tide offense with another dangerous threat in their passing game behind Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Isiah Horton and company.

2. Cam Calhoun

The transfer junior defensive back has provided depth in the Alabama secondary and on special teams through three games this season. Calhoun has two tackles and a pass deflection, but with his physicality, versatility and playing experience, he could very easily be a candidate to see the field more in an expanded role on defense for Alabama in conference play.

3. Micheal Carroll

Alabama football’s offensive line play has been solid across three games so far this season and true freshman tackle, Micheal Carroll, has been a part of that. Though he has not tailed a start, the 6-foot-6, 321-pounder has provided good snaps. Carroll also provides the Tide’s offensive front with positional versatility at both guard and tackle. This is why Carroll is another player who has the opportunity to give Alabama a boost with an expanded role in SEC play.

4. Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.

Alabama’s defensive staff has shown its willingness to rotate multiple defensive players at all three levels of its defense throughout the first three games of this season. Kirkpatrick Jr. has been apart of this rotation, tallying five tackles and one forced fumble so far. The redshirt sophomores’ physicality and intense playing style could be called upon more as the competition stiffens.

5. Kaleb Edwards

The importance of the tight end position in Alabama football’s offense cannot be understated in the slightest. This role has shown to be important as the Crimson Tide has relied on true freshman tight end, Kaleb Edwards, while being without the services of redshirt junior Danny Lewis, who’s been sidelined with a lower-leg injury. During this time, the 6-foot-6, 246-pounder has reeled in two receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown.