{"id":8333,"date":"2017-09-05T18:20:19","date_gmt":"2017-09-05T22:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=8333"},"modified":"2017-12-30T15:02:28","modified_gmt":"2017-12-30T20:02:28","slug":"ua-freshmen-sophomores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2017\/09\/05\/ua-freshmen-sophomores\/","title":{"rendered":"These 10 UA Freshmen and Sophomores Will Impact the Tide Early and Often this Year– Part 2 of 2 (Players 6-10)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a Memorable Fall Camp, 10 UA Freshmen and Sophomores Look Ready to Help the Tide Win Another National Championship-Part\u00a02 of 2 (Players 6-10)<\/h1>\n

My previous article <\/a><\/strong>looked at UA\u2019s top five freshmen and sophomores that will likely have a big impact this season. In part 2, we will look at five more UA freshmen and sophomores that should be major factors in 2017.<\/p>\n

6. Alex Leatherwood<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The five-star freshman <\/a>is in a great position to see playing time after also having a good summer. The 6-foot-6, 322-pound Leatherwood is part of the competition for Alabama\u2019s right tackle job. Additionally, Leatherwood and fellow freshman Jedrick Wills<\/strong> have also gotten some reps at guard. As the Alabama coaches often do this time of year, the offensive line is being cross-trained and evaluated at different positions.<\/p>\n

During SEC Media Days, Tide Coach Nick Saban<\/strong> listed Leatherwood as one of four players who “could play winning football on the offensive line.” After an incredible freshman year, the coaches have been open about the fact that Jonah Williams<\/strong> will be moving to left tackle this year. In fact, it is because the coaches have been consistently vocal about Williams having solidified his starting spot that I decided to leave him off this list. But with Williams moving over to protect Jalen Hurts<\/strong><\/a>‘<\/strong> blindside, the question is who will step up to start at right tackle.<\/p>\n

The answer will likely come down to a battle between Leatherwood the five-star freshman and veteran Matt Womack.<\/strong> Since he arrived on campus, Leatherwood has dropped weight, gained strength and speed, and impressed the coaching staff with his ability to grasp the offense. His size, speed and talent have even\u00a0evoked comparisons to Alabama and NFL great Cam Robinson<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0Therefore the competition to find UA’s starting right tackle is no doubt one of the most intriguing position battles leading into the season.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Regardless of how the position battle turns out, Leatherwood is set to have a long, heralded career at Alabama. And it goes without saying that he will be one of the top UA Freshmen and Sophomores this season.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

7. Henry<\/strong> Ruggs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ruggs has already established himself as one of the fastest players on Alabama\u2019s team. As such, he could be a factor this year at both wide receiver and as a returner. The freshman was a standout during summer workouts and fall camp. But as noted in the previous article<\/a>, the depth at receiver is almost as impressive as the Tide\u2019s stable of RBs. But Ruggs\u2019 speed and football IQ make him a great prospect for playing time on special teams as well. Specifically, Ruggs’ speed and ability to elude tacklers makes him a logical addition to the return game<\/a>.<\/p>\n