Which of the Tide's newcomers will make a major contribution next season? That's a question that won't be answered until next fall. But since some fans are impatient, we've asked the South's most respected recruiting experts to name the five players who are most likely to make an instant impact next season.
Tom Culpepper
Southeastern Blue Chip Report
1. Milo Lewis
Ability, immediate need at cornerback, and participation in spring practice make Milo the most likely early contributor.
2. Antonio Carter
Oustanding special teams returns ability will give Antonio an opportunity to make an early impact.
3. Michael Gaines
The question is whether this talented player makes an impact at defensive end, linebacker, or tight end.
4. Kenny King
Kenny's combination of strength, speed, and football mentality make him the most advanced of the defensive line signees.
5. Leonard Fulgham
The Tide offense could use another big receiver, especially one with the ability to take the football away from smaller defenders.
Freddie Kirby
Pigskin Preps
1. Milo Lewis
No question that he'll be a starter. Has tremendous cover ability and is at a position of need.
Note: If he had been qualified, Dave Peterson would have been my numero uno.
2. Saleem Rasheed
Speed at linebacker, a need position, offers the athletic ability at LB that they don't have.
3. Antonio Carter
Too good to be on the bench. Faster than any of the wideouts. Threat on kick returns. Could play corner. Faster than David Palmer.
4. Michael Gaines
Aggressive mentality, tremendous instincts, and versatile enough to play either side of the ball. He's dominating!
5. Raymon Hudson
Talented skill player who can play cornerback, running back, or receiver. Plays hard. Will find himself in the mix at DB early.
Barry Holland
Pigskin Preps
1. Milo Lewis
One of the nation's top JUCO corners. He'll be in spring practice and will start in the season opener.
2. Antonio Carter
AC has speed and ability. He might have more of an impact next season than Freddie Milons did as a freshman last year.
3. David Paine
He is the most explosive pass rushing defensive end that Alabama's signed in many years. He'll be in the NFL following his junior season.
4. Hirchel Bolden
He's a physical and aggressive corner with great athletic ability and speed. He could play WR, but I predict he'll make an early contribution at corner.
5. Leonard Fulgham
Did I surprise anyone? We [Pigskin Preps] had him rated too low. Leonard has as much pure athletic ability as anyone in this class. He could play WR or FS. He has Deon Grant like ability, but Leonard's a little faster.
Bruce Parris
MultiMedia Sports
1. Antonio Carter
Antonio comes into a position that needs help because of the large number of WRs that Alabama uses. His speed and athletic ability will help him contribute early.
2. Milo Lewis
The fact that Milo is going through spring training and plays a position that has very little depth, along with the talent he possesses, means that he should see playing time early and in large quantities.
3. David Paine
David has great size and speed and should be able to get some playing time early and increase the amount of playing time as he gains technique.
4. Kenny King
Even with the depth Alabama has begun to develop on the DL, Kenny should make some early contributions and at least in the early going will probably be the best of the incoming defensive players.
5. Leonard Fulgham
Look for Leonard to be the other incoming WR to see early playing time. He is bigger and faster than most people realize and has a chance to be special.
Jamie Newberg
Border Wars
[Editor's Note: Jamie's five selections are not ranked.]
Dante Ellington & Matt Lomax
Alabama needs to get much better on the OL. Ellington and Lomax are good enough to see immediate action. Both players have incredible upside. I feel that Lomax was the most underrated OL in the South, while Ellington is one of the most athletic big men around. Ellington could be a little green though.
Antonio Carter
AC is a gifted athlete with blazing speed. He is hard to keep off the field even as a freshman. AC is a true game breaker that should see some action very quickly. Once he learns the playbook, watch out. AC will star as a wide receiver.
Milo Lewis
Milo has got to be able to step in and help Alabama's secondary. With a spring practice under his belt, he could develop into a major contributor for BAMA's defense.
Jarrett Johnson
Even with all the young talent on Alabama's defensive front, they will need a few big fellas to step up and play early. Look for Johnson to emerge from that truly talented group.
Forrest Davis
Prep Sports
Choosing the five players most likely to have the greatest early impact for Alabama is a pretty difficult task. This is just about the top Alabama class ever, so there is a ton of talent to pick from. I will pick without knowing the final results on academic eligibility. Well here we go...
Antonio Carter
AC is an awesome player. Much like Freddie Milons, AC should play in every game as a freshman.
Michael Gaines
The fastest of the South's great tight ends, Michael is a perfect fit in the Alabama offense. He could start as a freshman.
Dante Ellington
I know the offensive line is a tough place to break in, but Ellington is special.
David Paine
Simply unlimited talent. He will be in the rotation from day one.
Saleem Rasheed
A great player at a position that needs help. Could be the most important player Alabama signed.
Truth is, I think several more will play a lot. I like Matt Lomax, Les Williams, Roberto McBride, Kenny King, Jarrett Johnson, Gerard Clark, Gary McNealy and Leonard Fulgham to all play next year. In fact, Fulgham could be the biggest impact player of the bunch as a freshman.
TI
Here's my two-cents:
1. Milo Lewis
Need, closing speed, and spring practice make him number one.
2. Antonio Carter
Speed, moves, and big-play ability make him an instant difference-maker at wide receiver and kick returner.
3. Saleem Rasheed
Will bring much needed speed and athletic ability to linebacker corps.
4. Michael Gaines
We think he'll be a defensive end or linebacker, but sources say he's a better tight end than Rufus French. Outstanding pass rusher!
5. Kenny King
This guy can flat out run! Will team with Gaines, David Paine, Garry McNealy, and Jarrett Johnson to put the heat on QBs. No wonder Chris Simms changed his mind!
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