While the majority of the focus in Tuscaloosa has been on the constantly evolving quarterback battle, a funny thing happened—freshmen playmakers started to surface.
Running back Damien Harris and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, in particular.
The former 5-star prospects in the most recent recruiting class both play in positions of need for the 2015 Crimson Tide, and head coach Nick Saban thinks that's a perfect storm for the two to be instant-impact youngsters.
"Running back and receiver are probably the two areas that are simplest for a guy to play, because you can minimize what he has to know," Saban said.