BamaOnLine.com - Impact signees: Camp update

August 16, 2009

Chase Goodbread
BamaOnLine.com Senior Writer

With the first fall camp scrimmage in the books, BamaOnLine.com takes a look at five incoming signees who could be making the best case for playing time this fall.

Impact signees: Camp update
	1. James Carpenter Position: Left tackle. Looking back: Carpenter wasted no time in working his way onto the first offensive line early in spring drills, and has been a fixture there ever since. Coach Nick Saban said at SEC Media Days that Carpenter has shown he can at least be "functional" as an SEC lineman. Signing a left-tackle option with JuCo experience, no doubt in anticipation of Andre Smith's early departure, made perfect sense. Looking ahead: It certainly appears as if the left tackle job is Carpenter's to lose at this point. Meanwhile, the anticipated battle between Carpenter and five-star freshman D.J. Fluker hasn't even brewed. If individual drills are any indication, his primary competition is not Fluker, but rather redshirt freshman Tyler Love.
	2. Dre Kirkpatrick Position: Defensive back. Looking back: Kirkpatrick's athleticism immediately began to stand out in fall camp, even before full pads went on for the first time. At 6-foot-2, his size is unique for a player with his quickness and change-of-direction skills. The five-star prospect from Gadsden City High has been seeing some practice reps with the nickel and dime packages. Looking ahead: There is a great deal of experience ahead of Kirkpatrick among the veterans, so don't expect to see too much too quickly. He's not likely to knock Kareem Jackson or Javier Arenas out of a job in the regular defense. When UA inserts extra defensive backs, however, Kirkpatrick appears to be among those vying for action.
	3. A.J. McCarron Position: Quarterback. Looking back: Camp praise for the four-star prospect has come early an often, from both teammates and Saban. A quick release and arm strength are visibly in place already for McCarron, but so is the need to add some weight. Teammates have commented on a certain fearlessness McCarron has shown, also a positive sign. So far in camp, there is nothing to suggest McCarron isn't a legit candidate for the No.2 quarterback job. Looking ahead: In the unfortunate circumstance of an injury to Greg McElroy, would Saban hand the keys to the UA offense to a true freshman? McCarron has a couple more weeks to make that answer a 'yes'. Once camp passes, the first and second quarterbacks will begin handling almost all the practice reps.
	4. Kevin Norwood Position: Wide receiver. Looking back: In truth, there was little from observations of individual drills through the first 10 days of camp that separated the four incoming wide receivers. Michael Bowman, in fact, was probably the most impressive. Then came the scrimmage: Norwood pulled in three passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. And Saban said afterward that while Norwood may not be a better talent than his fellow incomers at the position, he has shown the maturity to handle camp circumstances better than others. Looking ahead: Even if Norwood ends up on top of the freshman heap, there are still plenty of veterans that could stand between Norwood and playing time on Saturdays. Still, his scrimmage performance alone merits his place here.
	5. Trent Richardson Position: Running back. Looking back: Richardson got just five carries in Saturday's scrimmage, but that turned out to be more than any back on the team other than Mark Ingram and Terry Grant. Richardson's physical ability is obvious in drill work and there is little doubt he has all the raw ability needed to play. Judging his current place in the pecking order is dicey business, but he appears to be just behind UA's three veterans at the position. Looking ahead: After last year's carries were essentially spread over three backs, fourth-string is where nobody wants to be. Whether Richardson can assume one of the top three spots in the rotation may depend on his blocking more than his rushing. Then again, Saban may just find a way to get a fourth back on the field - Richardson could be ideal in a short-yardage/goal line role if nothing else.

Three more to watch: 1. LB Nico Johnson - The five-star prospect has looked impressive in drills, but his weakside position is as tough a mental adjustment as a physical one. Jerrell Harris is working as the No.2 Will in camp; 2. OL D.J. Fluker - His size and strength are all that was advertised, but is currently working as a reserve at right tackle. Saban has said his conditioning needs to improve; 3. Michael Bowman - The four-star has looked very smooth in drills, catching everything thrown his way. His size is in the neighborhood with Julio Jones and Earl Alexander, and Bowman also appears to know how to use it.

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