5 important storylines after Kalen DeBoer's first scrimmage at Alabama ahead of 2024 CFB season

The Alabama Crimson Tide saw a lot of changes since losing in the College Football Playoff semifinal in overtime to the Michigan Wolverines in January. Legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement and a slew of players left to join the NFL and transfer. However, in Year 1 of Kalen DeBoer, this team has some integral storylines to answer after the program's first scrimmage.

5 important storylines for Alabama after the first scrimmage

#1. Who will be the starting running back?

The running back position is not the most significant spot in Kalen DeBoer's scheming, but in a conference as tough as the SEC, they need someone who can at least be a threat.

The top three running backs returning from last year's squad (Justice Haynes, Jam Miller and Richard Young) combined for 75 total carries in 2023.

#2. Will the program be effective in kicking the ball?

One of the more underrated players from last year's team was placekicker Will Reichard, as he was almost automatically kicking field goals and extra points. However, he was selected in the 2024 NFL draft, so there will be a need for someone to replace his impact and put points on the board.

Transfer Graham Nicholson is expected to be Alabama's kicker, and it will be interesting to see how he does with the Roll Tide.

#3. Can this be the best offensive line in the SEC?

The offensive line for the Alabama Crimson Tide did pretty well last season, as they allowed 49 total sacks. The only different face on the offensive line is center Parker Brailsford. This offensive line has some significant pieces to protect quarterback Jalen Milroe as well as the running game and could be one of the top units in the entire Southeastern Conference.

The quintet of left tackle Kadyn Proctor, left guard Tyler Booker, center Parker Brailsford, right guard Jaeden Roberts and right tackle Elijah Pritchett will be amongst the best in the nation, if not the best.

#4. Who will be the WR1?

Wide receiver Jermaine Burton was Alabama's top receiver last season, but he is in the NFL now. That means someone else is going to need to step up and take over as the top target in this Crimson Tide offense.

The top players out wide are Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law and Germie Bernard. One of them will be lined up against the top defensive back, and it will be interesting to see who becomes that top player in the position.

#5. How will the secondary look this season?

The secondary has undergone some changes since the last time fans saw the Alabama Crimson Tide on the field. Despite seeing some defensive backs like Kool-Aid McKinstry leave for the pros, they have a lot of new faces in the secondary.

With many new faces, the question of how they will compete in the SEC always pops up. If they can lock down the opposing passing game, they will be in a great spot heading into the regular season in a few weeks.