JD PicKell: A look at why Alabama is college football's most 're-energized' team in 2022

It’s no secret Alabama is disappointed with how last season ended. Making another national championship is one thing for Nick Saban‘s program but losing to conference rival Georgia will sting, especially after an earlier win in the SEC Championship. Now, the Crimson Tide is reloading and preparing for another run and the CFP title trophy.

On3’s J.D. PicKell broke down the mentality of Alabama heading into the 2022 season, saying they are the most “re-energized” program in college football. He talked about how coming up short on the national stage is not the expectation for anyone in Tuscaloosa but especially quarterback Bryce Young. PicKell thinks the Crimson Tide are ready to get back onto the field to prove themselves.

“They are more motivated, more re-energized than I think any program in college football right now,” PicKell said. “They walked off that field last year, triple zeros, and they were second place. Alabama doesn’t do second place, y’all. They don’t like to do second place. Nobody does but Alabama is not accustomed to doing second place. Bryce Young said it at the Manning Passing Academy.

“He’s like ‘we failed last year. We did not complete the mission last year. The standard is national titles and we did not meet that.’ To have your starting quarterback, who won the most prestigious individual award in all of college football, say ‘last year was a failure.’ Folks, this team is ready to roll. They are chomping at the bit for Game One.”

J.D. PicKell thinks Alabama roster is “refreshed”

As they usually do, Alabama saw a few of their key names leave in favor of the NFL. However, there are still a few important pieces returning for another shot at a national championship. Players such as Young and Will Anderson were ineligible for the draft but return with points to prove.

PicKell points out somebody such as linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, saying Alabama is “refreshed” and will be ready when kick-off against Utah State on Sept. 3 comes rolling around.

“To have a team reloaded, refreshed like Alabama is on their roster,” PicKell began. “Dudes coming back up and down the roster that are going to be key contributors. Henry To’o To’o being one of them. One of the leaders on that defense. Going into the transfer portal, getting guys that are going to help them Game One. It’s huge. To be battle-tested. To see the adversity that can hit you when you’re not prepared, hit you when you’re not necessarily ready for what’s coming down the pipe at you.

SEC teams should be “worried” to see Nick Saban, Crimson Tide

PicKell compared the mindset of the Crimson Tide from last season, saying they are “more poised” heading into this year. He threw around a bunch of terms to explain his point but the bottom line is, Alabama is going to be ready to play for a national championship. And if you find yourself on the schedule this season, PicKell is worried if you.

“They’re more poised than they were last year,” PicKell said. “They’re more poised coming into this year. They’re re-energized. They’re chomping at the bit, they’re ready to get after it. All the cliches in the world you want to throw about Alabama being ready to play for Week 1, you can throw them out there right now.

“Because this team is coming for blood, they are coming for what they feel like they should have done a year ago and they look to complete the mission. Bottom line. I would be worried if I were playing Alabama anywhere on my schedule.”