Nate Oats assesses the play of Alabama's freshmen

When Alabama signed a top-five 2022 recruiting class under head coach Nate Oats, there were some high expectations in Tuscaloosa. And thus far, the four freshmen have delivered in a big way, playing a huge role in some outstanding resume wins for the Crimson Tide.

Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney have been the two starts, both winning two SEC Freshmen of the Week awards. Jaden Bradley has been slightly behind without the recognition, while Rylan Griffen has played crucial minutes as well.

Oats could not be more thrilled with how the young bucks are playing. Especially with how tough the nonconference schedule has been for Alabama, the quartet has stepped up to the plate big time.

“It obviously speaks to the level that our freshmen are playing,” Oats said on Clowney and Miller being recognized. “Jaden Bradley has had some really good games too. I mean, if Clowney and Brandon Miller weren’t doing what they’re doing, Jaden might have won one one of these weeks. And Rylen is playing good minutes, playing well for us.

“So, we’re really happy with the freshmen class. I think it speaks to what Brandon and Noah themselves have done but in addition, the group as a whole.”

Heading into Tuesday night, Miller led the SEC in scoring with just over 20 points a night. He has been a day-one starter for Alabama, despite his classification. The other three have played in clutch time situations as well.

Oats thinks the freshmen playing minutes during the nonconference portion shows he is going to play whoever gives Alabama a chance to win. Even though there are some veteran players on the roster, guys like Clowney and Bradley have seen their roles increase.

“Also speaks that we’re going to play guys that give us the best chance to win. They’ve been here for no years or whether they’ve been here two or three years. We’re not giving guys a free chance because they’ve been here for so long. You got to earn your stuff and I think these freshmen have come in and played well and earned their minutes.”

Alabama will begin SEC play just before the New Year, where the competition is expected to consistently be on a better level. With a tough nonconference schedule, Oats has prepared the entire Crimson Tide roster for what will be a tough slate.

But having freshmen playing so well this early in the season is a good sign of things to come in Tuscaloosa.