Roster countdown: 87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: tight ends Danny Lewis and Amari Niblack and punter James Burnip.
87 TE Danny Lewis
2022: As a true freshman, Lewis appeared in five games, including the Crimson Tide’s Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State. Saw action at both tight end and on special teams.
Of note: Encouraging growth continued in the spring for Lewis, who worked alongside Maryland transfer CJ Dippre on the White team offense in the A-Day game. Lewis lined up both in line and off the ball in the scrimmage, turning four targets into four grabs for 30 yards. Showed well as a blocker both in the run game and pass protection. At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Lewis is capable of flexing out to the slot and getting the job done as a receiver or as a blocker in the quick passing game. A recipient of the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award at the end of spring drills, Lewis projects as a legitimate rotational option at tight end who will also help on special teams.
86 P James Burnip
2022: In his second year on the job, Burnip boosted his average from 39.1 yards per punt in 2021 to 42.3 yards per boot in 2022. The Australian amassed six punts of 50 yards or more with a long effort of 58 yards. Burnip also took over as the full-time holder on field goal and extra points.
Of note: Alabama finished 10th in the SEC in punting last season, its highest finish since the 2017 season, when it placed seventh among league teams. Burnip punted for both squads in the A-Day game, getting off a total of 14 boots for an average of 39.5 yards. With the 2023 team having more of a run-the-ball-play-defense-and-win-field-position feel to it, the junior, who was honored with the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award at the end of spring practice, will look to take another step where flipping the field is concerned.
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84 TE Amari Niblack
2022: As a true freshman, Niblack saw action in 10 games, making one start (Tennessee). Lone reception of the season covered 15 yards and went for a touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe. In addition to tight end, Niblack also worked on special teams.
Of note: Like Lewis, Niblack appears to be on schedule in his development. The sophomore was TE1 for the Crimson offense in the A-Day game. Niblack caught three passes in the scrimmage, taking home the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award when it was over. Up to 233 pounds, he’s becoming more of a viable option at the point of attack in the run game, where he’s asked to take on defensive ends and linebackers. Athleticism allows for versatility in the way of personnel groupings, as Niblack can work mismatches in the passing game from either 11 or 12 personnel. Another tight end who figures to contribute on special teams as well.
Previous:
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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