Early Enrollees: Another Look at the Top Players Taking Part in Alabama's Postseason Prep

The Crimson Tide welcomed in 11 new freshmen from its newest recruiting class over the weekend, just in time for preparation for the Rose Bowl against No. 1 Michigan.

Austin Hannon | Dec 18, 2023

In this story:

Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Crimson Tide has begun preparations for its high-profile collision against No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl CFP semifinal.

Over the last couple of weeks, the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide has lost a few players to the transfer portal, including wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks and defensive linemen Anquin Barnes and Isaiah Hastings. Alabama also lost quarterback Tyler Buchner.

However, it's not all departures for the Crimson Tide (12-1, 9-0 SEC). Alabama has a solid handful of should be-high school seniors arriving on campus. There are already 11 that have joined over the weekend, and more on the way.

Of course, this young talent isn't at Nick Saban's disposal for the College Football Playoff — but it's good to have them getting familiar with the current roster.

Here's another look at the best of the Crimson Tide's newest arrivals:

Julian Sayin, QB

Where else would this list begin?

Likely Alabama's top recruit of the current cycle is Julian Sayin, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback from Carlsbad, Calif. Sayin is 247Sports' No. 3 rated quarterback in the Class of 2024 — he is alone atop On3's quarterback rankings.

He has been one of the most talented high school quarterbacks in the state of California for three years now. Sayin came onto the scene his sophomore year. This past season, he was responsible for 28 touchdowns and just one interception during his senior season at Carlsbad High School.

He was named MVP at the 2023 Elite 11 Finals.

Similar to Bryce Young, also from California, Sayin is a little bit undersized at the quarterback position, but it doesn't impact his game. He's an extremely quick decision-maker with the football in his hands. Mechanically, he's a very strong passer — and he's got plenty of athleticism as well.

Sayin will have to wait his turn in Tuscaloosa, with Jalen Milroe announcing his return to the team next season.

Zabien Brown, CB

Zabien Brown will be 20 years old as a true freshman at Alabama. That's a good thing. Brown has played a lot of football at powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif.

Yes, that's where the aforementioned Young starred from 2018-2019.

Brown is a solid corner on the outside, good in both man-to-man and zone. He's got plenty of size at 6-foot-1 and over 180 pounds.

The Crimson Tide will likely lose all three of its starting cornerbacks, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold and Malachi Moore to the NFL in April. There will be plenty of opportunities for younger players like Brown to make an impact early.

Caleb Odom, TE

Alabama has a thing for athletic tight ends.

A younger version of Amari Niblack? That's Caleb Odom, one of the top players in the Crimson Tide's 2024 recruiting class. Odom is the third-ranked tight end in the Class of 2024 by 247Sports. He is No. 2 in On3's player rankings.

Odom is a native of Carrollton, Ga. He has been a terrific basketball player throughout his childhood as well, reportedly receiving college offers to play on the hardwood.

As you would expect, Odom was used a lot in high school. He's a volume target on the inside, with the speed to create explosive plays. Very high vertical.

Jeremiah Beaman, DL

Jeremiah Beaman is already an intimidating force. He has an opportunity to become a special player at Alabama once he gets in the program.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Beaman is one of the top players from the state of Alabama in the 2024 cycle on the defensive end of the ball.

For his size, Beaman is extremely quick off the edge, but also has the power to play through double teams if necessary. He's a similar prospect to Chris Braswell, who has become one of the Crimson Tide's best players this season.

There was speculation that Beaman, from Birmingham, might end up with Hugh Freeze at Auburn, but with his arriving on campus, that thought can be put to bed.

Casey Poe, OG

Casey Poe is the kind of player one wants in their program.

On the field, he's a fundamentally sound interior offensive lineman. He's probably not big enough to play on the outside in the SEC, but he's a powerful force on the inside.

From Lindale, Texas, Poe is On3's No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the Class of 2024 — 247Sports has him at No. 4 in their position rankings.

Off the field, Poe has been Saban's right-hand man, recruiting other talented players in his class to join him at Alabama. He represents the Crimson Tide with a lot of pride.

Other Early Enrollees

Peyton Woodyard, S
Sterling Dixon, EDGE
Joseph Ionata, OG
William Sanders, OG
Cayden Jones, LB
Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., CB

Early National Signing Day is Wednesday. BamaCentral will have you covered all day.