Spring Preview: 5 Breakout Candidates for 2015

Tide fans saw brief glimpses of Tony Brown in the 2014 season. Brown saw action in 13 games and recorded 10 tackles, one for loss, and one pass breakup. He is considered by most to be the future leader of Alabama's secondary because of his blazing speed. In January, Brown, who is also a member of Alabama's Track and Field team, won the 60-meter hurdles at the Vanderbilt Indoor Invitational with a time of 7.89. In other words, he is capable of keeping up with some of the fastest wide receivers in the country.

It is no secret that the Tide's secondary did not perform to their usual standards during the 2014 season. Brown has the potential to compete for a starting role and establish himself as a lockdown corner. He will have to compete with the likes of Eddie Jackson, Cyrus Jones, Marlon Humphrey, and others but his big hit ability gives him an early leg on the competition. He will try to impress how new secondary coach Mel Tucker who most recently worked with Kyle Fuller, the Chicago Bears' 2014 first round draft pick.

Rashaan Evans has already garnered plenty of attention in his short college career. The 6-foot-3, 225- pound linebacker is famous for choosing Alabama over his hometown Auburn Tigers on National Signing Day in 2014. He most recently saw his name in the headlines after saying the best part about Alabama's playoff trip to New Orleans was Bourbon Street. 2015 will be the year that he tries to become known for what he does on the field.

Evans was regarded one of the nation's best linebackers coming out of high school. He recorded 14 tackles, three quarterback hurries, and one sack during his freshman campaign. Saban utilized his speed around the edge to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and constantly praised him for his efforts throughout the season. His size, speed, and aggression makes him a perfect fit for Saban's defense. Evans will be one of the Tide's key contributors in the 2015 season.

Shaun Hamilton is another linebacker that has the potential to do great things for Alabama's defense. He did not receive as much attention as Da'Shawn Hand or Rashaan Evans during his recruitment despite his high school numbers being equally as impressive as theirs. In his senior season at Carver High School, Hamilton recorded 116 total tackles. He was an early enrollee who quickly made a name for himself, and his work ethic was impressive enough for Saban to rotate him in with the first team nickel defense during fall practice.

Although Hamilton recorded just three total tackles in his first season at Alabama, he is considered a top candidate to replace the departing Trey DePriest. He will have his work cut out for him as he competes with what is probably one of the most talented linebacking corps in the entire country. Nick Saban and Kirby Smart's system uses multiple sets and defenders, so Hamilton can make an impact even if he does not become a starter.

Ross Pierschbacher is a name that you may not know (or at least never tried to pronounce), but he is in good position to land a starting job on the offensive line next season. Pierschbacher will be one of many looking to fill the voids left behind by Arie Kouandjio, Leon Brown, and Austin Shepherd. Shepherd, in an interview with Tide 99.1's Ryan Fowler, mentioned Pierschbacher as a potential candidate to become a starter next year due to his size, strength, and work ethic.

The Iowa native was listed as Kouandjio's backup at left guard prior to the start of the 2014 season. However, at 6-foot-4, 295 pounds, he has the size and versatility to play guard or tackle. In fact, he spent the bulk of his high school career at left tackle. Alabama's depth up front, like many other positions, is full with talented guys that are capable of starting right away. It is Pierschbacher's versatility that makes him stand out from others. He has the the potential to be the offensive line's next breakout star.

One of Alabama's biggest challenges throughout spring practice will be figuring out how to replace wide receivers Amari Cooper, Christion Jones, and DeAndrew White. You can never really replace a guy like Cooper, but one of the guys that has a great chance of doing it is sophomore wide receiver Cam Sims. Sims had seven receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown in his inaugural 2014 season. Although he does not have eye-popping numbers, he has established himself as a future contributor in Kiffin's offense.

The 6-foot-4, 208-pound Sims quickly gained the attention of fans during fall scrimmages last season including one scrimmage where he recorded 48 receiving yards on just two receptions. He is tall enough to go up and bring down high throws, while also being quick enough to make defenders miss in the open field. The departure of so many talented receivers calls for someone to step up and become a difference maker. Sims is the perfect man for the job.