Indianapolis Colts receiver and Miami product Andre Johnson recently suggested that a team comprised only of Miami Hurricane alumni could win a Super Bowl, which seemed far-fetched considering that there isn’t a quarterback in the NFL from “The U.”
But Johnson gave us a nice idea, so here’s our first look at a potential alumni all-star NFL team that might be able to compete for a Super Bowl. We’ll explore other programs in the weeks to come, but let’s begin with the Alabama Crimson Tide:
QB: A.J. McCarron — The Bengals backup is the only active NFL quarterback from Alabama. This is problematic.
RB: Eddie Lacy — With Mark Ingram as a backup, they’d have one of the best 1-2 punches in football.
WR: Julio Jones/Kevin Norwood — But because those are the only two active Alabama receivers, they’d have major depth issues.
TE: Brad Smelley — The 2012 seventh-round pick is the only Alabama product with a catch at tight end. He has one career reception.
OT: Andre Smith / D.J. Fluker — Solid bookend tackles, actually. But who would have McCarron’s blind side?
G: Evan Mathis / Chance Warmack — One is coming out of his prime and the other isn’t quite there yet, but both are starting-caliber players with Pro Bowl talent.
C: Barrett Jones — You either use the Rams center or move James Carpenter inside.
DL: Marcell Dareus / Terrence Cody / Ed Stinston / Brandon Deaderick — Dareus is really the only above-average player here.
LB: DeMeco Ryans / Rolando McClain / Nico Johnson / Dont’a Hightower — Jarret Johnson’s retirement really hurt the front seven, which isn’t a good omen. This team would have virtually no ability to rush the passer.
CB: Kareem Jackson / Dee Milliner — Not a terrible duo with Dre Kirkpatrick working as the nickel.
S: Roman Harper / Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — The talented Mark Barron is also on board, as is Rashad Johnson of the Cardinals.
Conclusion: If McCarron could keep it together the offense would be above average, as would the secondary. But the pass defense would get zero help from the front seven and a lack of pass rush would do them in. This team would struggle to win four games.
