We're taking a look at each position group as Alabama prepares to open spring practice. The ninth part of the series looks at special teams.



Projected spring depth chart:

Kicker: Redshirt freshman Joseph Bulovas



Punter: Freshman Skyler DeLong



Kick returners: Junior running back Josh Jacobs, senior wide receiver Xavian Marks



Punt returner: Junior cornerback Trevon Diggs



Departed: Kicker Andy Pappanastos, punter JK Scott



New arrivals: DeLong



Due to arrive in the fall: Graduate transfer kicker Austin Jones.





Outlook:

For the first time since 2013, someone other than JK Scott will be handling Alabama's punting.



The likely heir apparent, freshman Skyler DeLong, arrived in January. And the Crimson Tide is hopeful he can step in and contribute at a high level like Scott did as a freshman in 2014.



Even more interesting, though, will be the kicker situation.



Joseph Bulovas seemed to be the favorite to win the kicking job entering last year's fall camp but struggled and was beaten out by Andy Pappanastos. Now, after redshirting, Bulovas will have another chance to win the kicking job.

He will compete with Temple graduate transfer Austin Jones. However, Jones not arriving until the summer means that Bulovas will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself throughout the spring.



As for the returners, Josh Jacobs and Trevon Diggs finished last season as the kick returners. Diggs was also the punt returner.



There will be competition for those spots, though. Players like senior wide receiver Xavian Marks and sophomore wide receiver Henry Ruggs are among the others that will probably be in the mix for at least one of those jobs.



Matt Zenitz is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.