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re: 2018-19 Roster/Depth Chart breakdowns and updates
Posted on 3/13/18 at 11:22 am to TidalSurge1
Posted on 3/13/18 at 11:22 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Outlook:
The defensive line is somewhat of a question mark for Alabama.
The good news for the Crimson Tide is that Raekwon Davis, a 2017 first-team All-SEC selection, is back. In addition, Isaiah Buggs played a lot last year and posted 51 tackles. And two young players, LaBryan Ray and Quinnen Williams, both had moments last season where it was clear they have the potential to become very good players.
But replacing Da'Ron Payne in particular will be tough. Having Payne in the middle of that defensive line last year was one of the top reasons Alabama once again had the nation's top-ranked run defense. And with last year's backup nose tackle, Josh Frazier, also moving on, the Tide will probably need to rely on someone who hasn't played much to this point to play that nose tackle spot.
Redshirt senior Johnny Dwight, who was the third-string nose tackle last season, is an option. So is redshirt freshman Phidarian Mathis, who was the No. 7 defensive tackle in last year's recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
The best way to sum Alabama D-line, though, is that there are some question marks regarding the group but that there's clearly a good amount of talent with players like Davis and Buggs and young guys like Ray, Williams and Mathis.
There are also a couple freshmen that could factor into the competition for playing time, especially early enrollee Stephon Wynn. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Wynn was the third-best strong-side defensive end and 74th-best overall prospect in this year's recruiting class, per the 247 Composite.
This post was edited on 3/13/18 at 11:25 am
1
Posted on 3/13/18 at 1:07 pm to TidalSurge1
Posted on 3/14/18 at 11:15 am to TidalSurge1
Alabama returns a few star LBs, now needs depth (al.com)
quote:
We're taking a look at each position group as Alabama prepares to open spring practice. Thia part of the series series looks at the linebackers.
Alabama's put out its share of high-end running backs during the Nick Saban era. They got more glory than the other positional group that's cranked out just as much, if not more stars in the past 11 years.
The Alabama linebackers will have some new blood moving into the middle while returning the core of an outside group with real potential. New assistant Pete Golding will be in charge of the middle linebackers while promoted defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will still coach the outside linebackers.
Posted on 3/14/18 at 11:16 am to TidalSurge1
quote:Note: OLB Jarez Parks is an early enrollee.
Projected depth chart:
MLB
Dylan Moses: 30 tackles (5.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble.
Markail Benton: Redshirted
MLB
Mack Wilson: 40 tackles (2.5 TFL), 4 INTs, 2 pass breakups, 4 QB hurries
Keith Holcombe: 38 tackles (2.0 TFL), 1.0 sack, 3 pass breakups, 1 QB hurry
OLB
Christian Miller: 6 tackles (2.0 TFL)
or
Terrell Lewis: 16 tackles (2.0 TFL) 1 sack, 1 pass breakup.
OLB
Anfernee Jennings: 41 tackles (6.0 TFL), 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 4 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles
Christopher Allen: 6 tackles (1.0 TFL), 2 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble
Departed
MLB: Rashaan Evans: 74 tackles (13.0 TFL), 6.0 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 7 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble.
MLB: Shaun Dion Hamilton: 40 tackles (5.5 TFL), 2.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 4 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles.
Due to arrive in the fall: OLB Eyabo Anoma, OLB Jordan Davis, OLB Cameron Latu, OLB Jarez Parks, MLB Jaylen Moody.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 11:22 am
Posted on 3/14/18 at 11:16 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Outlook: Like with the receivers, Alabama loses two veteran starters at middle linebacker and arguably upgraded. The ceiling is that high for Dylan Moses and Mack Wilson in the middle of this defense.
Moses showed flashes of the future late in the regular season before an injury sidelined him for the playoff run. He has the size, speed and instincts and now a season of experience to carry forward. The former national high school player of the year has the potential to be one of the greats at this position.
Wilson also returns after battling injury in 2017 while showing his upside. The four interceptions led a defense stockpiled with experienced defensive backs. His pick-six against Clemson sealed the Sugar Bowl win with an athletic leap into the end zone.
The issue at middle linebacker is depth -- a considerable dilemma since both projected starters missed time with injuries. Keith Holcombe is the lone player with considerable experience at middle linebacker. Markail Benton redshirted last season. The Tide came up short on the recruiting trail in the effort to restock here, so this will be a position to keep an eye on.
For the outside linebackers, injuries were an even bigger storyline. The good news is Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller were in position for the breakout seasons expected of them before injuries took them out for almost the entire year. Both are aggressive, athletic players coming off the edge who can bring back some of that element missing in 2017. Don't forget it was Lewis who sacked Jake Fromm in overtime of the national title game to force the Georgia field goal.
Anfernee Jennings is coming off a knee injury in the Sugar Bowl and it's unclear how available he'll be for spring practice. A few players got experience at outside linebacker because of the injury problems including Jamey Mosley, Christopher Allen and VanDarius Cowan.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 3/14/18 at 4:48 pm to TidalSurge1
It's really unbelievable that we got so many guys experienced via injury and still won a national championship
Roll damn Tide
Roll damn Tide
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:34 pm to JuiceTerry
Alabama's 2018 Offseason Outlook: Outside linebacker (BamaOnLine)
quote:
We have reached the point on the calendar between the end of the college football season and the start of spring practices across the country. So, as football withdrawals reach their peak and spring ball inches ever closer, what better way to pass the time than with offseason outlooks on each position on Alabama’s roster for the 2018 season?
Today, we continue our Offseason Outlook series that highlights the state of each position group, breaking down the outgoing, returning and incoming players at each spot and attempt to predict which players will step into starting roles for the Crimson Tide this fall.
Next up is the outside linebacker position.
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:34 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S LEAVING?
Mekhi Brown
Brown was the only departure for the outside linebackers this offseason. The former 4-star recruit announced his transfer to Tennessee State just one week after the national title game -- where he got into a sideline altercation with a Crimson Tide staff member. Brown appeared in 12 games this past season, mostly on special teams, and recorded seven total tackles.
That means six outside ‘backers will be back for the start of spring practice on March 20. That’s decent depth off the edge. But as it was well documented in 2017, Alabama can’t have too many linebackers, whether outside or inside, because of possible injuries.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 6:41 pm
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:34 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S COMING BACK?
Redshirt seniors Christian Miller and Jamey Mosley, redshirt junior Anfernee Jennings, junior Terrell Lewis, redshirt sophomore Ben Davis, sophomore Christopher Allen
Just like the end of the 2017 campaign, Miller, Jennings and Lewis should lead the outside linebackers again in 2018. Miller and Lewis overcame early-season injuries to return for the Tide’s playoff games, while Jennings helped Alabama reach the championship game -- “playing his arse off,” Lewis said -- before sustaining a knee injury against Clemson.
When Miller and Jennings were sidelined after the season opener, Mosley stepped in alongside Jennings as a starter. He and Allen, as a true freshman, gained invaluable experience that will help both themselves and UA this fall from a depth standpoint. Even Davis, a former 5-star recruit, was able to see his first action in a crimson uniform against Mercer.
So, all six returning outside linebackers have in-game experience under their belts.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 6:42 pm
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:34 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S COMING IN?
5-star Eyabi Anoma, 4-star Jarez Parks, 4-star Jordan Davis, 4-star Cameron Latu
Four of the five linebackers the Tide signed this cycle are considered either outside linebackers or defensive ends, although they could eventually move inside or permanently put their hand in the dirt. The possibility of one or more either inside linebacker or defensive end remains, but for now, Alabama has a strong group of youngsters to work with this offseason.
Parks, a holdover from the 2017 cycle, is already on campus as an early enrollee and will be able to continue practicing with the team this spring. He already has a handful of practices to his name as he arrived early and helped the team prior to the playoffs.
Anoma should stick with the outside linebackers, and he’s one of the best players UA signed in the early signing period. Whether or not Davis or Latu end up [at OLB] learning from Tosh Lupoi [or at DE] remains to be seen, but both 4-star prospects will provide depth somewhere.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 6:47 pm
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:34 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO COULD STEP UP?
Jennings will certainly be a factor this fall, but he’s likely to start the spring on the sidelines. As for who will be the first players through position lines when spring practice begins next week, Miller and Lewis should be eager for a fresh start as group leaders.
Looking ahead to the 2018 season, the outside linebackers should have a similar look as in 2017 because of the returning talent. There will, however, be more depth because of the influx of players that can rush the passer and set the edge. Despite not having an extensive football background, Anoma could also prove to be difficult to keep off the field this fall.
Regardless of where guys end up in the pecking order, though, Nick Saban and company will be pleased to have double digit players that can step in at OLB after an injury-plagued 2017.
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 6:47 pm
Posted on 3/14/18 at 6:35 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
PREVIOUS OFFSEASON OUTLOOKS
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Offensive tackle
Guard, center
Defensive Line
This post was edited on 3/14/18 at 6:40 pm
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:02 am to TidalSurge1
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:10 am to TidalSurge1
Alabama, Nick Saban to overhaul secondary this spring (al.com)
quote:
Two months have passed since Alabama defeated Georgia to claim its 17th national title. But the Tide has already set its sights on winning another championship. With spring practice around the corner, AL.comwill take a look at where the Crimson Tide stands in each position group as the offseason begins in earnest. The eighth in a nine-part series examines the team's secondary.
Projected depth chart:
CB: Trevon Diggs, Nigel Knott
CB: Jared Mayden, Saivion Smith
STAR: Shyheim Carter, Kyriq McDonald
FS: Xavier McKinney, Keaton Anderson
SS: Deionte Thompson, Daniel Wright
Departed: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Anthony Averett, Levi Wallace, Tony Brown, Hootie Jones, Ronnie Harrison, Rogria Lewis
New arrivals: Saivion Smith
Due to arrive in the fall: Patrick Surtain Jr., Josh Jobe, Jalyn Armour-Davis, Eddie Smith
Posted on 3/15/18 at 11:10 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Outlook:
Nick Saban built his illustrious career by becoming a master of the secondary. During his time at Alabama, 14 of the defensive backs he's coached have been drafted into the NFL. But this year Saban will have his work cut out for him as he revamps the entire position group -- from cornerback to Star to safety.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Levi Wallace, Anthony Averett, Tony Brown, Hootie Jones and Ronnie Harrison have all moved on, leaving a huge void on the back end of a defense that predominantly relies on its nickel and dime packages to shackle the spread offenses of this age.
This spring, Saban and newly-installed defensive backs coach Karl Scott will try to build a framework for the secondary, knowing that some additional parts -- most notably Patrick Surtain Jr., the nation's No. 1 cornerback recruit -- are due to arrive this fall.
Of course, the back end isn't bereft of talent.
Trevon Diggs was slated to start at outside cornerback last season before Levi Wallace came out of nowhere and usurped his position. Safety Deionte Thompson, meanwhile, stepped in for the injured Hootie Jones during the College Football Playoff and performed exceedingly well. And junior college transfer Saivion Smith is less than two years removed from playing major college football at LSU, where he began his career as a heralded five-star prospect.
The personnel moves Saban makes within this unit will be among the most fascinating as he attempts to create a reasonable facsimile of the 2017 secondary. And there's a good chance he just might pull it off, which would be quite the coup for Alabama.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 11:13 am
Posted on 3/15/18 at 12:16 pm to TidalSurge1
Alabama's 2018 Offseason Outlook: Inside linebacker (BamaOnLine)
quote:
We have reached the point on the calendar between the end of the college football season and the start of spring practices across the country. So, as football withdrawals reach their peak and spring ball inches ever closer, what better way to pass the time than with offseason outlooks on each position on Alabama’s roster for the 2018 season?
Today, we continue our Offseason Outlook series that highlights the state of each position group, breaking down the outgoing, returning and incoming players at each spot and attempt to predict which players will step into starting roles for the Crimson Tide this fall.
Next up is the inside linebacker position.
Posted on 3/15/18 at 12:16 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S LEAVING?
Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton
Alabama is losing its two starters at inside linebacker in Evans and Hamilton. The duo was also voted permanent team captains by their teammates at the conclusion of the regular season.
Evans, also voted a first-team All-American by AFCA, collected a team-high tying 74 tackles and led UA with 13 tackles for loss (-54 yards) despite missing a pair of games due to injury. Before his second season-ending injury -- this time a college career-ending setback -- Hamilton tied for second in total tackles (40) and ranked third on the team in tackles for loss with 5.5.
The departures of Evans and Hamilton are hard to overcome, but luckily for the Crimson Tide -- in hindsight -- both of the seniors missed time because of injuries. That allowed young players to receive invaluable reps as starters, which should help them in 2018.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 12:19 pm
Posted on 3/15/18 at 12:16 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S COMING BACK?
Redshirt senior Keith Holcombe, redshirt junior Joshua McMillon, junior Mack Wilson, sophomores Dylan Moses and VanDarius Cowan, redshirt freshman Markail Benton
Holcombe, Wilson and Moses each saw their first career starts this past season with injuries to Evans and Hamilton. Wilson was injured, himself, in the LSU game and wasn’t able to return until the Iron Bowl. Even then, he wasn’t back to 100-percent health. But the Montgomery, Ala., native bounced back to start in Alabama’s pair of playoff games alongside Evans.
Moses started against Mercer and played extensively against Mississippi, as did Holcombe. But a foot injury ended his true freshman season prematurely. Still, the former 5-star flashed potential for the future and could be the next standout in a line of star linebackers.
McMillon and Cowan provided depth and contributed on special teams, while Benton redshirted in 2017. All three, along with Holcombe, should provide quality depth this spring and in 2018.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 12:20 pm
Posted on 3/15/18 at 12:17 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO'S COMING IN?
3-star Jaylen Moody
Alabama signed five linebackers during the 2018 recruiting cycle, and Moody is the only one listed as an inside linebacker. One or more of the others (Eyabi Anoma, Jarez Parks, Jordan Davis and Cameron Latu) could eventually move inside, too, but for now, we list them as is. And the only newcomer we’ll see in the spring is Parks, who enrolled early.
Moody, 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, finds himself behind several experienced players in the pecking order at inside ‘backer, so a redshirt year seems like the likeliest of outcomes for the soon-to-be freshman, with a special teams contributor being his best case scenario.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 12:21 pm
Posted on 3/15/18 at 12:17 pm to TidalSurge1
quote:
WHO COULD STEP UP?
The future of the Mike and Will positions seems to be in the hands of Wilson and Moses, a pair of former 5-star recruits. If Moses has fully recovered from his foot injury, that’s the duo that we should see on the first day of spring football practice Tuesday, March 20.
Splitting time between baseball and football, Holcombe is entering his final season. If he decides to continue playing both sports, this will be the Tuscaloosa native’s last shot at locking down a full-time starting spot. He has the most experience, but he’s also hitting .386.
Regardless, the three fill-ins from last year lead the group into a new season, while a promising trio provides depth in the wings and a seventh inside ‘backer is set to enroll this summer.
This post was edited on 3/15/18 at 12:22 pm
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