re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

LB's

Alabama Football Recruiting Big Board: Linebackers
Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer
Free 30-day free trial subscription to BamaInsider.com!

Fukhgyacrursqi0iqy1k
Chad Simmons
The 2019 recruiting class is now on the clock.

The Recruiting Big Board is a look at how Alabama stacks up both now and in the future at every position. Inside we will take a look at the Crimson Tide’s current needs and possible players it might add to replace them.

Today’s breakdown: Linebacker

RETURNING (12)

Christian Miller, R-Sr.

Keith Holcombe, R-Sr.

Jamey Mosley, R-Sr.

Anfernee Jennings, R-Jr.

Joshua McMillon, R-Jr.

Mack Wilson, Jr.

Terrell Lewis, Jr.

Ben Davis, R-So.

Dylan Moses, So.

VanDarius Cowan, So.

Christopher Smith, So.

Markail Benton, R-Fr.

NEW ADDITIONS (5)

Eyabi Anoma

Jarez Parks

Jordan Davis

Cameron Latu

Jaylen Moody

OVERVIEW

A myriad of injuries at the linebacker position last season might have come as a blessing in disguise for Alabama. While the Crimson Tide will need to find replacements for departing starters in Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton, it has several capable and experienced options ready to step in.

A pair of former five-stars in Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses are the most likely to replace Evans and Hamilton in the middle. Wilson broke his foot against LSU last season, the same game that saw Hamilton suffer a season-ending knee injury. Moses filled in at Mike linebacker in both players’ absence before Wilson returned in time to start both of Alabama’s playoff games.

Alabama will also have all its outside linebackers back to full strength. Last season, Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller missed most of the regular season after sustaining serious injuries in the opening game against Florida State. Anfernee Jennings was also injured in the opener, causing him to miss the next two weeks. He then injured his knee in the Sugar Bowl, forcing him to miss the national championship game. All three outside linebackers will be back next season, providing Alabama with a dangerous pass rush.

Five-star freshman Eyabi Anoma, who is built in the same mold as Lewis and former Alabama pass rusher Tim Williams, should add to that attack. Sophomores VanDarius Cowan and Christopher Smith are also poised for breakout seasons.

Alabama has a rich history of producing elite linebackers including three Butkus award winners during Nick Saban's tenure in Tuscaloosa. Those players include Rolando McClain, C.J. Mosley and Reuben Foster. Alabama had a small linebacker class in 2018 with Eyabi Anoma, five-star from St. Francis in Baltimore and Jaylen Moody, two-star from Conway High School in South Carolina. Anoma is recruited as an outside linebacker and Moody is set to play inside.

The number of linebacker recruits in 2019 will definitely increase. Alabama has an early commitment from King Mwikuta, Rivals100 linebacker from Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia. Former Alabama All-American, Reuben Foster, played for Troup County from his freshman to junior year before transferring to Auburn High School. Alabama expects to add at least three more linebackers, possibly four to the mix.


85
NATIONAL
10
STATE
3
POSITION
KING
MWIKUTA
RANK
5.9
6'4" | 220 LBS | OLB
TROUP
LAGRANGE, GA
CLASS OF 2019

VERBAL COMMIT
12/15/2017
ALABAMA
Christian Harris, three-star linebacker from University Lab School in Baton Rouge, is very high on the Tide's wish list. Harris plays wide receiver and safety for his high school team. Most schools are recruiting the 6-foot1.5, 225-pound athlete at linebacker. Harris named Alabama as his favorite after visiting Tuscaloosa for Junior Day last weekend. He recently added new offers from Florida, Georgia and LSU.

Nolan Smith, Rivals100 defensive end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, also attended Alabama's Junior Day last weekend. Smith has visited Alabama a few times since his early commitment to Georgia. He is recruited as an outside/Jack linebacker. Smith is strength considering the Crimson Tide.


52
NATIONAL
1
STATE
2
POSITION
NAKOBE
DEAN
RANK
5.9
6'1" | 215 LBS | OLB
HORN LAKE
HORN LAKE, MS
CLASS OF 2019
UNDECIDED
Nakobe Dean, Rivals100 linebacker from Horn Lake High School in Mississippi, Marcel Brooks, four-star linebacker from Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas, Ani Izuchukwu, Rivals100 defensive end from Davidson Academy in Nashville and Derrick McClendon, four-star defensive end from Tucker High School in Georgia, have Alabama high on their list of favorites.

The Crimson Tide recently offered Lavonta Bentley, four-star linebacker from Jackson-Olin High School in Bessemer, Alabama and Kane Patterson, four-star linebacker from Christ Presbyterian in Nashville. Alabama is currently on the outside looking in for Owen Pappoe, Rivals100 linebacker from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. Pappoe expects to return to Tuscaloosa this spring.

Alabama will likely sign a junior college linebacker. The early favorite to land in the class is Lakia Henry from Dodge City Community College in Kansas. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is considered as one of the best junior college players in the country.

Alabama has some early great options at the position. This is an important position especially for depth and talent at all the linebacker positions