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By Alex Byington Sports
While Alabama’s offense will undergo an overhaul, the defense is returning its top four sack leaders after leading the nation last season with 52 sacks.
So, let’s take a look at how its defensive two-deep might look.
Alabama’s expected two-deep defensive depth chart entering summer:
This two-deep does not include any players that weren’t on the roster this spring, including any incoming freshmen or graduate transfers.
DE — Jonathan Allen (6-3, 294), Sr./Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 278), Jr.
Explanation: Although Allen, the reigning team sack leader, didn’t participate much this spring while still recovering from an offseason surgery, there’s little doubt he’ll be taking over as a starter for NFL-bound A’Shawn Robinson. Hand would then appear in line to replace Allen in the pass-rushing specialist role.
NG — Da’Ron Payne (6-2, 319), Soph./Joshua Frazier (6-4, 315), Jr.
Explanation: Much like Allen, Payne slides right into the starting position after serving as a key backup last season. Payne was widely considered one of the stars of spring, at times dominating his counterparts on the offensive line. Frazier is another longtime reserve who will be counted on to provide depth.
DE — Dalvin Tomlinson (6-3, 307), Sr./O.J. Smith (6-2, 315), Soph.
Explanation: Tomlinson replaces projected first-round NFL Draft pick Jarran Reed on the outside, where he made his mark last season with an impressive six batted passes from the defensive line. Smith will provide depth but is likely to be challenged for playing time by incoming signees.
Jack LB — Tim Williams (6-4, 237), Sr./Anfernee Jennings, (6-3, 268), R-Fr.
Explanation: Williams will take over as the starting outside linebacker after serving as a mostly third-down pass rusher last season, when he compiled 10½ sacks. Jennings flashed his pass-rushing skills with three sacks in the spring game.
Mike LB — Reuben Foster (6-1, 240), Sr./Keith Holcombe (6-4, 227), Soph.
Explanation: Foster is finally getting his opportunity to be the man in the middle of Alabama’s defense and by all accounts he’s embraced it. Holcombe has split his time between football and baseball this spring, and didn’t participate in the A-Day game because of a concussion, but he provides reliable experience at a key position.
Will LB — Shaun Dion Hamilton (6-0, 232), Jr. OR Rashaan Evans (6-3, 230), Jr./Keaton Anderson (6-1, 215), R-Fr.
Explanation: Dion Hamilton competed with Foster for a starting spot on the weakside last season and split time at the position. With the move of former five-star signee Evans from outside linebacker to the inside, the position will undoubtedly be split again. Anderson is the likely backup.
Sam LB — Ryan Anderson (6-2, 253), Sr./Christian Miller (6-4, 230), Soph.
Explanation: Anderson and his six sacks last season takes over in the versatile outside linebacker role filled by graduated Dillon Lee. Anderson is expected to provide his elite athleticism on an every-down basis this season. Miller, like Jennings, has been a welcomed surprise this spring and could be a vital role player as a pass-rushing specialist.
CB — Marlon Humphrey (6-1, 198), Soph./Tony Brown (6-0, 194), Jr. OR Kendall Sheffield (6-0, 188), R-Fr.
Explanation: Humphrey could be on the verge of a true breakout campaign in his second season as a starter. Brown is still facing possible suspensions, reportedly with the NCAA involved, which could create an opportunity for Sheffield, a former five-star signee.
CB — Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1, 200), Soph./Anthony Averett (6-0, 180), Jr.
Explanation: Fitzpatrick surprised many with his quick rise to a starting job at star and this year he’ll move over to replace NFL-bound Cyrus Jones as a starting corner. Averett is one of the fastest players on the team and has shown he can provide solid depth.
SS — Ronnie Harrison (6-3, 216), Soph./Hootie Jones (6-2, 214), Jr.
Explanation: The part-time starter last season, Harrison is a prototypical strong safety with the athleticism for coverage and the size and strength to provide run support. Coaches have been waiting on Jones to make a name for himself for the last several years.
FS — Eddie Jackson (6-0, 194), Sr./Shawn Burgess-Becker (6-1, 215), Soph.
Explanation: Jackson is a returning starter who slides over to free safety after finding his niche at strong safety last season when he led the team with six interceptions. Burgess-Becker is a four-star prospect brimming with potential in his second year.
Star — Maurice Smith (6-0, 195), Sr./Deionte Thompson (6-2, 190), Soph.
Explanation: A versatile defensive back who has seen time at both corner and safety, Smith could finally be in line to earn significant playing time at the star. Thompson showed his versatility by moving to receiver last fall but is now back at his more natural spot.
Decatur Daily report...
So, let’s take a look at how its defensive two-deep might look.
Alabama’s expected two-deep defensive depth chart entering summer:
This two-deep does not include any players that weren’t on the roster this spring, including any incoming freshmen or graduate transfers.
DE — Jonathan Allen (6-3, 294), Sr./Da’Shawn Hand (6-4, 278), Jr.
Explanation: Although Allen, the reigning team sack leader, didn’t participate much this spring while still recovering from an offseason surgery, there’s little doubt he’ll be taking over as a starter for NFL-bound A’Shawn Robinson. Hand would then appear in line to replace Allen in the pass-rushing specialist role.
NG — Da’Ron Payne (6-2, 319), Soph./Joshua Frazier (6-4, 315), Jr.
Explanation: Much like Allen, Payne slides right into the starting position after serving as a key backup last season. Payne was widely considered one of the stars of spring, at times dominating his counterparts on the offensive line. Frazier is another longtime reserve who will be counted on to provide depth.
DE — Dalvin Tomlinson (6-3, 307), Sr./O.J. Smith (6-2, 315), Soph.
Explanation: Tomlinson replaces projected first-round NFL Draft pick Jarran Reed on the outside, where he made his mark last season with an impressive six batted passes from the defensive line. Smith will provide depth but is likely to be challenged for playing time by incoming signees.
Jack LB — Tim Williams (6-4, 237), Sr./Anfernee Jennings, (6-3, 268), R-Fr.
Explanation: Williams will take over as the starting outside linebacker after serving as a mostly third-down pass rusher last season, when he compiled 10½ sacks. Jennings flashed his pass-rushing skills with three sacks in the spring game.
Mike LB — Reuben Foster (6-1, 240), Sr./Keith Holcombe (6-4, 227), Soph.
Explanation: Foster is finally getting his opportunity to be the man in the middle of Alabama’s defense and by all accounts he’s embraced it. Holcombe has split his time between football and baseball this spring, and didn’t participate in the A-Day game because of a concussion, but he provides reliable experience at a key position.
Will LB — Shaun Dion Hamilton (6-0, 232), Jr. OR Rashaan Evans (6-3, 230), Jr./Keaton Anderson (6-1, 215), R-Fr.
Explanation: Dion Hamilton competed with Foster for a starting spot on the weakside last season and split time at the position. With the move of former five-star signee Evans from outside linebacker to the inside, the position will undoubtedly be split again. Anderson is the likely backup.
Sam LB — Ryan Anderson (6-2, 253), Sr./Christian Miller (6-4, 230), Soph.
Explanation: Anderson and his six sacks last season takes over in the versatile outside linebacker role filled by graduated Dillon Lee. Anderson is expected to provide his elite athleticism on an every-down basis this season. Miller, like Jennings, has been a welcomed surprise this spring and could be a vital role player as a pass-rushing specialist.
CB — Marlon Humphrey (6-1, 198), Soph./Tony Brown (6-0, 194), Jr. OR Kendall Sheffield (6-0, 188), R-Fr.
Explanation: Humphrey could be on the verge of a true breakout campaign in his second season as a starter. Brown is still facing possible suspensions, reportedly with the NCAA involved, which could create an opportunity for Sheffield, a former five-star signee.
CB — Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1, 200), Soph./Anthony Averett (6-0, 180), Jr.
Explanation: Fitzpatrick surprised many with his quick rise to a starting job at star and this year he’ll move over to replace NFL-bound Cyrus Jones as a starting corner. Averett is one of the fastest players on the team and has shown he can provide solid depth.
SS — Ronnie Harrison (6-3, 216), Soph./Hootie Jones (6-2, 214), Jr.
Explanation: The part-time starter last season, Harrison is a prototypical strong safety with the athleticism for coverage and the size and strength to provide run support. Coaches have been waiting on Jones to make a name for himself for the last several years.
FS — Eddie Jackson (6-0, 194), Sr./Shawn Burgess-Becker (6-1, 215), Soph.
Explanation: Jackson is a returning starter who slides over to free safety after finding his niche at strong safety last season when he led the team with six interceptions. Burgess-Becker is a four-star prospect brimming with potential in his second year.
Star — Maurice Smith (6-0, 195), Sr./Deionte Thompson (6-2, 190), Soph.
Explanation: A versatile defensive back who has seen time at both corner and safety, Smith could finally be in line to earn significant playing time at the star. Thompson showed his versatility by moving to receiver last fall but is now back at his more natural spot.
Decatur Daily report...
