Aaron Suttles
TideSports.com Senior Writer
It's unquestionably the strength of the team. In the fifth installment in an eight-part series counting down to the beginning of fall camp for the University of Alabama football program, The Tuscaloosa News studies the defensive line. It's a deep unit, stacked with experienced, strong players at every position.
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed is among Alabama's key players on the defensive line.
Starters
Starter is a word that really doesn't mean much with this group because there are literally several guys across the board that could start.
Given how much situational defense is played in today's hurry-up, no-huddle offensive game, different players fit better in certain situations. But for the purposes of this examination, Jonathan Allen and A'Shawn Robinson are two productive defensive ends and Jarran Reed is disruptive at tackle. Allen and Robinson, both juniors, have played lots of snaps the past two years and seem to get better each game. Reed was the emotional heartbeat of the defense last year and his play matches his passion.
Reserves
As mentioned above, reserves is a word that doesn't mean much because most "reserves" can start any game and are just as productive. D.J. Pettway has a knack for rushing the passer, as does Dalvin Tomlinson. The duo each had two sacks last season and combined to record 8.5 tackles for loss. Pettway also had five quarterback hurries. Da'Shawn Hand recorded two sacks during his true freshman season. Darren Lake and Joshua Frazier add strength at nose guard. O.J. Smith and Johnny Dwight also provide depth along the unit. In its No. 1 ranked recruiting class the team also added jumbo tackle Daron Payne, 6-foot-3, 325 pounds.
Overview
Make no mistake about it, a lot is expected from the defense, and in large part it's due to the defensive line. There is talent across the line, and it's an extremely deep unit. This is true while also no consideration that outside linebackers like Ryan Anderson and Denzel Devall often lineup with their had down on along the defensive line. Stopping the run is the calling card, but because of pass rushers like Pettway, Devall, Anderson and a speedster like outside linebacker Rashaan Evans, rushing the passer should be more consistent this season.
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1788237#sthash.03b4TYJg.dpuf
TideSports.com Senior Writer
It's unquestionably the strength of the team. In the fifth installment in an eight-part series counting down to the beginning of fall camp for the University of Alabama football program, The Tuscaloosa News studies the defensive line. It's a deep unit, stacked with experienced, strong players at every position.
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed is among Alabama's key players on the defensive line.
Starters
Starter is a word that really doesn't mean much with this group because there are literally several guys across the board that could start.
Given how much situational defense is played in today's hurry-up, no-huddle offensive game, different players fit better in certain situations. But for the purposes of this examination, Jonathan Allen and A'Shawn Robinson are two productive defensive ends and Jarran Reed is disruptive at tackle. Allen and Robinson, both juniors, have played lots of snaps the past two years and seem to get better each game. Reed was the emotional heartbeat of the defense last year and his play matches his passion.
Reserves
As mentioned above, reserves is a word that doesn't mean much because most "reserves" can start any game and are just as productive. D.J. Pettway has a knack for rushing the passer, as does Dalvin Tomlinson. The duo each had two sacks last season and combined to record 8.5 tackles for loss. Pettway also had five quarterback hurries. Da'Shawn Hand recorded two sacks during his true freshman season. Darren Lake and Joshua Frazier add strength at nose guard. O.J. Smith and Johnny Dwight also provide depth along the unit. In its No. 1 ranked recruiting class the team also added jumbo tackle Daron Payne, 6-foot-3, 325 pounds.
Overview
Make no mistake about it, a lot is expected from the defense, and in large part it's due to the defensive line. There is talent across the line, and it's an extremely deep unit. This is true while also no consideration that outside linebackers like Ryan Anderson and Denzel Devall often lineup with their had down on along the defensive line. Stopping the run is the calling card, but because of pass rushers like Pettway, Devall, Anderson and a speedster like outside linebacker Rashaan Evans, rushing the passer should be more consistent this season.
- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1788237#sthash.03b4TYJg.dpuf
