Projected 2018 Alabama football depth chart
It's never too early for a look at the future. Less than two weeks after winning a national championship, this seems like a good time to look at what's coming back for 2018.
With that, we present an early projection of how the Crimson Tide depth chart could look when it begins spring practice in March. Of course, this is just for entertainment purposes and is subject to change.
Defensive line
- DE: Isaiah Buggs, LaBryan Ray/Phidarian Mathis
- NG: Johnny Dwight, Phidarian Mathis
- DE: Raekwon Davis, Quinnen Williams
Notes: The loss of Da'Ron Payne in the middle is a major one. This will be Johnny Dwight's fifth year in the program, so he knows the defense. Buggs and Davis solidified roles in the starting lineup with LaBryan Ray and Quinnen Williams providing competition/opportunity in specialty packages.
Outside linebackers
- OLB: Anfernee Jennings, Christopher Allen
- OLB: Christian Miller/Terrell Lewis
Notes: This was a group decimated by injuries last season but figures to have a brighter outlook for 2018. It didn't lose anyone to the NFL or graduation and should everyone be at full strength by the fall, it figures to be much more effective. Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis will increase the pass-rush presence missing from this group last season. Jennings, when he returns from the knee injury suffered in the Sugar Bowl, also brings experience to the bookend role.
Middle linebackers
- MLB: Dylan Moses, Markail Benton
- MLB: Mack Wilson, Keith Holcombe
Notes: Dylan Moses came on late when Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson went down. Another offseason should have him in good shape for a full-time starting job next to Wilson. The graduation of Hamilton and Rashaan Evans will sting, but these are two very capable replacements. Depth will be a concern with Keith Holcombe as the only other returner who has much experience.
Cornerbacks
- CB: Trevon Diggs, Saivion Smith
- CB: Jared Mayden/Shyheim Carter
Notes: The secondary will be almost completely rebuilt from 2017. It's not completely without experience since Trevon Diggs was a first-teamer last year through Week 1 when Levi Wallace won the job. Former LSU/JUCO corner Saivion Smith also brings some experience to the group. Jared Mayden and Shyheim Carter have two years in the program and were top backups last season. This spring will be huge for building confidence in the scheme with a new defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach in the mix.
Safeties
- S: Xavier McKinney/Daniel Wright
- S: Deionte Thompson, Keaton Anderson
- STAR: Shyheim Carter
Notes: Deionte Thompson got some valuable experience at safety after Hootie Jones' knee injury knocked him out for the playoffs. The rising redshirt junior showed his range and big-hitting ability in the wins over Clemson and Georgia. Daniel Wright also delivered some big blows covering kickoffs and should be a player at the other safety position with fellow rising sophomore Xavier McKinney. Both saw action late in games at safety in 2017. At STAR, the fifth defensive back in nickel formation, Shyheim Carter has been Tony Brown's backup the last two years.
Offensive line
- LT: Jonah Williams/Alex Leatherwood
- LG: Ross Pierschbacher, Dallas Warmack
- C: Jonah Williams/Brandon Kennedy
- RG: Lester Cotton, Deonte Brown
- RT: Jedrick Wills/Matt Womack
Notes: This is a group suddenly overflowing with tackles. Alex Leatherwood had a quietly impressive national championship game when replacing injured starter Jonah Williams in the second half. Rising sophomore Jedrick Wills also figures to compete with Matt Womack at right tackle. The graduation of Bradley Bozeman at center opens the possibility for a Barrett Jones-style move for Williams. The rising junior is one of the more intelligent players you'll find so a move to center wouldn't as difficult. The plan every year is to get the best five on the field and such a move would free up Leatherwood to play left tackle if progress continues.
Tight ends
- TE: Hale Hentges, Miller Forristall
- TE-H: Irv Smith Jr., Major Tennison
Notes: This group returns in tact after impressive seasons for Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. Both were solid as blockers while making a few key receptions. Smith had 14 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. With Calvin Ridley moving on to the NFL, Alabama QBs will need all the targets they can get. Miller Forristall, a key player in 2016, will be back after tearing his ACL early last season.
Running back
- RB: Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs/Najee Harris, Brian Robinson
Notes: The stacked depth chart from last season got just one player lighter for 2018. Damien Harris made the somewhat surprising decision to return for his senior year coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The competition for the first replacement will be one to watch with Josh Jacobs (46 carries, 284 yards) showing flashes in an injury-riddled season. Najee Harris (61 carries, 370 yards) also had his moments and was key in the second half against Georgia in the title game. Brian Robinson also averaged 6.9 yards in his 24 carries as a capable back.
Receivers
- WR-Z: Henry Ruggs III, Derek Kief
- WR-X: Jerry Jeudy, Tyrell Shavers
- WR-H: DeVonta Smith, Xavian Marks
Notes: The three freshmen standouts of 2017 will become the core of Alabama's passing game in 2018. Four of the top five targets will be gone with Calvin Ridley, Bo Scarbrough, Cam Sims and Robert Foster moving on. Ridley got more than three times the receptions as the second-leading receiver, so there's a lot to replace. Jerry Jeudy appears to be the heir to the primary receiver role after making 14 catches for 264 yards (second-most on the team). Henry Ruggs III averaged 19.1 yards a catch and had touchdowns on six of his 12 receptions. And, of course, title game hero DeVonta Smith is back after catching eight passes for 160 yards. Tyrell Shavers (6-foot-6, 209 pounds) redshirted last season and should provide depth along with veteran reserves Xavian Marks and Derek Kief. Chadarius Townsend is also an option after redshirting 2017.
Quarterback
- QB: Tua Tagovailoa/Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones
Notes: The one everyone will be talking about all offseason. Jalen Hurts started every game before being replaced at halftime of the championship. Tua Tagovailoa then showed the potential that had so many clamoring for him to play with a comeback for the ages. So, who has the upper hand in March? There are a few ways of approaching this, but the rising sophomore has to have a slight edge given the explosiveness the offense gained after his entry. Hurts will be the safer option with a national-best one interception, but if the defense is rebuilding the secondary, an explosive offense that keeps pace might be in order. Either way, it'll be a fascinating competition to follow.
Specialists
- K: Joseph Bulovas
- P: Skyler DeLong
Notes: Alabama will have to replace both specialists with the graduation of Andy Pappanastos and JK Scott. Bulovas was a freshman on scholarship last season and figures to slide up to the primary role. DeLong signed in December and is one of the top punters in the nation. He has a lot to live up to replacing two-time Ray Guy Award finalist Scott.
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