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After having to replace seven defensive starters this past season, the University of Alabama football team should have a lot more experience in 2015. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some concerns for Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.
Here’s a look at each position group, and special teams, with each player’s signing class, number of stars — 1-5, 5 being the best — and overall ranking by 247Sports as a recruit (* means initially played another position):
DEFENSIVE LINE
Departing: Brandon Ivory, 2010, 3, NA; Anthony Orr, 2009, 3, 582
Could declare for NFL Draft: Jarran Reed, 2014, 4, 13 (JC)
Status: If Reed returns the Crimson Tide should have a monster defensive line and potentially even more depth with the addition of prize recruit Daron Payne. Reed led the unit with 55 tackles, ahead of A’Shawn Robinson’s 49 and Jonathan Allen with 33, although 11.5 were for a loss. After leading the Crimson Tide in sacks in 2013, Robinson sustained a sprained knee during training camp and finished with none this season. The player to keep an eye on after a year in the weight room is Da’Shawn Hand. With most of the SEC going to a spread attack Ivory was left coming off the bench most games, but could end up being a better pro prospect.
Players on the roster:
Da’Shawn Hand, 2014, 5, 5
Jonathan Allen, 2013, 5, 16*
A’Shawn Robinson, 2013, 5, 33
Dee Liner, 2013, 4, 46
Josh Frazier, 2014, 4, 85
Korren Kirven, 2012, 4, 166
Dalvin Tomlinson, 2012, 4, 217
D.J. Pettway, 2011, 4, 206 (2014, 4, 14 JC)
O.J. Smith, 2014, 3, 398
Johnny Dwight, 2014, 3, 429
Darren Lake, 2012, 3, 584
LINEBACKERS
Departing: Trey DePriest, 2011, 5, 29; Xzavier Dickson, 2011, 4, 34
Could declare for NFL Draft: Denzel Devall, 2012, 4, 139; Reggie Ragland, 2012, 4, 41
Status: DePriest was the veteran of the unit while Dickson was a pass-rushing force with a team-high nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. If Ragland returns he could be a serious Butkus Award candidate while Devall only had 11 tackles during his injury-plagued season. With Rashaan Evans and Tim Williams the Crimson Tide will still have a lot of speed at the outside spots, but interior depth could be a concern if Reuben Foster and Dillon Lee can’t stay healthy. A player to watch is Keith Holcombe, who redshirted this past season.
Players on the roster:
Reuben Foster, 2013, 5, 6
Rashaan Evans, 2014, 5, 15
Christian Miller, 2014, 4, 39
Ryan Anderson, 2012, 4, 78
Tim Williams, 2013, 4, 82
Dillon Lee, 2012, 4, 101
Shaun Dion Hamilton, 2014, 4, 203
Keith Holcombe, 2014, 4, 281
Walker Jones, 2013, 3, 658
SECONDARY
Departing: Nick Perry, 2010, 4, 250; Jarrick Williams, 2010, 4, 130
Could declare for NFL Draft: Landon Collins, 2012, 5, 7
Status: Things should be a lot more interesting in the spring as Eddie Jackson will be a year off knee surgery, and both Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey will have a season under their belt. Cyrus Jones was by far Alabama’s best cornerback this season and it’ll be interesting to see if Bradley Sylve can get back in the mix. With the likely departure of Collins, safety will be the biggest concern of the offseason. Alabama is already grooming Hootie Jones to have a bigger role next season and Geno Smith might initially replace Perry, but keep an eye on Maurice Smith, Jonathan Cook and Ronnie Clark. More help appears to be on the way with three 5-star recruits in safety Deionte Thompson and cornerbacks Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Players on the roster:
Tony Brown, 2014, 5, 9
Marlon Humphrey, 2014, 5, 12
Cyrus Jones, 2012, 4, 43*
Laurence “Hootie” Jones, 2014, 4, 50
Geno Smith, 2012, 4, 61
Ronnie Clark, 2014, 4, 70*
Maurice Smith, 2013, 4, 84
Bradley Sylve, 2011, 4, 106*
Anthony Averett, 2013, 4, 273
Jabriel Washington, 2011, 4, 285
Eddie Jackson, 2013, 3, 349
Jonathan Cook, 2013, 3, 524
Special teams
Departing: None
Status: JK Scott is probably the best punter in college football and Adam Griffith could be in for a big rebound year after having back issues this season. The only question is who will return kicks and punts, but Alabama will have more than enough quality candidates.
Players on the roster:
Adam Griffith, 2012, 3, 656
JK Scott, 2014, 3, MA
Cole Mazza, 2013, 3, NA
LINK: For an early look at Alabama’s offensive personnel
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
