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By most accounts, Nick Saban’s current front seven is the best in the country, but is it his best ever?
In two words … not yet.
The front seven that included a Butkus Award winner in Roland McClain, star nose tackle Terrance Cody and a young Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw has been Saban’s best followed by the 2011 group that was powered by Hightower and helped Alabama lead the nation in scoring, total, rushing and passing defense while allowing just 8.2 points per game would be No. 2 on the list.
And let’s not forget Saban’s 2012 front seven, led by C.J. Mosley, which throttled Notre Dame in the BCS title game and led the country in total and scoring defense. That would be No. 3.
OK, so you’ve detected the pattern here. Nick Saban’s previous top three front sevens have all helped the Crimson Tide win national championships, and that’s the standard here.
Now in 2015, Saban might have his deepest group of defensive linemen ever. But after Reggie Ragland, this year’s linebacking corps are mostly unproven. And that’s why this season’s front seven can’t yet be called Saban’s best, but check back with us at the end of the season. These rankings might be a little different then.
Here’s a look at Alabama’s projected starters for this season:
DEFENSIVE LINE
A’Shawn Robinson: It’s hard to believe that Robinson had no sacks last season, but he made up for that by using his first-step quickness and fluidity to spend plenty of time in opposing backfields. The 6-foot-3, 312-pound defensive tackle had a solid sophomore campaign last year, capping it with 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three pass break-ups and one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Robinson, who played about half the defensive snaps in 2013, earned honorable mention All-SEC honors last year. The junior, who is a solid run defender, can play multiple positions on the line and is an excellent athlete for his size. But he also could improve his pass-rushing skills.
Jarran Reed: Reed, a 6-foot-3, 313-pound defensive tackle, showed definite improvement as last season progressed. After recording just four tackles in Alabama’s first three games, the North Carolina native posted 47 tackles and 6.5 stops for a loss in nine games against SEC opponents, including a combined 23 tackles and 1.5 stops for a loss in late season games against LSU and Mississippi State. Overall, Reed is the third leading tackler returning to the Crimson Tide, finishing last season with 55 stops, and he broke up five passes at the line of scrimmage.
Jonathan Allen: Allen, 6-foot-3, 272-pounder and Alabama’s top returning pass rusher, finished second on the Crimson Tide in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5) after becoming a sophomore starter last season. Allen, Reed and Robinson are all expected to play in the NFL in 2016.
LINEBACKERS
Reggie Ragland: The 6-foot-2, 252-pound senior is the leading returning tackler for the Crimson Tide (95 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss). Ragland, who is expected to start at weakside linebacker, might be the hardest hitter in the nation. Quick to the ball, Ragland – who also added four passes defended and an interception last season – has ideal size for his position and decent speed for his size. He is also an outstanding run stopper, very explosive and has demonstrated a high football IQ. On the flip side, because Ragland doesn’t have great range he needs to improve his cover skills and his tackling in the open field. He more than likely could have landed in the NFL this year, but Alabama is more than happy to have him back.
Reuben Foster: A 6-foot-1, 240-pound junior, Foster – Bama’s projected starter at middle linebacker, finished with 22 tackles – including two for a loss – and one sack a season ago.
Denzel Devall: A 6-foot-2, 252-pound senior and Bama’s anticipated starter at outside linebacker, made 11 tackles last season, including one for a loss.
Ryan Anderson: Expected to start at the “Jack” linebacker spot, Anderson finished the 2014 campaign with 25 tackles – including eight for a loss – three sacks and one fumble recovery.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
