Alabama Football: Six returning defensive players who must step up in 2019

Alabama football is rebuilding its defense at every level in 2019. These six returning Crimson Tide players will be key to success.

Alabama football fans insist the Crimson Tide reloads every season no matter how many players must be replaced. If 2019 is another reload, it is a big reload on the defensive side of the ball.

Pete Golding, Sal Sunseri, Brian Baker, Karl Scott and Charles Kelly will need young players to step up in 2019. Some of those stepping up may come from the 2019 Signing Class. More importantly, returning players will be the backbone of the defense. Six returning players will be key to the success of the 2019 Alabama football defense.

Comparing tackles made by 2018 defenders, 19 Crimson Tide players made a total of 810 tackles in 2018. Six of those 2018 players, who made 311 of those tackles, are not on the Alabama football 2019 roster. For this comparison, only those players making 10 or more 2018 classes are included.

Going into 2019, the Crimson Tide defense is down 38 percent in tackles produced. Tackles for a loss (TFL) shows a further problem. The 2018 Alabama football defense made 107 tackles for a loss (TFL). Player attrition means 55.5 of the 2018, TFL output must be replaced. Additionally, 26 of the Tide’s 45, 2018 sacks must also be replaced.

Making matters worse, the 2018 Alabama football defense surrendered 1,443 yards in its last three games. Giving up an average of 481 yards-per-game in those three games is a stat the 2019 Crimson Tide defense must improve considerably. Let’s review six returning defenders who need to step it up in 2019.

Attrition hit every level of the defense. The defensive line took arguably the biggest hit with losses of Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs. The secondary is not far behind, losing starters Deointe Thompson and Savion Smith. The linebacking unit sustained the least attrition but lost a starting inside linebacker in Mack Wilson.

The 2019 Alabama football defensive line

Raekwon Davis and LaBryan Ray are the top two returning players the Tide’s defensive line. Ray, a former 5-Star recruit had a big game against Auburn last season, subbing for an injured Isaiah Buggs. The incoming junior is expected to start at defensive end in 2019. He has the physical tools to become a big-time player.

Raekwon Davis’ junior season was not as impressive as his sophomore season. He was seventh on the team in tackles with 55 but recorded only 1.5 sacks. Big ‘Kwon’ will be looked to for higher output in 2019.

The 2019 Linebacking Group

There is a lot of talent returning at outside linebacker, including a healthy Terrell Lewis. The biggest hole to fill is Mack Wilson’s inside linebacker position. Someone must step up at inside linebacker and most insiders are convinced it will be Ale Kaho. Kaho saw mostly special teams action in 2018 but he recorded 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. Kaho has the skill set to thrive but he still has a learning curve. Playing next to Dylan Moses, Alabama football fans hope Kaho is an improvement over Mack Wilson.

 The 2019 Secondary

Two starting positions must be filled with the exits of Deionte Thompson and Savion Smith. At the ‘other’ safety position last season, Xavier McKinney was outstanding. McKinney probably will assume the play-calling role in 2019.

A healthy Trevon Diggs will step in at cornerback to replace Saivion Smith. Diggs has the skill set and physical attributes to perform even better than Smith. The other safety is a question mark. The dime secondary defender last season was Jared Mayden. Mayden could become the starter in the nickel and base as well. Another option would be to use Shyheim Carter as more than the nickel back.

Mayden and Carter will be pushed by Daniel Wright and Josh Jobe. Wright is coming off an injury. Jobe showed potential in the national championship game with two tackles and a pass break-up.

Incoming freshmen have a chance to earn a two-deep role on the Crimson Tide defense. The six returning players we highlighted are key to 2019 defensive success.

The good news for Alabama football fans is the early schedule next season. The season opener against Duke is not as tough as recent openers.