2015 Alabama Crimson Tide Position by Position Breakdown
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Robert Foster (8) of the white team is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) and linebacker Reuben Foster (10) of the crimson team during the annual A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
LINEBACKERS
– Key Departures: Trey DePriest (graduation), Xzavier Dickson (graduation)
– Key Returners: Reuben Foster (junior), Shuan Dion Hamilton (sophomore), Dillon Lee (senior), Reggie Ragland (senior), Ryan Anderson (junior), Denzel Devall (junior), Rashaan Evans (sophomore)
– Key Newcomers: Joshua McMillon (true freshman), Anfernee Jennings (true freshman)
Yet another extremly deep position on defense in both experience and talent. Trey DePriest and Xzavier Dickson take a ton of experience and production with them to the NFL but Reggie Ragland and Denzel Devall have similar experience and production as well.
Ragland is the best player in the group and will be the leader of the unit as well. Physically he is a freak and reminds me a lot of Dont’a Hightower with his mix of speed and power. He is a tackling machine and is also solid when he drops back in coverage. Playing next to him on the inside will be likely a combination of Reuben Foster and Shaun Dion-Hamilton. Foster is physical as hell and one of the most vicious hitters in the country. Foster’s biggest problem has been staying healthy, primarily cause of his physical style, and his struggle with pass coverage. He provides a toughness and mean streak that the defense certainly needs but Hamilton provides a more all around ability against the run and the pass equally which is why the two will likely rotate in and out.
On the outside it will also likely be a combination of players working together. At the “jack” spot Ryan Anderson and sophomore Rashaan Evans will work together while Tim Williams and Denzel Devall will work together at “sam.” Evans and Williams are speedy pass rushers that could give offensive lines fits while Devall and Anderson are terrific against the run.
Dillon Lee is the x-factor of this group as he can play any spot and be effective though he may not even up starting at either position.
Next: The Tide should have a talented secondary but a bit inexperienced. Click for more.