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Alabama Football: Success In 2017 Depends On The Defensive Line

By Ronald Evans

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) hits Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) hits Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Denver Kirkland (55) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Denver Kirkland (55) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Da’Shawn Hand – Defensive End – 6′ 4″ 280 lbs. – 2017 Senior

Coming out of high school, Da’Shawn Hand was a consensus 5-Star recruit. Rivals listed Hand as the overall No. 1 player, ahead of Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, and Leonard Fournette.

It is an understatement to say Hand was not the typical high school superstar. Promises of immediate playing time did not entice him. He wanted to play for and with the best and was prepared to earn his way into a regular rotation.

Among his many college choices, Hand has said one of the main reasons he selected Alabama was his appreciation for the school’s Civil Engineering department.

Hand became part of the Tide’s defensive line rotation as a freshman.  In his sophomore season, he contributed six and a half tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Last year, Hand played in all 15 games and contributed 21  total tackles. Hand played mostly at the defensive end position. Much like Jonathan Allen, Hand can slide to a defensive tackle slot when needed.

Da’Shawn Hand may be the most highly rated Alabama recruit, not considered a “bust”, who has never started a game for the Crimson Tide. Unless stymied by an unforeseen injury, Hand’s starting drought will end on Sept. 2, 2017.

Much will be expected of Da’Shawn Hand in 2017. It is fair for fans to be confident Hand will deliver.

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