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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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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is tackled by members of the Alabama defense in the 207 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is tackled by members of the Alabama defense in the 207 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Buggs: Defensive End – 6′ 5″, 290 lbs. 2017 Junior

Buggs was the nation’s #1 Junior College defensive end. He is expected to be an integral part of next season’s playing rotation.

Isaiah Buggs was brought to Alabama football from junior college to provide an immediate contribution to the defensive playing rotation. Primarily a defensive end at the JC level, Buggs is expected to also fill in at defensive tackle as needed.

Check out this video review of Buggs from http://al.com

As an older player, he has the size and physical maturity to contribute as a run-stopper. At 6′ 5″ the Tide may look to some added weight for Buggs to be more effective inside. As an early enrollee the Alabama football and nutrition program has time for Buggs to add strength and weight as needed.

The other possibility is that Buggs stays at his current weight and is the other defensive end starter. The best use of Buggs could be determined by how much confidence the Tide has in other players. One of those other players most likely to part of the regular rotation is Quinnen Williams.

Quinnen Williams – Defensive Line – 6′ 4″ 284 lbs. 2017 Redshirt Freshman

Quinnen Williams spent the 2016 season toiling on the scout team. To most fans, his contribution went unnoticed. His ability did not go unnoticed by the 2016 regulars who matched up against in practices.

Williams has quietly (except for a viral cannonball video below) worked himself into an integral role for the 2107 defense.

https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaFTBL/videos/10154788331112209/

Cannonball contests will do nothing to impress Jeremy Pruitt and Nick Saban.

The weight shown above for Quinnen has not been updated for months. It is suspected he will play in the fall at around 300 lbs. Just like the other players we have discussed, Williams could play inside or outside.

If Quinnen Williams can replicate his scout team heroics as a regular next fall, he could log as many plays as Isaiah Buggs.

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