Alabama Football: Success In 2017 Depends On The Defensive Line
By Ronald Evans
As we discussed at the start of this post, the defensive formation used most often by Alabama football is the nickel or the 4-2-5. Usually, in the 4-2-5 an outside linebacker becomes a down lineman, as Ryan Anderson has for the last three seasons.
Sometimes the fourth down lineman is an edge, speed rusher, as in Tim Williams. In the complex Tide defenses Anderson and Williams, as outside rushers, sometimes paired with two defensive tackles, Allen, Payne or Tomlinson.
For 2017, both Anderson and Williams must be replaced. Not to mention Allen and Tomlinson.
Anfernee Jennings – 6′ 3″ 264 lbs. – Outside Linebacker – 2017 Sophomore
Coming out of high school Jennings was a consensus 4-Star recruit. He redshirted his first season for Alabama. In 2016, as a redshirt freshman, Jennings competed in 15 games. He was credited with 19 tackles.
Jennings has the physical tools to be a similar hybrid linebacker to Ryan Anderson. Anderson played the position at around 255 lbs on an inch shorter frame. Basically, Jennings and Anderson have the same physique.
Christian Miller – 6′ 4″ 230 lbs. Outside Linebacker – 2017 Junior
Coming out of high school in 2014, Miller was a 4-Star player, ranked as the No. 39 overall player in the nation by 247 Sports Composite.
Miller redshirted as a freshman in 2014, not for lack of talent, but for lack of enough bulk. In 2015 and 2016, Miller took part in 27 games, mostly as a special teams player. Over the two season period, he was credited with 16 tackles.
Miller saw limited action as a speed rusher in 2016. If he continues to add weight he is expected to have an expanded role in 2017. Alabama football has options other than Miller to replace the departed Tim Williams. Terrell Hall will factor into the speed rusher competition.
One other option for that outside rusher role might be Rashaan Evans. Evans will be fighting to win a starting role at either the Mike or Will linebacker positions. Alabama football is very deep with young linebackers and defensive coaches will have many options to choose.