Alabama Football Daily Insider: Spring Depth Chart
By Ronald Evans
Moving to the defensive side of the ball, the depth chart task becomes harder. There are many slots to fill from departing players. Plus, Alabama football runs three defensives, with multiple variations. Also, most players have multiple defensive position roles.
For fans, Jacks and Sams become a challenge to identify from defensive ends and money defensive backs. Seeking a simple presentation, we will begin with the base 3-4 defense, even though Alabama football uses it only about 15 percent of the time.
From that, we will add the star position for the nickel and the money position for the dime.
Defensive Tackle
Just think of Da’Ron Payne as Mr. Payne because he is the man in the middle. Spelling Payne will be Josh Frazier. If needed, Isaiah Buggs and Da’Shawn Hand can also play inside.
Defensive Ends
Da’Shawn Hand is a lock at one of the end positions. Opposite Payne is likely to be Isaiah Buggs. The backups will be Quinnen Williams, Anfernee Jennings and Raekwon Davis.
That totals seven down lineman and all of them will be needed in a regular rotation. Saban learned years ago that when a defensive lineman runs out of gas, he can rarely recover in that game. Even though Anfernee Jennings is listed as a linebacker, we are guessing he will be needed more on the defensive line.
Inside Linebackers
A healthy Shaun Dion Hamilton will start alongside Rashaan Evans at Will and Mike linebackers. Mack Wilson will be included in the linebacker rotation.
Outside Linebackers
At Jack and Sam, we guess Christian Miller and Terrell Hall will start, but Ben Davis could win one of those starting slots. Dylan Moses could be a second-team backup.