Alabama Football: Projected Depth Chart after fall camp scrimmages
By Ronald Evans
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Defensive Line Starters and Backups
The defensive line has become a position group of strength for 2017. Previous concerns about 2017 depth have been alleviated. The 2017 Tide will have 8-10 capable players for rotation.
Defensive Tackle – Da’Ron Payne
Payne is the man in the middle for Alabama football and in our opinion is the best in the nation. Spelling Payne will be Josh Frazier and Johnny Dwight. Dwight shared the spring Billy Neighbors defensive lineman award with Da’Ron Payne. If needed, Isaiah Buggs and Da’Shawn Hand can also play inside.
Defensive Ends – Da’Shawn Hand and Raekwon Davis
Da’Shawn Hand will be expected to fill the Jonathan Allen role. Davis followed a great spring with an even better fall camp. Kwon Davis was voted the Dwight Stephenson Lineman of the A-Day Game. He had seven tackles and a sack in the A-Day game.
Kwon is not yet a lock but he is close. Isaiah Buggs has impressed since the winter practices prior to the College Football Playoff and he and Quinnen Williams are close behind Davis.
Jamar King is an improved player and can be counted on for additional depth. Late enrollee freshman, LaBryan Ray will see the field this fall. Physically he is ready and reports are he could be used inside or outside. Phil Mathis needed to shed weight and is reported to be making progress. Mathis could see playing time in 2017.