A week ago Alabama football fans were concerned about inside linebacker depth but excited about the outside linebacker group. The situation quickly changed.
Numbers at linebacker took a downturn for Alabama football this week. A thin group at inside linebacker became thinner with the disciplinary departure of VanDarius Cowan. The outside linebacker numbers were also reduced by the ACL injury to Terrell Lewis.
If as almost everyone assumes, Keith Holcombe gives up football for baseball, the Tide is down to 13 linebackers. That may seem like enough, but it is not. The Alabama football positions at linebacker are Mike and Will (inside), Jack and Sam (outside), plus Rabbit. The rabbit position is the edge rusher position played most frequently in recent seasons by Tim Williams and Rashaan Evans.
What we know
Alabama football has four healthy linebackers that are tremendous. Mack Wilson, Anfernee Jennings, Dylan Moses and Christian Miller could star in any roster. Out of the 13 LBs on the roster, Wilson, Moses, Jennings and Miller are championship level players.
A two-deep at the linebacker positions requires 10 players. If all 13 scholarship linebackers for 2018 can play at a championship level, 13 might be enough. It would cover some additional injury depletion if that occurs.
None of the other nine roster players are as yet, championship quality players. There is more talent, but it is untested or unproven talent. Sophomore, Christopher Allen and redshirt senior, Jamey Mosley will be counted on for solid backup play. Redshirt junior, Josh McMillon has program experience, but limited playing time and no significant big-game exposure.
What we don’t know
Who among the remaining six players can step up to a championship level before November? Eyabi Anoma is predicted to become a Crimson Tide superstar. He will play in 2018 but he needs to add weight. He might be able to carry an edge rusher burden in the second half of the season.
There is also considerable optimism about redshirt freshman, inside linebacker, Markail Benton. He has the physical requirements and is expected to show considerable talent. Like Anoma, how soon he can play a key role in a big game is not known. All freshman linebackers have to learn in game conditions. As they do, they are prone to mistakes.
What is left is three true freshmen and a redshirt sophomore. The freshmen (Jarez Parks, Cameron Latu and Jaylen Moody) may all become great players. If they do, no one knows when it will happen. There is a current buzz about the unheralded recruit, Jaylen Moody. Hopefully, it is warranted.
The redshirt sophomore is former 5-Star and Tide legacy, Ben Davis. So far, there is little reason for high expectations for Davis.
What to look for
There is still a little time to add a graduate transfer inside linebacker. A couple of names have been rumored, but nothing definitive. Most Alabama football fans are in favor of adding any competent player.
Until Terrell Lewis went down, Christian Miller was expected to cross train at inside linebacker. We doubt that is still the case. One or two guys, either outside linebackers, maybe even a safety might get some work inside in fall camp. Jamey Mosley seems to be a logical choice at 245 pounds.
The biggest thing to watch for cannot be seen until it happens – another linebacker injury. Alabama football fans need no elaboration.
Next: Returning Starters and Game Experience
From a brighter perspective, the 2018 Alabama football offense is expected to be explosive. If the Tide gets into a shootout, the Tide offense could overcome some defensive weaknesses.