Alabama Football: The Tide vs. Arkansas State two-deep, plus roster notes

Check out this deep dive into the two-deep-plus, with all the Alabama football starters and key backups for the Arkansas State game.

Alabama football fans, this is our projection of the starters and key backups for the Arkansas State game. The process used combines game performance from the Louisville game. That info is combined with current injury status and practice news from the ASU week of preparation. Just like last week, there are no slash marks and no or’s used to equivocate.

This two-deep-plus roster breakdown will be updated weekly throughout the season.

Crimson Tide Defense for Arkansas State (ASU)

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Quinnen Williams, Redshirt Sophomore

Quinnen had a big game against Louisville.  He was tied with Saivion Smith with the most tackles at six, including 3.5 tackles for a loss. Quinnen also deflected a pass and recorded a QB hurry. His play against Louisville earned him co-Defensive Lineman of the Week in the SEC. At 6-feet-4 and 288 pounds, Quinnen is much smaller than Da’Ron Payne. Against Louisville, he showed Alabama football fans he has enough quickness and strength to be a disruptive force.

Backup: Phidarian Mathis, Redshirt Freshman

Mathis was the first sub for Williams against the Cardinals. While Williams played 30 snaps, Mathis was in for 19 plays. He recorded one assisted tackle. He showed some mobility and strength. Alabama football needs Phidarian to be a key member of this season’s d-line rotation.

Reserve: Tevita Musika, JUCO Transfer Junior

The Junior transfer is 6-feet-1 and 338 pounds and insiders say his conditioning must improve to earn many snaps. He was in for five plays against Louisville. Mathis has some quickness and his physical strength might be needed against some run-heavy teams. He is expected to get only light mop-up work in the ASU game.

Defensive Ends

Starter: Raekwon Davis, Junior

Raekwon is projected as a second-team All-American. He was the most used player on defense against the Cardinals. Big Kwon was in the game for 45 of the Crimson Tide’s 65 defensive plays. His stats were four tackles, including one stop for a loss.

Backup: Johnny Dwight, Redshirt Senior

Johnny Dwight is another key element in the rotation this season. Against Louisville, he was in for 17 snaps. He recorded one assisted tackle.

Starter: Isaiah Buggs, Senior

Isaiah Buggs has stepped up to a leadership role this fall. Like most of the ends, he can play inside or out, but his most impact is expected outside. Against Louisville, he was in for 41 snaps. Buggs recorded two tackles, including a tackle for a loss and a sack.

Backup: LaBryan Ray, Sophomore

Ray’s expanded role this fall began with 20 plays against Louisville. His stat line was three assisted tackles. The Crimson Tide needs Ray to mature into an impact player this season. He has the physical tools to accomplish that level of output.