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

Inside Linebacker

Mike Linebacker

Starter: Mack Wilson, Junior

Last week we voiced the concerns of Alabama football fans about Mack Wilson staying healthy. he came up gimpy during the Louisville game. Later he stated he was fine and the problem was torn scar tissue. In the minds of fans, any injury related issue with Mack causes concern. Mack needs continued development in his play-calling role. Some Tide defenders missed some underneath coverages across the middle against Louisville.

Backup: Markail Benton, RS – Freshman

The Alabama football staff has been pleased with Markail’s progress. He has the physical tools at 6-feet-2 and 237 pounds. He is not where he needs to be on reads and quick reactions. Markail should be busy against the Red Wolves.

Reserve: Josh McMillon, Redshirt – Junior

McMillon might be next up instead of Benton. he can be a run stuffer. He is not as talented as Benton but he has some game experience. His skill set does not match the spread attack of Arkansas State.

Will Linebacker

Starter: Dylan Moses, Sophomore

Dylan Moses is next in the long line of great Crimson Tide linebackers. Having now fully learned the defense, all his elite physical skills are already on display. Dylan chasing down a Louisville wideout from behind was very impressive.

Backup: Ale Kaho, Freshman

Kaho has been in Tuscaloosa less than a month. He is the Tide’s biggest depth chart surprise. He needs to add weight at only 218 pounds to be ready for SEC play. Kaho should see the field more against ASU. Kaho has physical skills well suited to defend a speedball, spread offense.

Reserve:  Jaylen Moody, Freshman

The Alabama football staff is pleased with Moody and believe he can contribute if needed.

Outside Linebacker

Jack Linebacker

Starter: Anfernee Jennings, Redshirt Junior

After recovering from an injury against Clemson, Jennings will be a top player for the Crimson Tide in 2018. He can get to quarterbacks and is excellent against any team’s run game. One concern from the Louisville game is Anfernee appears to have not fully regained his speed. With more time, that problem may disappear.

Backup: Jamey Mosley, Redshirt Senior

Mosley is a bit undersized for a Jack, with only 239 pounds on his 6-feet-5 frame. he has experience and is dependable.

Reserve: Cameron Latu, Freshman

Latu arrived in Tuscaloosa physically mature enough to play. How much he plays this season will depend on well he learns his assignments and is disciplined enough to execute them.

Sam Linebacker

Starter: Christain Miller

Alabama football does not use its base defense as frequently as it uses the nickel formation. Miller is so smart and with so much skill, don’t be surprised if his role is more than Sam linebacker. Miller is smart but he made a dumb penalty against Louisville. He was scorched by Saban.

Backup: Eyabi Anoma

Like Cameron Latu, Anoma is physically ready. He is probably a Jack after he gets his weight up from the current 245-250 pounds. Until then, his primary role will an edge rusher. He can quickly become one of the Tide’s best.

Secondary

Cornerback

Starter: Trevon Diggs, Junior

Trevon played well against Louisville. As his confidence builds he can become a tremendous player.

Backup: Patrick Surtain Jr., Freshman

Patrick Surtain Jr. will have a role in 2018. It will be to fill-in at either corner or star. There is little doubt he will become a great player. The only question is how soon.

Cornerback

Starter: Saivion Smith, Junior

Smith is athletic and most importantly for this inexperienced secondary, he has SEC game experience. Smith played at LSU his freshman season. He has the speed and size to be a physical corner.

Backup: Josh Jobe, Freshman

If either Diggs or Smith goes down against Arkansas State, Shyheim Carter might be the first option.

Free Safety

Starter: Deionte Thompson, Redshirt Junior

Deionte Thompson played great against Louisville. Thompson has speed. He can cover and hit. He is the QB of the secondary. Deionte had a nice interception against Louisville.

Backup: Keaton Anderson, Redshirt Junior

Anderson gets the edge based on experience but the backup role could easily go to Daniel Wright.

Reserve: Daniel Wright, Sophomore

Strong Safety

Starter: Xavier McKinney, Sophomore

Alabama football fans can expect McKinney to quickly establish himself as a key player.

Backup: Jared Mayden, Junior

Mayden is the Tide’s sixth DB in the dime formations.

Reserve: Shyheim Carter, Junior

Carter is going to be the guy to plug in where he is most needed.

Star

Starter: Shyheim Carter, Junior

Carter is likely to play the most multiple positions, similar to Minkah Fitzpatrick in recent seasons. He is a smart player and Nick Saban is counting on his leadership. Shyheim had a pick-six touchdown against Louisville.

Backup: Patrick Surtain Jr., Freshman

Surtain is the incoming player whose skills are most frequently compared to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Reserve: Kyriq McDonald, Redshirt Freshman

McDonald is a gifted athlete who will feature on special teams and maybe more.

Money

Starter: Xavier McKinney, Sophomore

In the dime set, McKinney will slide to the Money position with Mayden coming in at safety.

Backup: Jared Mayden, Junior

If Mayden plays at Money, Mckinney will remain at safety in the dime.

Reserve: Kyriq McDonald, Redshirt Freshman