Alabama Football: Josh McMillon is ‘Crimson Tide for life’

Alabama football fans worry about inside linebacker. There is hope but not an abundance of optimism redshirt senior, Josh McMillon can be a contributing partner to Dylan Moses.

Alabama football fans have a legitimate concern about the inside linebacker roster. Below Dylan Moses on the depth chart are a group of unproven players. Coming out of spring, the guy tabbed to be Dylan Moses’ ILB partner is redshirt senior, Josh McMillon.

To some Crimson Tide fans, McMillon has become the probable starter almost by default. Behind him on the depth chart are guys perceived to be more talented. But that more talent has not translated to consistency in executing assignments. There is enthusiasm for true freshmen Shane Lee and Christian Harris. Lee did well during spring work. Harris is a summer enrollee.

A flip side to this story is the possibility all of us, except his coaches and teammates, are being unfair to Josh McMillon. At the least, Josh should be acknowledged for sticking. Many in his situation do not. It was once incorrectly reported Josh was going to transfer. He cleared the air by stating,

"(I am) a member of the Crimson Tide for life."

It turned out McMillon had missed two days of practice while attending a family funeral. A transfer was never considered an option.

Not only has Josh had to cope with false media reports, at least one former Alabama football player labeled him as having no future as a player.

The belief in Josh McMillon was quite different when he was a new member of the 2015 signing class. The 247Sports Composite rated Josh as a 4-Star recruit. ESPN rated him as the No. 5 inside linebacker in the class. During his recruitment, Kirby Smart reportedly told him he had a chance to play as a freshman.

Reality has been different for Josh. He has gone from being heralded as a recruit to little appreciated heading into his final season. The story could change this fall. It needs to, for Josh, his teammates and coaches, and all who love the Crimson Tide.

There is some reason for optimism. Nick Saban said this after the end of spring,

"He’s worked really, really hard. He’s always been a great program guy, great team guy, would do whatever he can to help the team in any way. He’s done a good job. I think he’s got more confidence, better understanding of what we expect him to do. He’s done a pretty good job."

Dylan Moses shared his belief in Josh.

"Kind of like me, he’s not really that talkative. I could say we have a lot in common. For me and him to be in the same (linebacker) room now and leading it, I feel comfortable being beside him and going out on the field and doing it."

Alabama football fans, being the never satisfied lot we are, want more than Nick saying Josh has done a “pretty good job” or Dylan and Josh sharing a quiet personality. We want a fire-breathing alpha who can step in for Moses if he goes down.

Maybe we want too much – at least from Josh McMillon. Another maybe is what the ’19 Crimson Tide gets from Josh is enough. No one would deserve it more than Josh McMillon.