Among a largely inexperienced group of Alabama football inside linebackers, a ‘Will’ will emerge or will the position become a new hybrid?
This is the first of several planned discussions of Alabama football position groups heading into fall camp. Arguably, the ‘Will’ inside linebacker is the biggest question mark for the 2019 Crimson Tide defense. For that reason, this post is dedicated to just that one inside linebacker position.
Last season, the ‘Will’ linebacker on depth charts was Dylan Moses. The central cog in any Alabama football defense, the ‘Mike’ linebacker was played by Mack Wilson. Moses was the Crimson Tide’s leading tackler with 86 stops.
With Mack moving to the NFL, Dylan moves to ‘Mike’ and he is well suited for all aspects of the role. Who the new ‘Will’ will be is on the minds of every Alabama football fan.
First, a little background. In the Tide’s 3-4 defense, the ‘Sam’ (outside) linebacker is usually subbed out to add a fifth defensive back. The ‘Will’ plays in the base 3-4 defense, but that defense is only used about 20 percent of the time. The ‘Will’ is also included in the nickel but he must be more than a run-stopper. In some situations, he may have to cover a RB or a TE. In the dime, a second inside linebacker can also be used, but he often doubles as a pass rusher.
Complicating any formation discussion is that Nick Saban’s defenses sub players situationally, adjusting to the opponent’s formations and tendencies. Over the past few years, high value has been placed on and added responsibilities given to, hybrid defenders. Hybrid guys like Ronnie Harrison and Minkah Fitzpatrick sometimes lined up in what appeared to be linebacker positions. They had to read the opponent’s last-second formation wrinkles and be prepared to play linebacker or cornerback once the ball was snapped.
The player on the current Crimson Tide roster most suited to that role is Xavier McKinney. Like Minkah, he can play multiple positions, he can cover and he is a hitter.
What to expect at the ‘Will’
What follows is presumption. We will be trying to learn from fall camp if the presumption has any merit.
Our best guess is Josh McMillon will be the ‘Will’ in the base defense. He has by far the most experience of any linebacker on the roster other than Moses. In the nickel, McMillon might stay on the field or as Saban has said, he may use a committee approach employing different sets of skills to match situations.
Going into the fall, Jaylen Moody, Markail Benton will be fighting to beat out McMillon. Saban has also hinted some of the young linebackers will get a look. His comment appeared to suggest one or more of the true freshmen could have a chance at the rotation. Shane Lee performed well in the spring. The other true freshman, Christian Harris was a summer enrollee. Harris is viewed to have tremendous potential.
Lee and Harris might prove to be future Crimson Tide superstars. Still, inside linebacker is a perilous spot for an SEC freshman.
Attentive Alabama fans have no doubt noticed one inside linebacker name not yet mentioned. Yes, the enigmatic Ale Kaho is still on the team. He should not be counted out.