Alabama Football Defense
Defensive Line
- First Unit – LaBryan Ray, D.J. Dale and Phidarian Mathis or Byron Young
- Second Unit – Mathis or Young, Tim Smith and Justin Eboigbe
Thinking of the Tide’s defensive front as a rotational unit of nine or ten guys is more valuable than focusing on starters. Many in Freddie Roach’s unit can move around, playing inside or outside. Latham, Burroughs, Ingraham and Wynn will compete to break into the regular rotation, The best chance for a freshman to join the rotation is probably Monkell Goodwine.
Linebackers
- First Unit – Will Anderson Jr., Chris Allen, Christian Harris and Jaylen Moody or Henry To’o To’o
- Second Unit – Moody or To’o To’o, Chris Braswell, Deontae Lawson, Drew Sanders.
Shane Lee, Demouy Kennedy, King Mwikuta, Quandarrius Robinson and Jackson Bratton all have a chance to break into the two-deep, at linebacker. Mwikuta’s status is uncertain. He is still listed in the Transfer Portal.
According to some Alabama football insiders, To’o To’o has the best chance to earn the starting Mike linebacker role. Nick Saban has said Christian Harris will play both Mike and Will.
Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks
- First Unit – Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Second Unit – Kool-Aid McKinstry and Marcus Banks
- Possible breakthrough player – JUCO transfer Khyree Jackson
Safeties
- First Unit – Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams
- Second Unit – Daniel Wright and Brian Branch
Star and Money
- First Unit Star – Malachi Moore
- First Unit Money – Brian Branch
Nick Saban, Charles Kelly and Jay Valai have many lineup options in the secondary. Kristian Story and Terrion Arnold could become second unit options when the Tide is in a Dime defense.