The Alabama Football preseason has one more week before Miami game week. With Saturday’s second and last preseason scrimmage, an updated, projected depth chart is in order. An actual depth chart will be reluctantly released by Nick Saban in about a week.
Making any predicted chart tricky, is the unknown status of when injured players will return. In this projection, it is presumed LaBryan Ray and DeMarcco Hellams will not play in the season opener. Two weeks out from the Miami game, no other projected starters are excluded from participating against the Hurricanes.
For both offense and defense, more than 11 players are listed to indicate ‘starters’ in multiple formations. In some position groups, possible breakthrough players are added.
Alabama Football Defense
Defensive Line
- Starters: Byron Young, Tim Smith, Phidarian Mathis and Justin Eboigbe
- In the rotation: D.J. Dale, Jah-Marian Latham, Jamil Burroughs
- Possible breakthrough: Monkell Goodwine
Outside Linebackers
- Starters: Will Anderson Jr. and Chris Allen
- Second-unit: Drew Sanders and King Mwikuta or Chris Braswell
- Possible breakthroughs: Keanu Koht and Dallas Turner
Inside Linebackers
- Starters: Henry To’o To’o and Christian Harris
- Second-unit: Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee
- Possible breakthrough: Deontae Lawson
Secondary – Cornerbacks
- Starters: Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Second-unit: Kool-Aid McKinstry and Khyree Jackson
- Third Corner (Star) Starter: Malachi Moore
- Third Corner (Star) Back-up: Kool-Aid McKinstry or Khyree Jackson or Marcus Banks
- Possible Breakthrough: Terrion Arnold
Secondary – Safeties
- Starters: Jordan Battle and Brian Branch
- Second-unit: Daniel Wright and Kristian Story
- Possible Breakthrough: Terrion Arnold
- Money Starter: Christain Harris or TBD
When DeMarcco Hellams returns, either he or Branch will take the Money role.
Alabama Football Offense
Quarterback
- QB1 – Bryce Young
- QB2 – Paul Tyson
- QB3 – Jalen Milroe
Running Back
- Starter: Brian Robinson Jr.
- RB2 – Trey Sanders
- RB3 – Jase McClellan or Roydell Williams
Wide Receiver
- Starters: John Metchie, Slade Bolden, Jameson Williams
- Fourth WR: Javon Baker or JoJo Earle or Thaiu Jones-Bell or Traeshon Holden
- Possible Breakthroughs: Agiye Hall, Christian Leary and Ja’Corey Brooks
Tight End
- Starters: Jahleel Billingsley and Cameron Latu (if Billingsley makes it out of Saban’s doghouse)
- Second-unit: Major Tennison and Robbie Ouzts or Caden Clark
Offensive Line
- First Unit: (L to R); Evan Neal, Javion Cohen, Chris Owens, Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Kendall Randolph
- Second Unit: (L to R); Pierce Quick, Amari Kight, Darrian Dalcourt, Tommy Brown and J.C. Latham
Alabama Football Special Teams
- Placekicker: Will Reichard
- Punter: James Burnip or Ty Perine or TBD
- Snapper: Kneeland Hibbett or Carter Short
- Kick Returners: Camar Wheaton and others TBD
Much can change before Saban releases the first official depth chart. Even then, there will ample use of ‘or’ designations. There are preseason sessions left and fluid situations that may remain a work in progress through the Mercer game.
If Billingsley does not regain a first unit role, the expected frequent use of two tight-end sets could be reduced.