Alabama Football: Looking at ’22 roster numbers and position groups
By Ronald Evans
Defensive Line
Phidarian Mathis and LaBryan Ray are expected to move to the NFL
Returning Defensive Linemen – Damon Payne Jr., Byron Young, Tim Smith, Braylen Ingraham, Anquin Barnes Jr., Stephon Wynn Jr., Justin Eboigbe, Jah-Marien Latham, D.J. Dale, Monkell Goodwine, Tim Keenan III, and Jamil Burroughs
New Defensive Linemen – Isaiah Hastings, Khurtiss Perry and Jaheim Oatis
Two or more exits via transfer can be expected.
Linebackers
It is not known what Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o will decide about the NFL. Neither is included in the list of returning players below.
Returning Linebackers – Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, Drew Sanders, Chris Braswell, King Mwikuta, Keanu Koht, Deontae Lawson, Quandarrius Robison, Ian Jackson, Demouey Kennedy, Kendrick Blackshire, Shane Lee and possible for an extra season, Jaylen Moody
New Linebackers – Jeremiah Alexander, Jihaad Campbell and Shawn Murphy
Potentially with 18 linebackers, this is another position group with likely transfer exits.
Defensive Backs
Josh Jobe, Jordan Battle and possibly Jalyn Armour-Davis will exit for the NFL.
Returning Defensive Backs – Kool-Aid McKinstry, DeMarcco Hellams, Khyree Jackson, Kristian Story, Terrion Arnold, Malachi Moore, Brain Branch, Jahquez Robinson, Devonta Smith and Kaine Williams
New Defensive Backs – Trequon Fegens, Earl Little jr., Jake Pope and Eli Ricks
Depending on what Armour-Davis does, the Tide could have 14 or 15 defensive backs. Two or more transfer exits seem likely.
On Special Teams, Will Reicherd returning is expected but not guaranteed. Among the other specialists, some attrition is expected.
How many transfer exits will it take to reach the 85 scholarship limit? A guess is 9-12 will be necessary.
The current Alabama Football roster is available here.
A list of the new 24 players is available here.
Next. Practice for the Playoffs. dark
Nick Saban is a master at making numbers work. He is also good at helping players decide what to do and when needed, help them find new teams.