Alabama football will likely face its toughest and most physical challenger yet when it heads to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Alabama defense, which has been arguably the best unit in the country to this point, may not be at full strength for the SEC West tilt.
Alabama Football: Byron Young
Senior defensive lineman Byron Young went down with a sprained right ankle in the Tide’s win over Vanderbilt, and was reportedly on crutches following the game.
Young is one of the clear leaders of a veteran-laden defense, and has been a productive member of the Tide defensive line for several years. He seemed poised for a breakout senior season, so hopefully this injury will not be serious in the long-term. Regardless, it seems unlikely that Young will be fully healthy against Arkansas, if he is able to play at all.
Byron Young is off to a strong start in the 2022 season, notching nine tackles, including two for a loss and a half-sack. While Young is a valuable member of the defensive line, the strength of this group is its depth and rotation. Fellow senior Justin Eboigbe has arguably outplayed Young, recording 11 tackles and generally being very disruptive. Junior Tim Smith and freshman Jaheim Oatis have also been difference-makers along the front.
DJ Dale and Jamil Burroughs round out the regular rotation, while Damon Payne Jr., Isaiah Hastings, and Tim Keenan III have all seen snaps this year.
Alabama Football: Jordan Battle
Senior safety Jordan Battle is the undisputed leader of the secondary, and appeared to tweak his hamstring in the latter portion of the Vanderbilt game. Battle has not been mentioned in post-game injury discussions, so perhaps he is fine.
An injury to Jordan Battle would be much more difficult to absorb given the nature of his position. While he has had a relatively quiet season thus far, Battle’s leadership and experience is invaluable on the back end of the defense. He has recorded 14 tackles this season, and has 156 in his career to go with five interceptions.
Some level of attrition is all but a certainty over the course of a college football season. Navigating the gauntlet of physicality that is an SEC football schedule without some minor injuries would be considered a miracle by some. Still, it is unfortunate for Alabama football to withstand injuries to two of its most experienced defenders and vocal leaders before such an important game.
Hopefully, Byron Young and Jordan Battle both recover quickly enough to be impact contributors in Fayetteville.