Alabama Football: Linebacker and Defensive Back Signing Day prediction

Alabama Football has needs at linebacker, especially in replacing expected exits by Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’o To’o and Jaylen Moody. The Tide’s linebacker group also returns considerable talent, particularly if Chris Braswell returns for another season.

The Crimson Tide defensive backfield is filled with opportunities for new players. For a freshman, stepping into a starting role in the defensive backfield is a huge challenge. But it is expected Alabama will need three new starting safeties and possibly a new starting cornerback.

From the 2022 roster, beyond Kool-Aid McKinstry, Malachi Moore and Terrion Arnold, there is little returning, meaningful game experience.

Note: Player rankings in this post are from the 247Sports Composite.

Alabama Football 2023 Linebackers

Led by Dallas Turner, Deontae Lawson and hopefully Chris Braswell, Alabama will return as many as 11 linebackers. Big year three and year two moves are expected from Keanu Koht, Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Alexander.

Even if the Crimson Tide just adds depth in the 2023 class, adding linebackers is always key for Alabama. The already good news for the Crimson Tide is in the Early Period Alabama will add three top additions to its 2023 class.

• 5-Star, Edge, Keon Keeley; No. 1 Edge and No. 10 player overall. The flip from Notre Dame to the Crimson Tide was a major boost by gaining a player who can contribute in 2023 and become a multi-year stater later.
• 4-Star, Edge, Yhonzae Pierre; No. 8 Edge and No. 59 overall
• 4-Star Linebacker, Justin Jefferson; No. 1 JUCO LB and No. 2 JUCO player overall

Crimson Tide Linebacker Prediction

The other half of the dynamic Carver High School duo; 4-Star, Qua Russaw will sign with the Crimson Tide. Auburn has long chased Russaw. Georgia made a hard push but the Bama Hammer prediction is the versatile linebacker, rated as the No. 7 Edge and No. 48 player overall will sign with the Crimson Tide.

Alabama could get a pleasant surprise from another linebacker signee, but none are predicted.

Alabama Football 2023 Defensive Backs

The Tide’s four defensive back commits would make for a strong 2023 class. The first three listed below are solid. The fourth is a likely Tide signee, but it will surprise no one if he flips.

• 5-Star, Safety, Caleb Downs; No. 1 Safety and No. 6 player overall. Downs could have a key backup role next season and could possibly even start later in the season. Downs is expected to join the Crimson Tide bowl practices on Wednesday.
• 4-Star, Cornerback, Jahlil Hurley; No. 4 CB and No. 38 player overall
• 4-Star, Athlete, Bray Hubbard; No. 15 ATH and No. 334 overall. The high school quarterback is expected to play safety for the Crimson Tide.
• 4-Star, Safety, Tony Mitchell; No. 5 Safety and No. 54 player overall. Texas A&M has tried mightily to flip Mitchell. The Aggies might pull it off – or a surprise program could swoop in late. No prediction is offered by Bama Hammer.

Who would be a major coup for the Crimson Tide is 5-Star, CB, Desmond Ricks. Ricks could roll with the Tide, but the Bama Hammer prediction is LSU. Ricks will not announce until Thursday. Another good possibility is 4-Star, CB, Damari Brown. It appears Brown will choose either Alabama or Miami. Bama Hammer is making no prediction.

Will there be a major surprise? It is almost guaranteed there will be surprises. A hunch is none will be major ones.