Alabama's roster should fluctuate over the next few weeks, but following a slew of announced comings and goings, the Crimson Tide should have a solid feel for what its team will look like next season. With that in mind, we’ve put together our first projected depth chart of the year.
Note: Players are listed under their projected class status for next season. Only players who have signed their letters of intent to Alabama were included in this depth chart.
QB
Mac Jones, R-Jr
Bryce Young, Fr
Taulia Tagovailoa, So
Paul Tyson, R-Fr
Outlook: Life without Tua Tagovailoa begins now for Alabama. While Bryce Young brings plenty of excitement to Tuscaloosa, Ala., the five-star freshman will have to earn his way above Mac Jones, who completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,503 yards and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions while making four starts this past season. Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson could also enter the mix if they put up strong performances in the spring. After a year off of quarterback competitions, Alabama should be in for an entertaining one this year.
RB
Najee Harris, Sr
Trey Sanders, R-Fr
Brian Robinson Jr., Sr
Keilan Robinson, So
Jase McClellan, Fr
Roydell Williams, Fr
Kyle Edwards, Fr
Outlook: Now that Najee Harris appears to be returning for his senior season, there isn't much question who Alabama's starter will be at running back this year. That being said, the competition for carries behind the star back could be interesting.
Former five-star recruit Trey Sanders, who sat out his first season after suffering a foot injury in fall camp, offers a quicker option to Harris out of the backfield. The same can be said about speedster Keilan Robinson, who flashed his big-play ability during his freshman year last season. Brian Robinson Jr. could serve as a tough-yardage back while also providing a sense of leadership and dependability to the unit. Alabama also brings in three talented freshmen who could all see the field in some capacity.
WR-Z
John Metchie III, So
Xavier Williams, R-So
Traeshon Holden, Fr
WR-X
DeVonta Smith, Sr
Tyrell Shavers, R-Jr
Thaiu Jones-Bell, Fr
Slot
Jaylen Waddle, Jr
Slade Bolden, R-So
Chadarius Townsend, R-Jr
Outlook: While the loss of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III will be significant, the return of DeVonta Smith provides Alabama with a proven playmaker to pair alongside Jaylen Waddle. Together, that duo will help draw plenty of attention away from other parts of the field which should open up opportunities for the Crimson Tide’s other options.
Right now, the most likely candidate for the third starting receiver position is John Metchie III. While the 6-foot, 195-pound receiver caught just four passes for 23 yards during his freshman season, he’ demonstrated his playmaking ability during A-Day when he earned MVP honors by reeling in five receptions for 133 yards. Another option for the third receiver spot is 6-foot-6, 205-pound redshirt junior Tyrell Shavers. Slade Bolden should provide depth at slot while also featuring in the Wildcat package as he did last season.
TE
Major Tennison, R-Jr
Cameron Latu, R-So
Giles Amos, R-Sr.
Michael Parker, R-So
TE-H
Miller Forristall, R-Sr
Jahleel Billingsley, So
Caden Clark, Fr
Outlook: Not much changes here from last year. Given their experience, Miller Forristall and Major Tennison are the favorites to handle the two starting roles. Although, we should see more of Jahleel Billingsley as his size and pass-catching ability could make him a matchup problem over the middle for opposing defenses.
LT
Alex Leatherwood, Sr
Scott Lashley, R-Sr
Kendall Randolph, R-Jr
LG
Emil Ekiyor Jr., R-So
Pierce Quick, R-Fr
Hunter Brannon, R-Jr
C
Landon Dickerson, R-Sr
Darrian Dalcourt, So
Chris Owens, R-Sr
RG
Deonte Brown, R-Sr
Tanner Bowles, R-Fr
Seth McLaughlin, Fr
RT
Evan Neal, So
Tommy Brown, R-So
Amari Kight, R-Fr
Javion Cohen, Fr
Outlook: The line will be the most interesting position group to watch on offense. With Jerick Wills Jr. declaring for the NFL Draft, there are a few ways Alabama can rotate its line around to fill his void at right tackle.
The most logical swap appears to be moving 6-foot-7, 360-pounder Evan Neal from left guard to right tackle. Neal was the top-rated tackle in last year’s class and could benefit from moving back to his natural position in the same way Alex Leatherwood did when he moved from right guard to left tackle last season.
If Alabama does choose this route, it will have to find a replacement for Neal at guard. We decided to plug in 6-foot-3, 327-pounder Emil Ekiyor Jr. to provide some push inside. However, another option would be to insert Darrian Dalcourt in at center and slide Landon Dickerson to guard.
DE
Christian Barmore, R-So
Byron Young, So
Braylen Ingraham, R-Fr
DT
D.J. Dale, So
Phidarian Mathis, R-Jr
Stephon Wynn Jr., R-So.
Ishmael Sopsher, R-Fr
Timothy Smith, Fr
Jah-Marien Latham, Fr
DE
LaBryan Ray, R-Jr
Justin Eboigbe, So
Outlook: Alabama started most of its games with two freshmen on its three-man defensive line. That won’t be the case this season as the unit will be more experienced even with the departure of Raekwon Davis.
LaBryan Ray (foot) and D.J. Dale (knee) will both return from season-ending injuries, while Christian Barmore will be back as one of Alabama’s most promising pass-rushers. Unlike recent years, Alabama has plenty of depth in the unit, including defensive ends Byron Young and Justin Eboigbe and defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, who all earned starts last season.
Jack LB
Christopher Allen, R-Jr
Chris Braswell, Fr
William Anderson, Fr
Kevin Harris II, R-Fr
Jarez Parks, R-So
Mike LB
Dylan Moses, R-Jr
Shane Lee, So
Markail Benton, R-Jr
Jaylen Moody, Jr
Will LB
Christian Harris, So
Joshua McMillon, R-Sr
Demouy Kennedy, Fr
Ale Kaho, Jr
Jackson Bratton, Fr
Sam LB
King Mwikuta, So
Drew Sanders, Fr
Quandarrius Robinson, Fr
Ben Davis, R-Sr
Outlook: While the return of Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon should provide some stability to the inside of Alabama’s linebacking corps, the Crimson Tide will still need to replace it’s two biggest pass-rushers in Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings at outside linebacker. Lewis and Jennings combined for 14 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss last season.
Christopher Allen worked with the first-team defense at Sam linebacker during the Citrus Bowl as Lewis sat out the game. Given his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame and ability to set the edge, Allen will likely serve as Jennings’ replacement at Jack linebacker this year. That leaves an opening at Sam linebacker which could fall to sophomore King Mwikuta as well as a quartet of highly-rated freshman pass-rushers in Drew Sanders, Chris Braswell, Quandarrius Robinson and William Anderson.
At inside linebacker, Moses is a lock to take over signal-calling duties at the Mike Linebacker position. Christian Harris provides more athleticism than McMillon at Will linebacker and will likely benefit from playing alongside Moses. Shane Lee, who started at Mike linebacker last season, will provide quality depth, while five-star freshman Demouy Kennedy is one to watch.
CB
Josh Jobe, Jr
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-So
Marcus Banks, R-Fr
CB
Ronald Williams, Jr
Brandon Turnage, R-Fr
Jahquez Robinson, Fr
Star
Patrick Surtain II, Jr
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-So
Scooby Carter, R-Fr
S
Jordan Battle, So
Eddie Smith, R-So
Brian Branch, Fr
S
Daniel Wright, R-Jr
DeMarcco Hellams, So
Malachi Moore, Fr
Kristian Story, Fr
Outlook: Alabama loses four members of its starting nickel secondary in cornerback Trevon Diggs, safeties Xavier Mckinney and Jared Mayden and defensive back Shyheim Carter who played Star. Given his experience, Patrick Surtain II is a likely option to slide to Star, while Josh Jobe takes his spot at cornerback. The other cornerback role could be filled by JUCO transfer Ronald Williams, while Jalyn Armour-Davis, Brandon Turnage and Marcus Banks are all strong candidates for the role as well.
At safety, Jordan Battle is the most likely to step into a starting role as he worked at the position out of the dime package during his freshman year last season. Redshirt junior Daniel Wright and sophomore DeMarcco Hellams will both compete for the other safety spot, while one of those two will also likely serve at the Money position out of the dime package.
K
Will Reichard, So
Joseph Bulovas, R-Jr
P
Ty Perine, So
Skyler DeLong, Jr.
SN
Thomas Fletcher, Sr
Holder
Mac Jones, R-Jr
KR
Slade Bolden, R-So/Brian Robinson Jr., Sr
PR
Jaylen Waddle, Jr
Outlook: Will Reichard will be fully recovered from his hip injury and should take over placekicker and kickoff duties next season. The sophomore could also serve as the punter. Although, walk-on Ty Perine showed plenty of promise in that role last season.
Alabama could elect to take Jaylen Waddle off of punt-return duties due to his elevated status on the offense. However, after the receiver led college football with 24.35 yards per return last season it will be hard to relieve him of the job.
Note: Players are listed under their projected class status for next season. Only players who have signed their letters of intent to Alabama were included in this depth chart.
QB
Mac Jones, R-Jr
Bryce Young, Fr
Taulia Tagovailoa, So
Paul Tyson, R-Fr
Outlook: Life without Tua Tagovailoa begins now for Alabama. While Bryce Young brings plenty of excitement to Tuscaloosa, Ala., the five-star freshman will have to earn his way above Mac Jones, who completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,503 yards and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions while making four starts this past season. Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson could also enter the mix if they put up strong performances in the spring. After a year off of quarterback competitions, Alabama should be in for an entertaining one this year.
RB
Najee Harris, Sr
Trey Sanders, R-Fr
Brian Robinson Jr., Sr
Keilan Robinson, So
Jase McClellan, Fr
Roydell Williams, Fr
Kyle Edwards, Fr
Outlook: Now that Najee Harris appears to be returning for his senior season, there isn't much question who Alabama's starter will be at running back this year. That being said, the competition for carries behind the star back could be interesting.
Former five-star recruit Trey Sanders, who sat out his first season after suffering a foot injury in fall camp, offers a quicker option to Harris out of the backfield. The same can be said about speedster Keilan Robinson, who flashed his big-play ability during his freshman year last season. Brian Robinson Jr. could serve as a tough-yardage back while also providing a sense of leadership and dependability to the unit. Alabama also brings in three talented freshmen who could all see the field in some capacity.
WR-Z
John Metchie III, So
Xavier Williams, R-So
Traeshon Holden, Fr
WR-X
DeVonta Smith, Sr
Tyrell Shavers, R-Jr
Thaiu Jones-Bell, Fr
Slot
Jaylen Waddle, Jr
Slade Bolden, R-So
Chadarius Townsend, R-Jr
Outlook: While the loss of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III will be significant, the return of DeVonta Smith provides Alabama with a proven playmaker to pair alongside Jaylen Waddle. Together, that duo will help draw plenty of attention away from other parts of the field which should open up opportunities for the Crimson Tide’s other options.
Right now, the most likely candidate for the third starting receiver position is John Metchie III. While the 6-foot, 195-pound receiver caught just four passes for 23 yards during his freshman season, he’ demonstrated his playmaking ability during A-Day when he earned MVP honors by reeling in five receptions for 133 yards. Another option for the third receiver spot is 6-foot-6, 205-pound redshirt junior Tyrell Shavers. Slade Bolden should provide depth at slot while also featuring in the Wildcat package as he did last season.
TE
Major Tennison, R-Jr
Cameron Latu, R-So
Giles Amos, R-Sr.
Michael Parker, R-So
TE-H
Miller Forristall, R-Sr
Jahleel Billingsley, So
Caden Clark, Fr
Outlook: Not much changes here from last year. Given their experience, Miller Forristall and Major Tennison are the favorites to handle the two starting roles. Although, we should see more of Jahleel Billingsley as his size and pass-catching ability could make him a matchup problem over the middle for opposing defenses.
LT
Alex Leatherwood, Sr
Scott Lashley, R-Sr
Kendall Randolph, R-Jr
LG
Emil Ekiyor Jr., R-So
Pierce Quick, R-Fr
Hunter Brannon, R-Jr
C
Landon Dickerson, R-Sr
Darrian Dalcourt, So
Chris Owens, R-Sr
RG
Deonte Brown, R-Sr
Tanner Bowles, R-Fr
Seth McLaughlin, Fr
RT
Evan Neal, So
Tommy Brown, R-So
Amari Kight, R-Fr
Javion Cohen, Fr
Outlook: The line will be the most interesting position group to watch on offense. With Jerick Wills Jr. declaring for the NFL Draft, there are a few ways Alabama can rotate its line around to fill his void at right tackle.
The most logical swap appears to be moving 6-foot-7, 360-pounder Evan Neal from left guard to right tackle. Neal was the top-rated tackle in last year’s class and could benefit from moving back to his natural position in the same way Alex Leatherwood did when he moved from right guard to left tackle last season.
If Alabama does choose this route, it will have to find a replacement for Neal at guard. We decided to plug in 6-foot-3, 327-pounder Emil Ekiyor Jr. to provide some push inside. However, another option would be to insert Darrian Dalcourt in at center and slide Landon Dickerson to guard.
DE
Christian Barmore, R-So
Byron Young, So
Braylen Ingraham, R-Fr
DT
D.J. Dale, So
Phidarian Mathis, R-Jr
Stephon Wynn Jr., R-So.
Ishmael Sopsher, R-Fr
Timothy Smith, Fr
Jah-Marien Latham, Fr
DE
LaBryan Ray, R-Jr
Justin Eboigbe, So
Outlook: Alabama started most of its games with two freshmen on its three-man defensive line. That won’t be the case this season as the unit will be more experienced even with the departure of Raekwon Davis.
LaBryan Ray (foot) and D.J. Dale (knee) will both return from season-ending injuries, while Christian Barmore will be back as one of Alabama’s most promising pass-rushers. Unlike recent years, Alabama has plenty of depth in the unit, including defensive ends Byron Young and Justin Eboigbe and defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, who all earned starts last season.
Jack LB
Christopher Allen, R-Jr
Chris Braswell, Fr
William Anderson, Fr
Kevin Harris II, R-Fr
Jarez Parks, R-So
Mike LB
Dylan Moses, R-Jr
Shane Lee, So
Markail Benton, R-Jr
Jaylen Moody, Jr
Will LB
Christian Harris, So
Joshua McMillon, R-Sr
Demouy Kennedy, Fr
Ale Kaho, Jr
Jackson Bratton, Fr
Sam LB
King Mwikuta, So
Drew Sanders, Fr
Quandarrius Robinson, Fr
Ben Davis, R-Sr
Outlook: While the return of Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon should provide some stability to the inside of Alabama’s linebacking corps, the Crimson Tide will still need to replace it’s two biggest pass-rushers in Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings at outside linebacker. Lewis and Jennings combined for 14 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss last season.
Christopher Allen worked with the first-team defense at Sam linebacker during the Citrus Bowl as Lewis sat out the game. Given his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame and ability to set the edge, Allen will likely serve as Jennings’ replacement at Jack linebacker this year. That leaves an opening at Sam linebacker which could fall to sophomore King Mwikuta as well as a quartet of highly-rated freshman pass-rushers in Drew Sanders, Chris Braswell, Quandarrius Robinson and William Anderson.
At inside linebacker, Moses is a lock to take over signal-calling duties at the Mike Linebacker position. Christian Harris provides more athleticism than McMillon at Will linebacker and will likely benefit from playing alongside Moses. Shane Lee, who started at Mike linebacker last season, will provide quality depth, while five-star freshman Demouy Kennedy is one to watch.
CB
Josh Jobe, Jr
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-So
Marcus Banks, R-Fr
CB
Ronald Williams, Jr
Brandon Turnage, R-Fr
Jahquez Robinson, Fr
Star
Patrick Surtain II, Jr
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-So
Scooby Carter, R-Fr
S
Jordan Battle, So
Eddie Smith, R-So
Brian Branch, Fr
S
Daniel Wright, R-Jr
DeMarcco Hellams, So
Malachi Moore, Fr
Kristian Story, Fr
Outlook: Alabama loses four members of its starting nickel secondary in cornerback Trevon Diggs, safeties Xavier Mckinney and Jared Mayden and defensive back Shyheim Carter who played Star. Given his experience, Patrick Surtain II is a likely option to slide to Star, while Josh Jobe takes his spot at cornerback. The other cornerback role could be filled by JUCO transfer Ronald Williams, while Jalyn Armour-Davis, Brandon Turnage and Marcus Banks are all strong candidates for the role as well.
At safety, Jordan Battle is the most likely to step into a starting role as he worked at the position out of the dime package during his freshman year last season. Redshirt junior Daniel Wright and sophomore DeMarcco Hellams will both compete for the other safety spot, while one of those two will also likely serve at the Money position out of the dime package.
K
Will Reichard, So
Joseph Bulovas, R-Jr
P
Ty Perine, So
Skyler DeLong, Jr.
SN
Thomas Fletcher, Sr
Holder
Mac Jones, R-Jr
KR
Slade Bolden, R-So/Brian Robinson Jr., Sr
PR
Jaylen Waddle, Jr
Outlook: Will Reichard will be fully recovered from his hip injury and should take over placekicker and kickoff duties next season. The sophomore could also serve as the punter. Although, walk-on Ty Perine showed plenty of promise in that role last season.
Alabama could elect to take Jaylen Waddle off of punt-return duties due to his elevated status on the offense. However, after the receiver led college football with 24.35 yards per return last season it will be hard to relieve him of the job.
