Alabama’s spring camp has concluded, meaning we have had a good look at the Crimson Tide through 15 practices including its A-Day game over the weekend. Tuesday we released our post-spring depth chart on offense. Today, we finish things off with defense and special teams.
As always, here are a couple of ground rules: No. 1, this is not an official depth chart. No. 2, players who are not yet on Alabama’s official roster were not included. No. 3, players who are currently out with injury were placed where they are expected to be after recovery.
Defensive line
DE: Raekwon Davis, Jr.
LaBryan Ray, So.
NG: Quinnen Williams, R-So.
Phidarian Mathis, R-Fr.
Johnny Dwight, R-Sr.
DE: Isaiah Buggs, Sr.
Stephon Wynn, Fr.
Notes: What a starting unit. Raekwon Davis and Quinnen Williams had two sacks apiece during A-Day, while Isaiah Buggs also picked up a sack in the scrimmage. Behind that, LaBryan Ray showed a lot of promise, picking up two sacks on the afternoon. This summer, Alabama will bring in 6-foot-2, 350-pound JUCO transfer Tevita Musika as well as four-star defensive tackle Christian Barmore to add depth to add depth up the middle. Suddenly it looks like the Crimson Tide doesn’t have as much to worry about up front as some originally feared.
Linebackers
Sam LB: Christian Miller, R-Sr.
Christopher Allen, So.
Jamey Mosley, R-Sr.
Mike LB: Mack Wilson, Jr.
Markail Benton, R-Fr.
VanDarius Cowan, So.
Ben Davis, R-So.
Will LB: Dylan Moses, So.
Joshua McMillon, R-Jr.
Keith Holcombe, R-Sr.
Jack LB: Anfernee Jennings, R-Jr.
Terrell Lewis, Jr.
Jarez Parks, Fr.
Notes: Dylan Moses was the star of the unit, tallying a team-high 10 tackles on A-Day. However, Christopher Allen wasn’t far behind registering two sacks. Allen continues to rise up the projected depth chart and had a spectacular spring heading into his sophomore year.
The real question in this unit is the depth at middle linebacker. Moses and Mack Wilson are the two definite starters, but if either went down things could get dicey. Keith Holcombe sat out the spring to focus on baseball, and it is unknown if he will be on the roster come fall. Joshua McMillon had a nice A-Day with nine tackles, including one for a loss.
Secondary
CB: Trevon Diggs, Jr.
Shyheim Carter, Jr.
CB: Savion Smith, Jr.
Nigel Knott, R-So.
Star: Shyheim Carter, Jr.
Kyriq McDonald, R-Fr.
SS: Xavier McKinney, So.
Daniel Wright, So.
Slade Bolden, Fr.
FS: Deionte Thompson, R-Jr.
Jared Mayden, Jr.
Keaton Anderson, R-Jr.
Notes: Alabama is still thin in the secondary, but at least it knows the players it has are capable of performing up to standard. The secondary stood tall during A-Day, frustrating both quarterbacks at times throughout the scrimmage. Trevon Diggs and Jared Mayden came away with interceptions. Barring a few blown plays, the rest of the secondary was also solid.
Alabama should receive the depth its looking for this summer when it adds four freshmen in Patrick Surtain Jr., Josh Jobe, Eddie Smith and Jalyn Armour-Davis to its roster. All four defensive backs have the talent to contribute right away at the next level.
Special teams
P: Skyler DeLong, Fr.
PK: Joseph Bulovas, R-Fr.
KO: Joseph Bulovas, R-Fr.
SN: Scott Meyer, R-So. or Thomas Fletcher, So.
Holder: Mac Jones, R-Fr.
Notes: Alabama left the spring feeling much better about its special teams. Redshirt freshman kicker Joseph Bulovas earned co-MVP honors on A-Day by connecting on 5 of 7 field-goal attempts with a long of 49 yards. Alabama head coach Nick Saban also credited quarterback Mac Jones for supplying his kicker with nice holds on the day. Early enrollee Skyler DeLong was equally solid, pinning his opponent inside the 20-yard line on six of his 10 punts.
