Here is our updated projected depth chart for the 2019 season.
QB
Tua Tagovailoa, Jr.
Mac Jones, R-So.
Paul Tyson, Fr./ Taulia Tagovailoa, Fr.
Explanation: Things are pretty straightforward. Tua Tagovailoa returns as the starter after his stellar sophomore season, while Mac Jones steps up into a role at second-string. It will be interesting to see how Alabama uses Paul Tyson and Taulia Tagovailoa. Due to the redshirt rule, both could play up to four games and still redshirt.
RB
Najee Harris, Jr.
Brian Robinson, Jr.
Trey Sanders, Fr.
Jerome Ford, R-Fr.
Keilan Robinson
Explanation: Alabama lost two of its top three rushers in Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. However, the Crimson Tide will still feature a loaded backfield. Najee Harris should slide into the starting role, while Brian Robinson will be in line for a breakout season. Trey Sanders, the No. 3 overall player in the 2019 class, claimed that he’d win the Heisman Award as a freshman. That might be a stretch, but the five-star back could certainly make a big impact early on. Jerome Ford played in just four games last season and should get more playing time this year. I expect Keilan Robinson to take a similar role to what Ford did last year.
TE
Kedrick James, Jr.
Jahleel Billingsley, Fr.
Michael Parker, R-Fr.
TE-H
Miller Forristall, R-Jr.
Major Tennison, R-So.
Explanation: Alabama’s depth at tight end took a major blow as it lost its two starters in Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. Furthermore, it’s unknown if Kedrick James will still be facing a suspension that saw him miss both of the Crimson Tide’s games in the College Football Playoff last season. Miller Forristall projects to step up as the leader of the group and could finally have his breakout year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2017. Jahleel Billingsley offers plenty of athleticism and in a position to take advantage of James’ early absence. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Alabama added a graduate transfer at the position this offseason.
LT
Alex Leatherwood, Jr.
Scott Lashley, R-Jr.
Tommy Brown, R-Fr.
LG
Deonte Brown, R-Jr.
Emil Ekiyor, R-Fr.
Darrian Dalcourt, Fr.
C
Chris Owens, R-Jr.
Emil Ekiyor, R-Fr.
Hunter Brannon, R-So.
RG
Matt Womack, R-Sr.
Pierce Quick, Fr.
Tanner Bowles, Fr.
RT
Jedrick Wills, Jr.
Evan Neal, Fr.
Kendall Randolph, R-So.
Amari Kight, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama lost two starters from last year’s line in center Ross Pierschbacher and left tackle Jonah Williams. However, this year’s line could still feature four former starters. Matt Womack, who started 15 games at right tackle in 2017, could slide into the right guard spot as Alex Leatherwood replaces Williams at left tackle. Chris Owens and Emil Ekiyor appear set to battle for the center spot left behind by Pierschbacher. One of those two might also start the year at left guard as The Athletic reported that Brown will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension. Evan Neal has the size and ability to make an instant impact. If he earns a starting spot, it would likely be a tackle which would keep Leatherwood at guard.
WR Z
Henry Ruggs III, Jr.
Xavier Williams, R-Fr.
John Metchie, Fr.
WR X
DeVonta Smith, Jr.
Tyrell Shavers, R-So.
Slade Bolden, R-Fr.
WR H
Jerry Jeudy, Jr.
Jaylen Waddle, So.
Chadarius Townsend, R-So
Explanation: Alabama will once again be loaded as it returns its top four wide receivers. Tyrell Shavers and Xavier Williams could be in a position to take on a bigger role this season.
DE
Raekwon Davis, Sr.
Christian Barmore, R-Fr.
Stephon Wynn, R-Fr.
Braylen Ingraham, Fr.
DT
Phidarian Mathis, R-So.
Ishmael Sopsher, Fr.
D.J. Dale, Fr.
Tevita Musika, Sr.
DE
La’Bryan Ray, Jr.
Antonio Alfano, Fr.
Byron Young, Fr.
Justin Eboigbe, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama received good news as Raekwon Davis elected to return for his senior season. While the 6-foot-7, 316-pound defensive lineman had an underwhelming junior year, he should lead the unit next season. Phidarian Mathis’ ability to fill in for departing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will be crucial to the Crimson Tide’s success, while La’Bryan Ray offers a solid replacement for Isaiah Buggs at defensive end. Antonio Alfano is one of the most exciting prospects in Alabama’s 2019 class and could contribute early. Ishmael Sopsher won’t arrive until the summer but could provide some needed depth up the middle. Christian Barmore and Stephon Wynn are also players to watch heading into their redshirt freshmen seasons.
Sam
Terrell Lewis, R-Jr.
Christopher Allen, R-So.
Ben Davis, R-Jr.
King Mwikuta, Fr.
Mike
Dylan Moses, Jr.
Joshua McMillon, R-Sr.
Markail Benton, R-So. /Jaylen Moody, So.
Will
Ale Kaho, So.
Markail Benton, R-So.
Shane Lee, Fr.
Christian Harris, Fr.
Jack
Anfernee Jennings, R-Sr.
Eyabi Anoma, So.
Cameron Latu, R-Fr.
Jarez Parks, R-Fr.
Kevin Harris, Fr.
Explanation: With the loss of Mack Wilson, Alabama could elect to move Dylan Moses to Mike linebacker, handing him signal-calling duties. Ale Kaho, Markail Benton and Joshua McMillon are all candidates to start beside Moses. We went with Kaho due to the strides he made during the season. The former four-star recruit entered Alabama late in fall camp last year and should benefit from a full offseason.
On the outside, Alabama benefited from Anfernee Jennings’ decision to return for his redshirt senior season. He and Terrell Lewis could provide a dangerous pass-rushing tandem provided they are able to stay healthy. Sophomores Eyabi Anoma and Cameron Latu should also take on bigger roles.
CB
Trevon Diggs, Sr.
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-Fr.
Jeffery Carter, Fr.
Marcus Banks, Fr.
CB
Patrick Surtain II,
Josh Jobe, So.
Nigel Knott, R-Jr.
Brandon Turnage, Fr.
Star
Shyheim Carter, Sr.
Jared Mayden, Sr.
Jeffery Carter, Fr.
S
Jared Mayden, Sr.
Shyheim Carter, Sr.
Jordan Battle, Fr.
S
Xavier McKinney, Jr.
Daniel Wright, R-So.
Eddie Smith, So.
DeMarcco Hellams, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama would have had a lot more depth had Deionte Thompson and Saivion Smith not declared for the NFL. However, Alabama is still in good shape. The Crimson Tide returns 4 of 5 starting defensive backs from its nickel package and 5 of 6 starting defensive backs from its dime package. Trevon Diggs returns from a season-ending foot injury, while Patrick Surtain II should improve on an impressive freshman season. Shyheim Carter offers versatility and could remain at Star or move to safety alongside Xavier McKinney if needed.
PK
Will Reichard, Fr.
KO
Will Reichard, Fr. /Joseph Bulovas, R-So.
P
Skyler DeLong, So./Will Reichard, Fr.
KR
Trevon Diggs, Sr., Brian Robinson,
Henry Ruggs III, Jr., Najee Harris, Jr.
PR
Jaylen Waddle,
Trevon Diggs,
Henry Ruggs III, Jr.
Holder
Mac Jones, R-
Tua Tagovailoa, Jr.
LS
Thomas Fletcher, Jr./Scott Meyer, R-Jr.
Explanation: Will Reichard is one of the most anticipated arrivals in Alabama’s 2019 class. The Hoover, Ala., native is rated as the No. 1 kicker in his class and can also punt. Waddle was electric as a punt returner during his freshman season, while Diggs could step in for Jacobs as the Crimson Tide’s main kick returner.
QB
Tua Tagovailoa, Jr.
Mac Jones, R-So.
Paul Tyson, Fr./ Taulia Tagovailoa, Fr.
Explanation: Things are pretty straightforward. Tua Tagovailoa returns as the starter after his stellar sophomore season, while Mac Jones steps up into a role at second-string. It will be interesting to see how Alabama uses Paul Tyson and Taulia Tagovailoa. Due to the redshirt rule, both could play up to four games and still redshirt.
RB
Najee Harris, Jr.
Brian Robinson, Jr.
Trey Sanders, Fr.
Jerome Ford, R-Fr.
Keilan Robinson
Explanation: Alabama lost two of its top three rushers in Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. However, the Crimson Tide will still feature a loaded backfield. Najee Harris should slide into the starting role, while Brian Robinson will be in line for a breakout season. Trey Sanders, the No. 3 overall player in the 2019 class, claimed that he’d win the Heisman Award as a freshman. That might be a stretch, but the five-star back could certainly make a big impact early on. Jerome Ford played in just four games last season and should get more playing time this year. I expect Keilan Robinson to take a similar role to what Ford did last year.
TE
Kedrick James, Jr.
Jahleel Billingsley, Fr.
Michael Parker, R-Fr.
TE-H
Miller Forristall, R-Jr.
Major Tennison, R-So.
Explanation: Alabama’s depth at tight end took a major blow as it lost its two starters in Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. Furthermore, it’s unknown if Kedrick James will still be facing a suspension that saw him miss both of the Crimson Tide’s games in the College Football Playoff last season. Miller Forristall projects to step up as the leader of the group and could finally have his breakout year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2017. Jahleel Billingsley offers plenty of athleticism and in a position to take advantage of James’ early absence. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Alabama added a graduate transfer at the position this offseason.
LT
Alex Leatherwood, Jr.
Scott Lashley, R-Jr.
Tommy Brown, R-Fr.
LG
Deonte Brown, R-Jr.
Emil Ekiyor, R-Fr.
Darrian Dalcourt, Fr.
C
Chris Owens, R-Jr.
Emil Ekiyor, R-Fr.
Hunter Brannon, R-So.
RG
Matt Womack, R-Sr.
Pierce Quick, Fr.
Tanner Bowles, Fr.
RT
Jedrick Wills, Jr.
Evan Neal, Fr.
Kendall Randolph, R-So.
Amari Kight, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama lost two starters from last year’s line in center Ross Pierschbacher and left tackle Jonah Williams. However, this year’s line could still feature four former starters. Matt Womack, who started 15 games at right tackle in 2017, could slide into the right guard spot as Alex Leatherwood replaces Williams at left tackle. Chris Owens and Emil Ekiyor appear set to battle for the center spot left behind by Pierschbacher. One of those two might also start the year at left guard as The Athletic reported that Brown will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension. Evan Neal has the size and ability to make an instant impact. If he earns a starting spot, it would likely be a tackle which would keep Leatherwood at guard.
WR Z
Henry Ruggs III, Jr.
Xavier Williams, R-Fr.
John Metchie, Fr.
WR X
DeVonta Smith, Jr.
Tyrell Shavers, R-So.
Slade Bolden, R-Fr.
WR H
Jerry Jeudy, Jr.
Jaylen Waddle, So.
Chadarius Townsend, R-So
Explanation: Alabama will once again be loaded as it returns its top four wide receivers. Tyrell Shavers and Xavier Williams could be in a position to take on a bigger role this season.
DE
Raekwon Davis, Sr.
Christian Barmore, R-Fr.
Stephon Wynn, R-Fr.
Braylen Ingraham, Fr.
DT
Phidarian Mathis, R-So.
Ishmael Sopsher, Fr.
D.J. Dale, Fr.
Tevita Musika, Sr.
DE
La’Bryan Ray, Jr.
Antonio Alfano, Fr.
Byron Young, Fr.
Justin Eboigbe, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama received good news as Raekwon Davis elected to return for his senior season. While the 6-foot-7, 316-pound defensive lineman had an underwhelming junior year, he should lead the unit next season. Phidarian Mathis’ ability to fill in for departing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will be crucial to the Crimson Tide’s success, while La’Bryan Ray offers a solid replacement for Isaiah Buggs at defensive end. Antonio Alfano is one of the most exciting prospects in Alabama’s 2019 class and could contribute early. Ishmael Sopsher won’t arrive until the summer but could provide some needed depth up the middle. Christian Barmore and Stephon Wynn are also players to watch heading into their redshirt freshmen seasons.
Sam
Terrell Lewis, R-Jr.
Christopher Allen, R-So.
Ben Davis, R-Jr.
King Mwikuta, Fr.
Mike
Dylan Moses, Jr.
Joshua McMillon, R-Sr.
Markail Benton, R-So. /Jaylen Moody, So.
Will
Ale Kaho, So.
Markail Benton, R-So.
Shane Lee, Fr.
Christian Harris, Fr.
Jack
Anfernee Jennings, R-Sr.
Eyabi Anoma, So.
Cameron Latu, R-Fr.
Jarez Parks, R-Fr.
Kevin Harris, Fr.
Explanation: With the loss of Mack Wilson, Alabama could elect to move Dylan Moses to Mike linebacker, handing him signal-calling duties. Ale Kaho, Markail Benton and Joshua McMillon are all candidates to start beside Moses. We went with Kaho due to the strides he made during the season. The former four-star recruit entered Alabama late in fall camp last year and should benefit from a full offseason.
On the outside, Alabama benefited from Anfernee Jennings’ decision to return for his redshirt senior season. He and Terrell Lewis could provide a dangerous pass-rushing tandem provided they are able to stay healthy. Sophomores Eyabi Anoma and Cameron Latu should also take on bigger roles.
CB
Trevon Diggs, Sr.
Jalyn Armour-Davis, R-Fr.
Jeffery Carter, Fr.
Marcus Banks, Fr.
CB
Patrick Surtain II,
Josh Jobe, So.
Nigel Knott, R-Jr.
Brandon Turnage, Fr.
Star
Shyheim Carter, Sr.
Jared Mayden, Sr.
Jeffery Carter, Fr.
S
Jared Mayden, Sr.
Shyheim Carter, Sr.
Jordan Battle, Fr.
S
Xavier McKinney, Jr.
Daniel Wright, R-So.
Eddie Smith, So.
DeMarcco Hellams, Fr.
Explanation: Alabama would have had a lot more depth had Deionte Thompson and Saivion Smith not declared for the NFL. However, Alabama is still in good shape. The Crimson Tide returns 4 of 5 starting defensive backs from its nickel package and 5 of 6 starting defensive backs from its dime package. Trevon Diggs returns from a season-ending foot injury, while Patrick Surtain II should improve on an impressive freshman season. Shyheim Carter offers versatility and could remain at Star or move to safety alongside Xavier McKinney if needed.
PK
Will Reichard, Fr.
KO
Will Reichard, Fr. /Joseph Bulovas, R-So.
P
Skyler DeLong, So./Will Reichard, Fr.
KR
Trevon Diggs, Sr., Brian Robinson,
Henry Ruggs III, Jr., Najee Harris, Jr.
PR
Jaylen Waddle,
Trevon Diggs,
Henry Ruggs III, Jr.
Holder
Mac Jones, R-
Tua Tagovailoa, Jr.
LS
Thomas Fletcher, Jr./Scott Meyer, R-Jr.
Explanation: Will Reichard is one of the most anticipated arrivals in Alabama’s 2019 class. The Hoover, Ala., native is rated as the No. 1 kicker in his class and can also punt. Waddle was electric as a punt returner during his freshman season, while Diggs could step in for Jacobs as the Crimson Tide’s main kick returner.
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