The Defense Strikes Back, This is the Defense You are Looking For, The Defense Runs Strong in this One.

I can do this all-day, but let’s cut to the chase. When Saban set out to remake his defensive template, he did so with the 2021 unit in mind. Significantly increased speed across the board, versatile defenders in the secondary, pass rushers at each angle and level, and size the right amount of size where it counts.

Did I mention depth? Wave after unrelenting wave of depth. Commence the attack.

Defensive Line – Pre-Camp Projections

The 2015 defensive line may be my all-time defensive front at Alabama. Yes, it was sprinkled with stars but what knocked me off my feet was how it wielded its depth as a weapon. A full 8 players were in active rotation – among 3 spots mind you – most of whom still receive pay for play.

That is a tall, perhaps even unreasonable, task for any defensive front to replicate so I’ll stop short of predicting heroic feats for the 2021 bunch. But understand I count to 6 with barely a hesitation and it makes me giddy.

Roster/Rotation

Across the front, health is the difference between making a difference and holding just on. LaBryan Ray and Justin Eboigbe, to differing degrees have seen the careers stunted due to injuries. DJ Dale experienced much the same in 2020, while true freshman (and highly touted) Tim Keenan works to recover from an injury during his senior season of high school.

If Alabama meets with good fortune on these fronts, the Tide defense should be well anchored – considering that’s an all-conference caliber starting front with a reserve by itself.

What to Watch For

Injury Report, injury report, injury report. Even if the above guys are only part time players, Alabama has the chance to field a stout front. If they are fully healthy, it gets late early for many opponents.

Is Phil Mathis the next in a recent run of superb interior pass rushers?

Are Tim Smith and Jamil Burroughs ready to capitalize on their 2020 seasons?

Are Braylen Ingraham, Byron Young, and Stephon Wynn going to fight to not get passed over?

Are the freshmen ready to ride day one?

Predictions

End – LaBryan Ray, Phil Mathis

Nose – DJ Dale, Tim Smith

End – Justin Eboigbe, Jamil Burroughs

With, incredibly, a full 8 more scholarship players on the roster, look for these projections to change and expand throughout fall camp.

Linebackers – Pre-Camp Projections

This is another position where Saban assessed his roster and elected to go big game hunting on the transfer portal, landing junior Henry To’oTo’o. The former Tennessee linebacker already fluent in much of the system having played under form Saban Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

To’o To’o was also rated as the top available player in the portal, but of course he was.

Yet adding To’o To’o, who mercifully goes by Hank, does not simply add talent to the squad. It allows Alabama to field an all-star team at the position while bolstering an already deep bench.

Roster/Rotation

Christian Harris and Hank book ended by Christopher Allen and Will Anderson promises to keep offensive players and coaches up at night.

Meanwhile, Golding and Sunseri will work hard to develop the bounty of young talent comprising as deep a legitimate bench as the Alabama has had in years.

What to Watch For

Much of the best news will come from the rotation which should be mined with an eye towards 2022. By the same token, some reporters may spend their words elsewhere but here are a handful or topics worth keying into your radar.

How do sophs Drew Sanders and Chris Braswell look during camp? During recruiting and through the summer both players were mentioned in step with Will Anderson, especially Braswell.

Does King Mwikuta stay or go? While he entered his name into the transfer portal, he has not yet left the program (as of this writing). If he returns, he stands a chance of earning a spot in the pass rushing rotation.

Who among Shane Lee, Ian Jackson, Demouy Kennedy, and Jackson Bratton are going to claim a 2nd team role in the middle?

Predictions

Jaylen Moody will see plenty of time in the middle and he’s earned it. This will keep Hank and Harris fresh during and across games.

While Christopher Allen was dynamite down the stretch last season, I wonder if he could fend off a legit charge from an inspired Braswell or a potential super freshman like Dallas Turner.

Does Drew Sanders stay at outside linebacker? We asked who would step into a backup role in the middle and with a push for increased speed on the roster does Sanders move his outside skillset to the middle? Another alternative discussed during his recruitment and into last season’s camp is if Drew would move to tight end, which some scouts believe is his best position. My guess is he plants a flag somewhere during the 2021 campaign. The bigger mystery may be where.

Outside – Christopher Allen, King Mwikuta/Dallas Turner

Inside – Henry To’o To’o, Jaylen Moody

Inside – Christian Harris, Drew Sanders

Outside – Will Anderson, Chris Braswell

Note, last preseason we asked if Will Anderson is the next Derrick Thomas. We suggested if that’s indeed the case then Williams would win two Nattys during his time in Tuscaloosa. Hmm, halfway there.

Secondary – Pre-Camp Projections

This position makes me angry. I’m no Bruce Banner, so you’ll like me when I’m angry, at least in this instance.

Alabama’s secondary frustrates me because there are too many worthy players and not enough starting roles. Not to mention, the youngsters we want to see develop or even burst on the scene.

Of course, this is a great problem to have, but I am not wrong either.

Roster/Rotation

Alabama does play plenty of nickel (5 DBs), and dime (6 DBs), packages so fans will get to see lots of defensive backs in action.

What to Watch For

Can Jalyn Armour-Davis fend off super freshman Kool Aid McKinstry for the right to start opposite Josh Jobe at corner?

Between Brian Branch, DeMarcco Hellams, and Daniel Wright who claims the safety spot opposite Jordon Battle? Hellams and Wright platooned at the position most of 2020 until Hellams appeared to wrest the position away from Wright down the stretch. Meanwhile, Brian Branch is a clear talent qualifying each as worthy of a full-time starting role in the base nickel.

Other end of the same question, which one does not play with the first team dime?

At which position will fellow super freshman Terrian Arnold see the field?

Predictions

CB – Josh Jobe, Marcus Banks

CB – Jalyn Armour-Davis, Kool Aid McKinstry

SS – Jordon Battle, Kristian Story

FS – Brian Branch, Terrian Arnold

Star – Malachi Moore, Jahquez Robinson

Money – DeMarcco Hellams, Daniel Wright

Undoubtedly this listing will change but it is a starting point to around which to orient camp news. It is also inherently wrong as we are projecting a two-deep at six positions, which is not nearly the same as discussing rotations we’ll see during the season.

Almost by definition the Star and Money players would elevate into a top four spot in case of injury. In other words, Daniel Wright is much better than the 12th DB on the team.

Now, let’s consider the defense as a whole. Fast, deep, and versatile at each level are the recurring themes and this should provide the coaching staff with several options when it comes down to game planning.

What to Watch For

Its as tired as it is true to recognize the offensive era we’re in. Alabama led the conference in scoring defense last season while twice conceding more than 40 points and averaging more than 19 per game.

Its also possible for Alabama to improve significantly on those totals. The secondary is not rebuilding, and the linebackers are a proven strength as compared to last season’s starting point.

Predictions

Saban’s best-ever or challenging 2012 for metrics, let’s not go all that way, but we’ve already called for more complementary tendencies from the offense.

Similar to offense, this promises to be fun to watch.

2021 Alabama Football Pre-Camp Field Guide – Fall Camp Primer – Special Teams

For the most part, Alabama special teams benefit from being so keenly adjacent to a roster filled with young, hungry players ready to make a name for themselves as aggressive and dependable.

As for specialists, that’s the measure for true upside.

Roster/Rotation

Fortunately, Will Reichard returns following his perfect season in 2020. Odds are he does not repeat the feat, but if he can remain injury free, he’s a proven commodity.

From there its mostly questions.

What to Watch For

Which of the punting newcomers Jack Martin from Troy or James Burnip from Australia will overtake Sam Johnson and Ty Perine for the job?

Does Chase Allen handle kickoffs or does Will resume the full suite of kicking duties?

Is Gabe Pugh ready to take snapping duties for Thomas Fletcher?

Does Billingsley return kicks and Slade punts of is there a young skill position player like a Jase McClellan or Kool-Aid McKinstry ready to step into the limelight?

Prediction

Junior transfer Jack Martin averaged 46 yards per punt last year for Troy. If he simply repeats the performance the battle is over before it begins.

Chase Allen will be given every chance to handle kickoffs. This is how Reichard sustained his hip flexor injury during 2020.

Paul Tyson likely takes over holding duties for Mac.

Slade will handle punts but watch for JoJo Earle to get some reps as well.

McKinstry will either start or corner or get a long look at kick returner, but he will not be saddled with both as a true freshman.

Contact Us, Review Us, Support Us, and Roll Tide

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy