Under Nick Saban, the Alabama defense has always been a strength, regardless of who the defensive coordinator is. It’s a testament to Saban’s ability as college football’s elite recruiter. The old college football cliche of “they don’t rebuild, they reload” applies here. But, in a recent piece fabulously written by Bill Connelly, he points out just how many pieces that 2016 defense had.
Overall, Alabama was easily the most efficient defense in the SEC and prevented big plays nearly as well as the bend-don’t-break teams in the league.
At this point, Saban gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to replacing defensive stars. But this latest batch of departed stars is worth admiring one last time:
- Defensive ends Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson combined for 21.5 tackles for loss (16 from Allen), 13.5 sacks, six breakups, and three fumble recoveries.
- Linebackers Reuben Foster, Ryan Anderson, and Tim Williams combined for 48 TFLs, 23 sacks, eight passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and three recoveries.
That’s a lot, even for Bama. The Tide are replacing all of these guys with not only former blue-chippers, but experienced blue-chippers. But that’s still a lot. Foster, Allen, and Anderson were particularly good, even by Saban standards.
Raise your hand if you realized these five players accounted for so much production.
Yep. That’s what I thought. I sure didn’t, and I watched every Tide game last season! But, that’s a special group of talent. Allen and Anderson have both ended up in Washington. Foster was one of the first round picks of the San Francisco 49ers. Tomlinson is a New York Giant, and Williams is a Baltimore Raven. All five of these guys have a chance to become impactful players in the NFL.
So, how does the Alabama defense replace that kind of production?
Well, the long answer is we probably don’t know some of the players that will step up. Sure, there’s plenty of talent on the roster, but as the season goes on, I’m sure there will be guys who surprise us. But, right now…in August…there are a few players that are making waves in fall camp.
Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Secondary
Fitzpatrick looks like a bona fide top 10 NFL prospect. Even Saban can’t help but gush a bit about his ability. As a sophomore in 2016, Fitzpatrick tallied six interceptions, and two of those went for touchdowns. So, there’s no reason to expect less in 2017 after another year of development.
But, this secondary is not just Fitzpatrick. In fact, it could actually be the strength of the Tide defense next season. Ronnie Harrison and Tony Brown may not have the raw talent that Fitzpatrick has, but they have plenty of experience. If Trevon Diggs can parlay his incredible athleticism from receiver to cornerback, this could be an elite unit.
Da’Shawn Hand and Da’Ron Payne
The last two Alabama defensive lines have been phenomenal. With these two hosses coming back, there’s no reason to think production is going to dip off too much. Hell, Hand had 3.5 tackles for loss last year as a backup on that line that featured three draft picks. If Raekwon Davis develops into the end many think he will, that’s going to make for one stout defensive line (yet again).
Rashaan Evans
It seems the Tide is always going to have an elite inside linebacker quarterbacking the defense. Evans is the heir to Foster’s throne, and Alabama fans have every reason to be excited about this guy. He’s a great athlete that can cover guys, rush the passer, and snatch an interception. At the same time, he’s the stereotypical sure-tackling ‘Bama linebacker. Evans wants to win this Butkus Award this season, and I’m certainly not going to tell him he can’t.
Christian Miller
Miller has been making headlines in camp seemingly every day….just don’t ask Saban about him. Still, his pure talent can’t be denied. With all the pass rush production that left Tuscaloosa, he’ll be counted on to step up and pressure opposing quarterbacks. He’s at the same spot Williams was in last season, so there’s some big shoes to fill. Still, he’s an elite athlete (noticing a trend here?).
Ultimately, it will take a rotation of guys, as is usually the case with Tide defenses. But, it’s safe to assume that at least these guys will be performing well come September.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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