When asked about Alabama’s defense in the 2020 season, Nick Saban’s response was revealing and frustrating.
“We are a good defense. We are not great. The offense took us. ”- Nick Saban
Even as college football changed, hearing that Saban response didn’t seem right. He wants to have a group that is consistently able to stop the race, put pressure on the defenders, create twists and leave the field on the third downhill.
The good news for him is that next season’s unit will have to supply him.
For the first time since 2017, the entire leadership is in defense. During the 2017 campaign, Tide had Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis, Da’Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Rashaan Evans, Anfernee Jennings, Mack Wilson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Levi Wallace, Anthony Averett and Tony Brown .
These guys launched two shutouts and didn’t allow an opponent to score 30 or more points, on the way to leading Alabama to a national college football playoff championship.
With the past year in the books, Tide has to replace a No. 1 quarterback, No. 1 running back, No. 1 wide receiver, three line attackers and an offensive coordinator. Your attack will have to find an identity, while much of your defense has returned.
Coach Saban has retained his entire defensive technical team and, in addition to losing Christian Barmore, Patrick Surtain II and Dylan Moses to the NFL Draft, the impactful Alabama players are all back. It has the trio Phidarian Mathis, LaBryan Ray and DJ Dale in the defensive line, and the pair Tim Smith and Jamil Burroughs gain experience. The Tide also has Stephon Wynn, Braylen Ingraham, Jah-Marien Latham and four electricians signed in this class.
Should he decide to target Henry To’o To’o (a former Tennessee linebacker) from the transfer to the NCAA, Saban would be making a good move for Alabama. If not, the show could transition from Christian Harris to middle linebacker “Mike” and have Jaylen Moody or Ale Kaho beside him.
Alabama has Shane Lee in position and signed Demouy Kennedy and Jackson Bratton in 2020.
The Tide is defined as an external linebacker with Christopher Allen returning and has secondary experience.
Upon entering fourth year, Pete Golding knows all the staff (coaches and players) around him.
Bill O’Brien will have to find out how the pieces work, while Golding has a head start. The last season was the only year that Alabama’s attack took him to a national championship.
It has everything to be respected in defense again. Next season, Tide can be expected to be more defensive.
*Get the BEST insider information on Alabama football, message board access and recruitment coverage today! SUBSCRIBE HERE to unlock our subscriber just content! *
Stephen M. Smith is the editor-in-chief and senior editor at Alabama Touchdown Magazine. You can “like” it on Facebook or “follow him” on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
