NOSE TACKLE
Starter: Da?Ron Payne (SO)
Reserves: Josh Frazier (JR)
Strength is key across the Alabama defensive line, but especially here. Payne?s brute force led to a breakout freshman year, and Frazier (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) is just as able to clog things up when his number gets called in the rotation.
DEFENSIVE END
Starters: Jonathan Allen (SR), Dalvin Tomlinson (SR)
Reserves: Da?Shawn Hand (JR), Quinnen Williams (FR)
Allen surprised many when he announced his return. Thought to be a first-round NFL prospect, he claimed to have received a second-round grade, and will continue terrorizing SEC quarterbacks this season. Playing 3-4 end in Alabama?s defense requires a blend of girth and agility. For example: Could you imagine 312-pound A?Shawn Robinson as a 4-3 pass rusher? No, but he was an adept space-clogger for the Tide. Williams, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound high-school tackle, will probably fit well into Alabama?s vaunted defensive line rotation.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Starters: Reuben Foster (SR), Shaun Dion Hamilton (JR)
Reserves: Walker Jones (JR), Adonis Thomas (R-FR)
With the departure of Reggie Ragland, Foster is freed up to be the next great Alabama linebacker. ?When you think about Rolando McClain and Dont?a Hightower and C.J. Mosley, the next in line is Reggie Ragland, and then Reuben Foster next year will be a first-round possibility,? Kiper said last week. ?I think it was smart for him to go back and be the leader of that defense as Reggie Ragland was.? Dion Hamilton was a stealthy contributor this past season, racking up 27 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Starters: Tim Williams (SR), Ryan Anderson (SR)
Reserves: Rashaan Evans (JR), Keith Holcombe (R-SO), Christian Miller (R-SO), Mekhi Brown (R-FR)
Williams and Anderson both had opportunities to go pro, but their return makes outside ?backer one of the team?s deepest position groups. Counted on to rush the quarterback several times a game, this spot is crucial in passing situations. Williams was one of the country?s best at getting into the backfield, and fans should keep an eye on Brown, a second-year player with a 6-foot-5 NFL frame.
CORNERBACK
Starters: Marlon Humphrey (R-SO), Minkah Fitzpatrick (SO)
Reserves: Maurice Smith (SR), Tony Brown (JR), Kendall Sheffield (R-FR)
Along with safety Ronnie Harrison, Humphrey and Fitzpatrick were two of the team?s biggest surprises in 2015. The pair of freshmen were forced into serious pressure situations throughout the year, and while they didn?t hold up terribly well against Clemson, they made enough plays to help Alabama to a five-point win. Brown is currently suspended from the team after winding up deep in Saban?s doghouse. His potential reinstatement would be a boon for this unit, which often requires three players on the field at the same time for its ?STAR? package.
SAFETY
Starters: Eddie Jackson (SR), Ronnie Harrison (SO)
Reserves: Shawn Burgess-Becker (SO), Deionte Thompson (R-FR)
Another deep position group, safety should be a strength for the Tide. Jackson collected six picks throughout the season, also proving to be a big help in run support (46 tackles). Meanwhile, Harrison learned the ropes and showcased his physical style. If he can leave some freshman errors behind him, teams will think twice before going up top against the Tide.
KICKER
Starter: Adam Griffith (SR)
With prized recruit Eddie Pineiro out of the picture, Griffith will be able to kick without looking over his shoulder in 2016. He finished the year strong, making 23 of his final 28 field goals, and continued to provide a strong leg on kickoffs.
PUNTER
Starter: J.K. Scott (JR)
After an excellent freshman season, Scott was much shakier in 2015. His 44.2 average won?t raise any red flags, but Scott drilled at least one 50-yard punt in 11 of the final 12 games ? meaning several sub-40 kicks dragged his average down throughout the year.
KICK RETURNER
Starter: Damien Harris (SO)
Count him out if he becomes the featured back, but Harris returned nine kicks in Kenyan Drake?s absence this season. He could certainly fill Drake?s role as speedy returner and complementary runner.
PUNT RETURNER
Starter: Daylon Charlot (SO)
Cyrus Jones handled nearly every punt return this past season, with fellow senior Richard Mullaney picking up the scraps. So, who?s next? That?s anyone?s guess, but we?ll go with Charlot, a receiver who fits the short, speedy mold that Saban tends to gravitate toward.
?...........................................................
Hey Alabama you sure you want some of what I am bringing to the table