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Alabama will begin its quest for an 18th national title on Aug. 31 when the Crimson Tide takes on Duke inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. To help pass the time until then, BamaInsider is answering 19 important questions concerning the 2019 season.
Today we continue the series by taking a look at Alabama’s next breakout player on defense. Note: this list does not include freshmen players.
LaBryan Ray, defensive lineman
Raekwon Davis made his expectations clear when asked about LaBryan Ray earlier this year.
“To have a breakout year,” Davis said without hesitation.
Ray is such a well-known talent, it’s almost hard to view him as a potential breakout candidate. While serving primarily as a reserve during his first two seasons, the former No. 1 player in Alabama has shined when called upon. He came up big during last season’s Iron Bowl, recording nine tackles including a sack after coming in for injured starter Isaiah Buggs. Overall, he played in all 15 games, tallying 39 tackles, including six for a loss with 2.5 sacks.
Ray, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, will get the starting nod across from Davis. He’s figures to be the next in a long line of Alabama defensive linemen who have waited for their opportunity. While he’s not necessarily an elite pass-rusher, Ray still has the ability to affect the quarterback. That combined with his ability to shed blocks and make stops against the run will make him a big part of Alabama’s defense.
