Alabama spring practice position preview - Linebackers

After fielding one of its best-ever linebacking units last season, Alabama returns with several question marks at the position.

The Crimson Tide will say goodbye to seniors Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson, all of whom are projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Foster, last year’s Butkus Award winner, will be particularly hard to replace. He not only led the Tide with 115 tackles but was also the heartbeat of the defense, becoming one of Alabama’s four permanent team captions. Williams and Anderson were tied for second on the team with nine sacks behind defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who will also be moving on.

If Alabama is going to maintain its patented pass rush this year, it will need more than one newcomer to answer the call. Fortunately for the Tide, it has been stockpiling talent at the linebacker position and should have several players ready to go.

* Take a look at our projected depth chart for the 2017 season

* Alabama spring practice position preview - Defensive line

* Alabama spring practice position preview - Offensive line

* Alabama spring practice position preview - Wide receivers and Tight ends

* Alabama spring practice position preview - Quarterbacks

* Alabama spring practice position preview - Running backs

Below is a breakdown of how the linebacker race will play out and who will come out on top: