Five things to know about Alabama's linebackers in 2017
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Editor's Note: With preseason practice less than a week away, BamaInsider is previewing the upcoming Alabama football season by looking at each position group on offense, defense and special teams. This installment is on the linebackers.
Offense | Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers & Tight ends | Offensive line
Defense | Defensive line
Where Alabama stands
Alabama was hit hard by departures at the linebacker position. Butkus Award winner Reuben Foster, as well as pass-rushing threats Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams, were all selected in this year’s NFL draft, leaving the Tide with the daunting task of replacing a total of 207 tackles and 24 sacks from last season.
The good news for Alabama is that it already had somewhat of a jump start to that transition. Rashaan Evans earned the first two career starts while replacing Shaun Dion Hamilton, who suffered a torn ACL during the SEC Championship Game last year. Evans, a former five-star recruit, should now move into Foster’s role at MIKE linebacker, as Hamilton returns to his spot at WILL.
“Just being able to have that experience, being able to play on a big stage that I did, being able to be around good mentors like Reuben Foster, who left. Just being able to be around those things, man, it helps me a lot this year," Evans said this spring of his two starts last season. "So now I know whenever it comes again I’ll be ready.”
While the two starting inside linebacker spots look to be settled, Alabama has more options in how it can use its outside linebackers. Former four-stars Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller got most of the first-team snaps at the JACK and SAM positions respectively this spring. Jennings, 6-foot-3, 262 pounds, is the biggest linebacker on the Tide’s roster and could serve as an extra defensive lineman at times. Miller, 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, has bulked up quite a bit since entering the program when he weighed just 205 pounds. This spring he said he felt stronger and more able to contribute against the running game.
“I honestly probably feel more explosive, too,” Miller said. “The weight hasn’t affected me at all. I’m probably faster as well. I feel good.”
Don’t forget about Terrell Lewis, either. The former five-star recruit should be one of the most dangerous weapons on the Tide’s defense due to his ability to get to the quarterback. Keith Holcombe, who stood out this spring filling in for Hamilton, is another name to watch at inside linebacker. Sophomore Mack Wilson and five-star early enrollee Dylan Moses are also players to keep an eye on.
Where Alabama would like to be
It’s all about experience for Alabama. While the Tide's linebacking corps is still littered with former five-star talent, it will take time for the unit to gel into what it was last season. Because of that, it will be vital that Evans and Hamilton step into their respective leadership positions as seniors right away.
“I’m the older guy now, which is crazy,” Evans said this spring. “I feel like my freshman year was just yesterday. Now that I’m an older guy now, I’m looking to lead this team now this season.”
Evans boldly predicted that he would follow in the footsteps of Foster, his former high school teammate, and become Alabama’s second straight Butkus Award winner this season. Appearing in 14 games last year, Evans finished with 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss six quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. Whether or not extra playing time will help Evans reach the team-high 115 tackles Foster tallied last year is yet to be seen. First, Alabama will hope he can demonstrate the same leadership that led to Foster being named one of the Tide’s permanent team captains.
“Just embracing by just doing the same things they did last year,” Evans said of following after previous leaders at linebacker. “Just trying to do all the right things on and off the field. If I can do those things I feel like that’ll help the guys that have surrounded me, who are watching me, and that’ll just help their game even more.”
Biggest question
Will Alabama still be able to get to the quarterback? The short answer is yes. While the pass-rushing abilities of Anderson and Williams will be missed, the combination of Miller and Lewis on third downs could develop to be just as lethal.
Some thought Miller would have his breakout season last year. However, that was always going to be tough given the Tide’s depth at the position. Still, the lanky defender ended up with 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Lewis, the more athletic option at the JACK position, figures to replace Jennings on third down or in obvious passing situations. Like Miller, Lewis’ time on the field was limited last season. That figures to change soon.
Projected depth chart
SAM
1. Christian Miller, R-Jr., 6-4, 240 pounds
2. Jamey Mosley, R-Jr., 6-5, 248 pounds
3. Ben Davis, R-Fr., 6-4, 237 pounds
MIKE
1. Rashaan Evans, Sr., 6-3, 234 pounds
2. Mack Wilson, So., 6-2, 236 pounds
3. Markail Benton, Fr., 6-2, 237 pounds
WILL
1. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Sr., 6-0 235 pounds
2. Keith Holcombe, R-Jr., 6-4, 236 pounds
3. Dylan Moses, Fr., 6-3, 232 pounds
JACK
1. Anfernee Jennings, R-So., 6-3, 262 pounds
2. Terrell Lewis, So., 6-5, 254 pounds
3. Mekhi Brown, R-So., 6-5, 241 pounds
Prediction
Hamilton emerges as Alabama’s best linebacker. The Montgomery, Ala. native has been somewhat swept under the rug this offseason while recovering from his torn ACL. Now that he’s back to 100 percent in time for Alabama’s fall camp, he should begin to garner the attention he deserves.
While Hamilton’s playing style isn’t as flashy as Foster’s or Evans’ he was one of the Tide’s most complete defenders last year. Despite missing the final two games of the season, Hamilton finished fifth on the team with 64 tackles and nine tackles for a loss. He also led all linebackers with two interceptions, which he returned for a combined 40 yards.
As the Tide’s most experienced returner at the position, Hamilton will also step into more of a leadership role on the team. Expect some of the younger players to lean on him early as Alabama looks to rebuild its front seven back to its typical elite status.