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Alabama players Josh Jacobs, Jonah Williams and Quinnen Williams announced at a press conference on Friday morning that they will forego their senior seasons to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Irv Smith Jr., who was unable to attend the press conference due to a previous commitment, will also enter the draft.
Here’s a look at what the players had to say following their announcement as well as how their departure will affect Alabama.
Quinnen Williams, DL
On his decision: “Definitely a tough decision with all the people who are here, all the people I’ll miss. But it’s the best decision. I’m going to miss my teammates. I’m going to miss Coach Saban in general. But I know I can call these guys any time I want to, any time of the day.”
“I dreamed of this day almost every day when I was a little kid when I was playing little league football in Birmingham. Just to see I made it become a reality, like I get a chance to enter the draft. Most people don’t get a chance from where I’m from. Most people have the athletic ability or the ability to do it, but can’t get past different distractions and stuff. To see I defeated all the odds and the negativity and just everything in general, I defeated it all. It made me emotional kind of to see that I’ve come from a long way, seen a lot of stuff when I was young.”
Where he’ll likely be drafted: Top 10
What it means for Alabama: Williams was the leader of Alabama’s defense last year, winning the Outland Trophy while recording a team-high 19.5 tackles for a loss and 12 quarterback hurries to go with eight sacks. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle is perhaps the most athletic lineman Alabama has ever had and will be tough to replace next season.
Alabama’s depth on the defensive line was helped as defensive end Raekwon Davis announced earlier this week that he was forgoing the draft to return for his senior season. It’s possible Alabama could move Davis inside to replace Williams. However, it’s more likely that the Crimson Tide turn to 6-foot-4, 310-pound Phidarian Mathis to fill the void.
Jonah Williams, OL
On his decision: “Well, one of the biggest things for me is I wanted to have my degree before I declared for the NFL. So I kind of had a plan in mind since I was in high school. I took AP classes my junior and senior years so I could have more credits and graduate early from high school and enroll early here and have that extra 15 (credit hours) that first semester. There were a lot of things that I did (to prepare for this). But if the time wasn't right, and I came back for another year and got a master's degree and played another season, that would've been fine. But I just felt that the time was right. I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit here and I've put everything (I could) on tape. I've started 44 games I've been here, these last 29 at left tackle, given up one sack in two years, zero this year. There's a lot of things that I can be proud of, and I think now is a good time to move on and try my luck at the next level.”
Where he’ll likely be drafted: Top 10
What it means for Alabama: The loss of Williams along with departing redshirt senior Ross Pierschbacher means that Alabama will have to replace two of its five starting offensive linemen from last year. Fortunately the Crimson Tide, that shouldn’t be too difficult given its depth at the position.
Alex Leatherwood could fill in for Williams by making the switch from right guard to left tackle during his junior year. That would allow Matt Womack to slide back into the first-team offense in Leatherwood’s spot. Meanwhile, Chris Owens an early favorite to fill in for Pierschbacher at center.
Alabama’s depth on the offensive line could take an additional hit early next season as The Athletic’s Aaron Suttles reported that Deonte Brown is facing a possible four-game suspension to begin the year.
Josh Jacobs, RB
On his decision: “This decision has definitely been tough for me. Even on the ride here, I still didn't know exactly what choice I wanted to make. I've decided to go ahead and declare to the 2019 draft. I want to thank the program. I want to thank coach Saban for taking the chance on me. A lot of people didn’t.
“I want to thank coach Burns for teaching me everything I know about football and coach Panunzio, a big impact in helping me become a better person in off-the-field things. I also want to thank coach Cochran for making me the man I am for all the hard things I've been through just being there and being able to talk to him and for the support.
“I would also like to thank my teammates and my family and my community back home, everybody that never gave up on me and always believed in me.”
Where he’ll likely be drafted: Second round
What it means for Alabama: The Crimson Tide will head into next season without two of its top three rushers. With Damien Harris and Jacobs now gone, Alabama will need to account for the loss of a combined 1,516 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
The bulk of that production will likely come from Najee Harris, who should be in line for more carries during his junior season. The former five-star recruit led Alabama with 6.69 yards per carry last season while piling up 783 yards and for touchdowns on the ground. The departure of both Damien Harris and Jacobs could also pave the way for a breakout season from Brian Robinson, who has been buried in Alabama’s backfield the past two seasons. In addition, the Crimson Tide is bringing in Trey Sanders, who ranks as the No. 2 player overall in the 2019 class.
Irv Smith Jr., TE
On his decision: Smith was not able to attend the news conference as he was attending teammate's Hale Hentges' wedding. He released a message on social media.
Where he’ll likely be drafted: Second or third round
What it means for Alabama: All of a sudden, Alabama’s depth at tight end looks to have disappeared. The Crimson Tide will be without both of its starters in Hale Hentges and Smith, while Kedrick James’ suspension could carry over into his junior year.
Could this be the year Miller Forristall finally breaks out? The former three-star recruit created plenty of buzz before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2017. Forristall played in all 15 games this past season but failed to record a catch.
