TideSports 2016 preview: Linebackers

Returning starters: Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster

Starters lost: Reggie Ragland, Dillon Lee.

Top candidates: Tim Williams, Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Keith Holcombe, Keaton Anderson, Christian Miller, Mekhi Brown, Anfernee Jennings.

Newcomers to watch: It's a difficult rotation to crack, but Gordo's Ben Davis – the son of Alabama's all-time leading tackler, Wayne Davis – has the physical tools to make an impact on the inside as a freshman. Mack Wilson, the other top in-state linebacker recruit last year, has similar athletic prowess but is working back from off-season injuries. He's also seen some preseason action on the inside with the second unit.

You need to know: Move over, Penn State. Step aside, USC or Oklahoma or Miami or any other potential claimant to the unofficial title. Alabama has settled the argument as to just who is Linebacker U.

Most pre-season group rankings concede the point for this season, ranking UA as the top linebacker corps in college football despite the loss of All-American Reggie Ragland to the NFL. That designation comes even as Alabama has been transitioning away from powerful run-stoppers and opting more and more for speed. Anderson brings the most experience to the linebacker group and may be the steadiest player, although the two highlight-reel regulars have been Williams and Foster.

Williams, a junior from Baton Rouge, La., was used primarily as a third-down pass rusher last season but will transition into a more multiple role this season. Foster, a special teams demon, is viewed as the replacement for Ragland and has dropped 15 pounds in order to increase his speed and durability.

Hamilton has been a steady backup for two seasons and should see an increased role. Evans, who played on the edge last season, has moved inside and added weight and muscle.

Key stat: Of Tim Williams' 19 total tackles last year, 12.5 – nearly 65 percent – came behind the line of scrimmage. That will be hard to sustain as he transitions into a more multiple role, but he's still a threat to affect any offensive play in a negative fashion.

Quotable: “It feels great knowing that you know what to do. You don’t have any anxiety. You feel free. You love the game of football and you worship it. You can just line your boys up and get to playing.” – Reuben Foster on taking over as a senior leader