Alabama returns a solid defensive line next season, despite graduating Brandon Ivory. Defensive tackle Jarran Reed was a huge contributor in 2014, totaling 55 tackles, a sack and five pass breakups. The JUCO transfer (East Mississippi Community College) was a force against the run, as Alabama held its opponents to 88.6 rushing yards, prior to its matchup against Ohio State in the 2015 Sugar Bowl.
Reed, standing at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, got himself going in Alabama’s meeting against Florida. He accounted for five tackles and a pass breakup. The Crimson Tide held Florida to four yards per carry, and defeated the Gators 42-21.
Reed put in five stops, a sack and two pass breakups in Alabama’s defensive battle against Arkansas. Alabama held the Razorbacks’ to 89 rushing yards, and forced three turnovers.
It escaped Fayetteville with a 14-13 victory, yet Alabama witnessed Reed’s finest performance in a Saturday night matchup against LSU in Baton Rouge, La. Leonard Fournette totaled 79 rushing yards, but LSU as a whole was held to 3.3 yards per carry. Reed collected a team-high 15 tackles, and Alabama defeated LSU 20-13 in overtime.
Alabama’s defense set the tone early against Mississippi State. Linebacker Trey DePriest forced a safety, but it was Reed along with A’Shawn Robinson that terrorized the Bulldogs’ run game.
Mississippi State’s backs averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Alabama forced three turnovers, and Reed had eight tackles. The Crimson Tide dethroned No.1 Mississippi State, 25-20.
Missouri couldn’t establish a balanced attack against Alabama. It was held to 41 rushing yards on 1.8 yards per carry. Reed totaled four stops, with two tackles for loss. The Crimson Tide captured its 24th Southeastern Conference title, defeating Missouri 42-13.
He was evaluated as a second-round pick by NFL scouts during postseason play, but Reed decided to return to Tuscaloosa for his senior season. His choice provides Alabama with a dangerous front seven in 2015.
