Alabama’s depth along its defensive line received some good news on Monday, as freshman Raekwon Davis and junior college transfer Jamar King both have been academically cleared to participate in fall practice. News was first released by Tide Sports (Tuscaloosa News), upon the eligibility made known for both players. Davis and King both signed in the Tide’s 2016 class.
Davis (6-7, 315 pounds), a four-star defensive tackle, was one of three players recruited from Mississippi by former Alabama defensive line coach Bo Davis. According to Justin Wagner, lead recruiting and scouting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Davis has already been making waves in summer workouts.
“Raekwon Davis has as high of a ceiling at defensive tackle as they come,” Wagner said. “He moves at a high level and possess natural strength and athleticism. Really doesn’t surprise me that he could be an instant impact player.”
The Crimson Tide lost two powerful defensive linemen to the National Football League in A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed. Both guys carried a 6-foot-3 frame and weighed 307 pounds. They were exceptional at stopping the run, while having the athletic abilities to create negative plays.
Davis has these same capabilities and will be a part of a two to three-deep rotation.
King (6-4, 290 pounds), a three-star defensive end, comes to the Crimson Tide from Mendocino College in Uklah, Calif. He’s projected as a strong-side defensive end, but could transition to defensive tackle if he puts on more weight. Terrence Cody, Jesse Williams and Quinton Dial are three former Alabama standouts that took the JUCO route to Tuscaloosa and became studs on the defensive line. Wagner said King is another guy that could impact this year’s defense right away.
“He’s got a frame and carries himself well at that size,” he said on King. “Definitely a guy who can create double teams and open up that gap for linebackers. He’s also good at stopping the run.”
All players are scheduled to report on campus Wednesday, as the first day of fall camp kicks off Thursday. Davis and King will look to help Alabama capture its 17th national championship.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
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