TUSCALOOSA, Ala.| He’s the most imposing player on Alabama’s defensive line, but whether or not Raekwon Davis suits up for the season opener against Southern California remains uncertain.
It was a struggle for the 6-foot-7, 315-pound lineman to sign in the Crimson Tide’s 2016 recruiting class, due to academic issues. Despite the external factors, Davis has been involved in fall camp.
His size and athleticism has drawn much attention from the coaching staff, players and media personnel alike. He was one of three players that ex-Tide defensive line coach Bo Davis recruited from Mississippi—prior to Davis being forced to resign back in April (NCAA recruiting infraction).
During his senior year at Meridian (Miss.) High School, Davis totaled 55 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries in 2015. He garnered a four-star rating from nearly every major recruiting site, while being one of the nation’s top defensive tackle prospects.
Depth on the front line made Alabama special a year ago. The departures of A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, D.J. Pettway and Darren Lake to the National Football League has forced Saban to rep up some younger players for a much needed contribution. While he is fully aware of Davis’ potential, Saban has no final word on his status as it pertains to his eligibility week one against USC.
“We do not have a final decision on that,” Saban said during Thursday’s presser.
Davis was cleared for summer enrollment and took part in offseason workouts, but Saban will not have a final answer on the situation—until the NCAA provides him with some information.
One player that has noticed Davis’ skill set is senior defensive end, Jonathan Allen. Allen spoke with the press last week, on how the freshman is playing above his status.
“He’s huge. He’s definitely the biggest defensive lineman I’ve ever played with,” Allen said on Davis. “I’ve just been trying to teach him some things, technique wise, and he’s been taking it really well. As a freshman, there is always room for improvement and he’s trying to get better.”
The Crimson Tide are in its last week of fall practice, as it starts working the players that will see field time at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) against the Trojans next week for the Advocare Classic.
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.
