TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The dreaded injury bug continues to inflict pain upon Alabama, and for head coach Nick Saban, the latest issue comes along the team’s solid defensive line.
According to a report from Charlie Potter of BamaOnline, freshman LaBryan Ray suffered a broken bone in his foot during Thursday’s practice. A talented defensive end and five-star recruit from Madison, Ala., Ray had surgery Friday morning.
The 6-foot-5, 272-pounder earned his first career sack against Texas A&M, wrapping up quarterback Kellen Mond in helping the Crimson Tide get a 27-19 win on the road.
Injuries to Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis and Rashaan Evans earlier in the season, forced the Tide to not redshirt Ray. With him out, Alabama has sustained seven medical mishaps – including four on defense with Lewis, Miller, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson.
Before signing with the Tide, Ray was arguably the top player in the state of Alabama during the 2017 recruiting cycle and was listed at No. 17 on the ESPN 300 recruiting network. Prior to going down, he chimed in with 2.5 tackles for loss and five total stops through six games.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
