The game is slowing down for a pair of freshmen on defense.
Both Shane Lee and Christian Harris had to have been nervous going into week one of Alabama’s season versus Duke, but now the two are playing with more savvy.
It was evident last week, as Lee recorded his first career sack and Harris totaled six tackles – including 1.5 tackles for loss in a win over Southern Mississippi. It has been a challenge replacing Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon; however, the tandem embraced the task and expects to help the team shut down Mississippi on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The four-star talents in the 2019 signing class are currently second and fourth respectively in total tackles on the roster. Lee has 24 tackles (two for loss) and one sack, while Harris chimes in with 17 tackles.
Under the leadership of Pete Golding at defensive coordinator, the freshmen headline a group that’s allowed 10.8 points per game and not a single rushing touchdown.
Alabama has intercepted five passes and forced six fumbles, while surrendering just 17 conversions on third down in 56 attempts (30.1 percent). According to Nick Saban on Wednesday, he said Lee and Harris are ‘getting better every day.’
“They have a better understanding,” Saban said.
“They are very conscientious guys that try to prepare well. They are gaining more experience and gaining confidence. We look at them day to day. I think both guys are improving. I think they are being more confident in what they are doing. We are very pleased with their progress.”
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Whether it’s Matt Corral or John Rhys Plumlee, Lee and Harris will face a quarterback this weekend that will test their athleticism and coverage skills. Rebels’ offensive coordinator, Rich Rodriguez is respected as one of the best minds in the sport. He looks to spread this defense out and find matchups to attack. It will be up to the freshmen to keep plays in front of them and the playmakers around him must affect the quarterback and not have Scottie Phillips to get loose.
Kickoff for Alabama-Ole Miss will be at 2:30 p.m. via CBS.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
