As important as it was to have Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillon and DJ Dale all back healthy, one can say the same thing about LaBryan Ray for Alabama’s defense. A native of Madison, Ala., Ray arrived on campus as a five-star defensive end in the 2017 signing class.
He was a quick-twitch edge rusher at James Clemons High School, but he has become a more complete player. Foot injuries have forced him out of 19 games combined in 2017 and 2019; however, he seems to have regained the form he possessed as a sophomore in 2018. During that season, he played in all 15 games — totaling 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups and two quarterback pressures.
Despite a couple of setbacks, Ray still has an opportunity to end his career with the Crimson Tide as an elite player. The pass rusher Alabama signed three years ago resurfaced in its season opener versus Missouri at Faurot Field inside Memorial Stadium.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Ray was back to his old self on the line.
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He was constantly in the backfield and in a strong first half for the Tide’s defense, he assisted in limiting the Tigers’ offense to three points and 113 total yards at halftime. Ray had a hand in rendering one of the best running backs in the Southeastern Conference, Larry Rountree, to 67 yards rushing on 14 carries while holding Missouri to 69 yards rushing as a team.
Nick Saban saw his defensive end record four tackles (all solo), including one for loss and one sack. Ray exploded through his hips and was having fun with his teammates.
He comes in a long line of talented defensive linemen and many people thought he would be the next first-rounder for the National Football League. To capture the status will be tough, but Ray has never shied away from hard work.
The process will continue for him this week against Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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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.
