Pop culture is in everything, including sports.
One of the most commonly used phrases in colloquial language or slang language is “new number, who dis?”
The meaning behind the term is someone has potentially changed for the better. This person may have been known by people at one point in time, but now has moved on and it is no longer recognizable. When it comes to LaBryan Ray, the defensive end for the University of Alabama football team is a new man. He talks the same and he looks the same, but his playing style is different.
RELATED: Tim Tebow narrated Mac Jones video is chilling, highlighting huge chip on his shoulder
A native of Madison, Ala., Ray donned No. 89 in his first three seasons at Alabama.
He was a good player; however, injuries prevented him from taking the next step. Whether it was wanting a change of scenery with a new number or a desire to show he is next in line as a dominant defensive lineman, Ray came out another bag in fall practice in going from 89 to No. 18. It took a few practices for members of local media to recognize him in videos from Alabama Athletics, and maybe it was exactly how he wanted it. In wearing No. 89 he had the physical tools, but the switch has provided an opportunity to put the tools into action.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder is now looking like the five-star of whom Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide signed in its 2017 recruiting class.
During the Tide’s week one matchup versus Missouri, Ray appeared to be stronger, faster and much healthier on the line. He exploded out his hips, stuffed the Tigers’ rushing attack and even showed his edge-rushing abilities.
Ray collected one of three sacks for Alabama’s defense on Missouri’s quarterback, Shawn Robinson.
He posted four tackles in the Tide’s 38-19 victory and Saban said the defense is different with Ray upfront.
After missing 10 games with a foot injury in 2019, Ray probably recognized the attention Christian Barmore, DJ Dale, Justin Eboigbe and Byron Young were getting. Also, the incoming freshmen — Timothy Smith, Jamil Burroughs and Jah-Marien Latham — had Alabama fans talking as well. With this being said, Ray wants to prove no one is passing him by and he’s a major leader.
RELATED: Top five players on Texas A&M’s roster for Alabama to watch this weekend
During a game day preview for Alabama versus Texas A&M, yours truly and Patrick Dowd (writer/reporter) for Touchdown Alabama Magazine discussed Ray on Friday.
Dowd made a point in saying how Ray has turned over a new leaf.
*Dowd talks LaBryan Ray at 5:08 mark
“The No. 18 is a sexy number, especially on the defensive line,” Dowd said of Ray. “He makes a big impact. He is one of the more experienced guys on the defensive line. As long as he is out there, Alabama is going be squared away up front.”
Alabama has had a few players become dominant after a simple number change. Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs, former running backs for the Tide, are the first two that come to mind. While he wore No. 3 briefly as a freshman, Henry sported No. 27 through the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014. He got noticed as No. 27, but he became “King Henry” as a junior in switching to No. 2.
Henry, like Ray, transformed his body in the summer of 2015.
RELATED: WATCH: Alabama-Texas A&M recruiting storylines
At 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, he dominated college football and carried the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship. Henry set a Southeastern Conference rushing record and an Alabama single-season mark with his 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries.
He won every major honor at the ESPN College Football Awards Show and delivered the Tide its second Heisman Trophy winner in program history.
As for Jacobs, he wore No. 25 in 2016 and 2017 as a freshman and sophomore. During his junior year, he changed to No. 8. He possessed an aggressive running style and became an all-purpose back that season.
Jacobs also grew to be a fan favorite that year, as his versatility made him impossible to defend for Alabama.
He totaled 640 yards rushing, 247 yards receiving and 428 kick return yards with 15 scores.
The 5-foot-10, 220-pounder pushed his way into being a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Does the No. 89 represent a Ray who has been constantly injured? Probably not. Nevertheless, he does want the feeling of playing an entire season at full strength.
Aside from his sophomore year — played in all 15 games in 2018 — fans have only seen Ray in nine of Alabama’s last 28 games. He is set to be the full package this year and changing his number may have given him an edge.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
