Although it normally loses a lot of players to the National Football League, the University of Alabama will return multiple student-athletes to its roster for next season.
For a second straight time, the Crimson Tide is looking at a few veteran players that want to continue with the standard the team had in the 2020 campaign to win a College Football Playoff National Championship. While it graduates Dylan Moses, Patrick Surtain II and Joshua McMillon to the upcoming NFL Draft, the Tide returns four players on defense — including two linemen.
RELATED: Is Henry To’o To’o back in play for Alabama after entering transfer portal?
Offensively, Alabama will create a new chapter without Mac Jones, Najee Harris, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Landon Dickerson, Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, Miller Forristall and Carl Tucker, but it’s returning two players and a third piece (Keilan Robinson) that did not play last season. Listed below are the players who are taking advantage of the COVID-19 year.
Phidarian Mathis, DL
His announcement to return sent waves of excitement through Alabama fans.
Phidarian Mathis now goes from being a contributing player to becoming an entrenched leader on the defensive line. He put together a strong junior season, collecting 31 tackles (five for loss), 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. The duo of Mathis and Christian Barmore carried a tangible energy; however, the rising senior has to provide a double portion as Barmore is off to the NFL.
Christopher Allen, LB
Christopher Allen’s return means the Tide is loaded at outside linebacker.
RELATED: BREAKING: Alabama OL Landon Dickerson announces he will turn pro
In his first year of being healthy, the former four-star showcased his ability to affect the passing game. He led the Crimson Tide in tackles for loss (13) and totaled six sacks, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder was responsible for 41 total tackles and earned second-team All-SEC honors. With the combination of he and William Anderson, Alabama’s sack numbers can potentially be insane next season. Also, Allen will be a great mentor for names such as Drew Sanders, Chris Braswell, Quandarrius Robinson and the talented edge rushers Alabama signed in this recruiting cycle.
LaBryan Ray, DL
Whether it has been an elbow or a lower-body injury, LaBryan Ray has not put together a healthy season yet.
He brings big potential as an edge rusher and was a former five-star out of James Clemons High School, but he needs one year filled with consistent production on tape. As a defensive end, he does possess a lot of quick-twitch abilities and has the strength to win his one-on-one’s on the outside. The 6-foot-5, 295-pounder has to prove that can endure a full season on the field.
Josh Jobe, CB
He was one of the team’s top tacklers (55 stops) and totaled 11 pass breakups in 2020.
RELATED: Najee Harris is headed to 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl
Josh Jobe got better in some areas, but there is still room for improvement. Another year with Nick Saban and Karl Scott (cornerbacks) will help him to limit the amount of technique issues that have plagued him with defensive pass interference and defensive holding calls in the past. His return gives the Tide one experienced corner on the outside, as it locates a second starter.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB
Brian Robinson has returned to be the primary running back.
Since his arrival in 2017, the Tuscaloosa native has worked behind Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris throughout his career. He now will gain the chance to show the coaching staff his abilities as the featured back on offense.
Robinson’s six rushing touchdowns last year are the most in his tenure.
Chris Owens, OL
When the Tide suffered a knee injury to Landon Dickerson, Chris Owens stepped up and assisted the offensive line to victories in the Rose Bowl and CFP National Championship Game.
He did not allow a sack from the center position, and his return gives Alabama three starters on the offensive unit.
RELATED: Doug Marrone to become Alabama’s new offensive line coach
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Owens brings a wealth of experience at center, offensive guard, offensive tackle and tight end.
Coach Saban can be flexible in getting his best five guys on the field with Owens back.
*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
