Could Alabama fans see a reincarnation of stellar defensive units from the Nick Saban era with this Crimson Tide unit in the fall?
The spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium handed out several reasons fans should be optimistic about Pete Golding and the Tide defense. Will Anderson, a junior outside linebacker, did not mince words when he told reporters to expect this group to have the same relentless dominance as the 2016 defense. National media, local media, rival fans, and the Bama Nation held the 2016 defense with high respect. The team boasted many disruptive forces, including Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, Da’Ron Payne, Christian Miller, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shaun Dion Hamilton, and more.
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Alabama’s defense in 2016 took over games, dismantled opponents, and traveled well.
The players totaled 54 sacks, 118 tackles for loss, 80 quarterback hurries, 17 forced fumbles, eight fumble returns, 16 interceptions, and 11 touchdowns. Coach Saban had a group that was all business. The Tide had elite units in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017, but the 2016 defense is the one fans could not stop embracing. Anderson feels this group will be on the level or better than in 2016. Both offenses made some explosive plays on A-Day, but both defenses stole the show.
Anderson posted two sacks and guided the White team to ten total.
Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Jamil Burroughs, and Jaylen Moody tagged Bryce Young. Demouy Kennedy, Jaheim Oatis, Jeremiah Alexander, Tim Kennan III, and Jah-Marien Latham represented the Crimson team with a sack. Both defenses combined for 15 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, nine breakups, four quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions.
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Malachi Moore got burned by Christian Leary for a touchdown, but Alabama’s secondary played well on A-Day. Khyree Jackson and Brian Branch had two breakups. Moore, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Kaine Williams each had one breakup. Jordan Battle and Kristian Story tallied an interception. The tackling was good, and the Tide challenged every pass in the secondary.
Alabama’s defensive line had several guys perform well, including Burroughs, Latham, Kennan, Oatis, Tim Smith, Braylen Ingraham, Damon Payne, and Monkell Goodwine. Burroughs and Smith were the most improved players throughout the spring.
Burroughs, a junior, may have secured the starting job at nose tackle. The Tide has been elite on defense when it has a player wreaking havoc in the middle. Burroughs is ready to be that force on the defensive line.
Alabama could have the No. 1 defense in college football this fall.
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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.
