Alabama football: Crimson Tide backup defensive lineman Nick Gentry makes the most of his chances

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Buried deep on Alabama’s leading tackler list is a name easily dismissed.

His 12 stops rank 15th on a Crimson Tide roster stocked with NFL talent, but backup lineman Nick Gentry’s influence transcends stat sheets.

Like an ace reliever, the fifth-year senior is called from the bullpen only when needed. And his impact to snap ratio is among the most efficient anywhere.

Gentry’s 2.5 sacks ranks second behind Courtney Upshaw’s 3.5 as does his three quarterback hurries to Upshaw’s seven. Playing all 13 games last season, the nose guard had 17 total stops and one sack.

At 6-foot-1, 284 pounds, the Prattville product is hardly the prototype SEC defensive lineman, but he uses his relatively lean frame to an advantage.

Alabama coach Nick Saban estimates Gentry sees about 18-20 snaps a game, mostly when passing situations leave the opposing quarterback in the crosshairs.

“The things he does well, some of our other guys don’t do quite as well,” Saban said. “Those kinds of differences is what helps us be able to put together 18 or 20 guys who play a lot and contribute a lot on defense in different situations in the game. Some people think he’s not big enough to do that, but his quickness and explosive power has been a real asset for us.”

Upshaw, the marquee name in Alabama’s pass rush entering the 7:15 p.m., Saturday visit from Tennessee, had Gentry to thank for one of his biggest moments of the season. Tied 10-10 early in the second quarter at Florida, Gentry sprinted straight toward Gator quarterback John Brantley on a third-and-long passing play.

Hurried by the pressure, Brantley threw straight to Upshaw who ran 45 yards to give Alabama the lead for good in a 38-10 pounding. Gentry added a second quarterback hurry and sack of Brantley’s backup Jeff Drisklel in the third quarter.

His other sacks this season came in wins over Arkansas and Kent State while narrowly missing one last week at Ole Miss. Cornerback DeQuan Menzie got Rebel quarterback Randall Mackey up high in the second quarter while Gentry had him by the ankles.

First-year defensive line coach Chris Rumph added emphasis to the pass rush upon arrival before spring practice.

Tide center William Vlachos sees a difference in that group facing them in practice.

“Those guys are really savvy in their pass rush as far as soon as they read pass on our defense they know what move to go on based on what we do or whatever their keys are,” Vlachos said. “As far as pass rush from a defensive lineman standpoint one-on-one type of stuff they’ve really improved on.”

Gentry is certainly a big part of that while adding some extra instruction on the field.

As a future football coach in training, Gentry has the respect and ear of his fellow defensive linemen.

“Quickness, speed, hands. He’s one of those guys who’s awesome at what he does,” defensive end Damion Square said. “He does it to the T. Anything the coach preaches, he’s great at it. He’s a guy who really doesn’t have a weakness.”

Starting nose guard Josh Chapman typically trades places with Gentry on obvious passing situations. But when they share the field, he knows his role.

“Being there with him, he’s like brain operation” Chapman said. “He knows things that people can do.

“He teaches a lot of young guys. When I come off the field, he’s telling me things he sees out there. He has those eyes as a coach and a player.”

This story was originally published October 21, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Alabama football: Crimson Tide backup defensive lineman Nick Gentry makes the most of his chances."