Crimson Tide's linebackers must replace leadership, but it seems there's plenty of talent
Alabama opens spring practice this week as the Crimson Tide is scheduled to take the field on Friday.
Alabama's spring A-Day game, the 15th and final practice, is scheduled for April 16 at 2 p.m.
But before then, we'll break down each position group. Our series continues with a look at the linebackers.
Departed: Reggie Ragland, Denzell Devall, Dillon Lee
Ready for spring: Reuben Foster, senior; Shaun Dion Hamilton, junior; Tim Williams, senior; Ryan Anderson, senior; Rashaan Evans, junior; Keith Holcombe, sophomore; Walker Jones, junior; Joshua McMillon, redshirt freshman; Christian Miller, sophomore; Adonis Thomas, redshirt freshman; Mekhi Brown, redshirt freshman; Anfernee Jennings, redshirt freshman; Keaton Anderson, redshirt freshman; Christian Bell, freshman; Shawn Jennings, freshman
Coming in summer/fall: Ben Davis, Terrell Hall, Mack Wilson
Outlook: Alabama lost three key starters from last year's linebacker group as Reggie Ragland, Denzell Devall and Dillon Lee have all moved on. A case can be made that Ragland may be the toughest player to replace from last year's team. A two-year starter, Ragland was the defensive leader and a big-time playmaker for last season. He helped put everyone in position.
That responsibility likely falls to Reuben Foster and/or Shaun Dion Hamilton this coming season. Foster served as the starting linebacker opposite Ragland in the Tide's nickel package.
Foster finished second on the team with 73 tackles (48 solo) including eight tackles for loss. Hamilton mostly played in the Tide's base defense. He posted 27 total tackles.
Keith Holcombe could also be in the mix for a big role at inside linebacker.
One of the strengths of Alabama's team will be outside linebacker with Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson returning for their senior seasons.
Playing in mostly on third downs last year, Williams racked up 10.5 sacks. Anderson posted 11.5 tackles for loss including six sacks. With Lee and Devall gone, Williams and Anderson should be every down players. There's also Rashaan Evans, who had four sacks a season ago.
Christian Miller is a player to watch off the edge. Miller needed time to develop physically his first two years on campus, but he could have a role on defense this season.
Guys like Adonis Thomas, Joshua McMillon, Mekhi Brown, Keaton Anderson and Anfernee Jennings should compete for spots in the rotation.
Five-star instate linebackers Ben Davis and Mack Wilson as well as highly-rated four-star Terrell Hall will join the team this summer. All three could compete for early playing time.
Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.
This story was originally published March 7, 2016 at 9:17 PM with the headline "Crimson Tide's linebackers must replace leadership, but it seems there's plenty of talent ."