Brandon Deaderick Likely Out: Meet Backup No. 96 Luther Davis

Breaking news concerning the Crimson Tide's starting defensive end Brandon Deaderick is alarming, without question, but more for the player, his family, and the student community at large.

Deaderick was shot in the forearm late last night at an off-campus apartment complex when an armed assailant attempted to rob Deaderick.

It's ridiculous that incidents like this happen at all, but our society has been sensitized to violence and we have accepted it as a way of life. I am not for taking weapons away from citizens, more for punishing the criminal, but that is another story in itself and more appropriate for another forum.

The assailant has certainly caused problems for the Crimson Tide—Deaderick having just been named as a starter on Coach Saban's depth chart earlier that day.

The forearm injury might be self limiting, but it's unlikely that he will fully recover in order to start the opening game of the season just four days, nine hours, 39 minutes, and 25 seconds away (but whose counting, anyway).

The depth chart released by Saban has No. 96 Luther Davis listed as the backup to Deaderick in the left side defensive end position.

The 6'3" 275 lbs. gentleman from West Monroe, LA has had limited playing time in his first two seasons with the Tide.

He is credited with 13 tackles (seven solo, eight assists), 3.5 tackles for loss, and a quarterback hurry.

Davis placed No. 25 on the rivals.com prospects list for defensive tackles in 2007.

Interestingly, Kerry Murphy was listed No. 4, and Josh Chapman No. 32 on the same chart. Chapman and Murphy are both listed as backups to Terrence Cody at nose tackle.

The Rolltide.com player biography lists the following high school statistics and accomplishments regarding Luther Davis:

"Graduated from West Monroe High School...ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Louisiana by SuperPrep Magazine...was also a SuperPrep All-American as a senior...rated as the nation's No. 14 defensive line prospect by SuperPrep...member of ESPN's Top 150...one of six defensive ends on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Super Southern Top 100...was ranked No. 15 in Louisiana and No. 25 nationally by Rivals.com...rated No. 16 defensive end prospect nationally by ESPN...had 88 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a junior...had 68 tackles, 13 sacks and six blocked kicks in his senior season...honorable mention All-State selection...coached by Don Shows...full name is Luther Marquez Davis...born Oct. 21, 1988."

Davis is ready to step up as a college athlete. He had been ready and waiting for the call.

He will step into Deaderick's shoes without a noticeable change in personnel. He gives up about 25 lbs. to the larger Deaderick, but his speed and agility are better than average.

Freshman Darrington Sentimore is listed third on the depth chart. It's unlikely that the neophyte will step ahead of Davis.

The other option to consider is right-side defensive end Marcel Dareus.

Dareus, a sophomore, has been a standout in practice, with four tackles, two for a loss, and two sacks in the second scrimmage of the summer session.

In 2008, Dareus played in eight games, caused three QB hurries, and was credited with four tackles (one solo, three assists). Currently, Dareus is listed behind DE Lorenzo Washington on the right side of the line.

It's certainly possible, but unlikely that he will step ahead of Davis to replace Deaderick for the season opener.

Regardless of what Head Coach Nick Saban decides to do in replacing the injured Deaderick, it is comforting to know that he has several options to choose from without a noticeable change in the level of talent.

I am sure the news will not go unnoticed by the staff at Virginia Tech, and they have every right to test the left side early.

But I don't think it will be tested often because they will quickly realize that Davis has already been tested and has not been found to be lacking any of the necessary skills.

Don't be surprised to find Tyrod Taylor being forced out of the pocket more than once by No. 96 on Saturday night.