Alabama Defense: Competition at Every Position

While there are a few players, barring injury or physical ailments, that have secured a starting role for the Crimson Tide defense, there are very few or possibly no secured positions at this point in time.

Unlike what many have posted in this regard, much of this is attributable to the depth on defense, not the lack of experience.

Will Josh Chapman or Kerry Murphy get the nod at nose tackle? Will it be Damien Square or Luther Davis, Marcel Dareus or Darrington Sentimore at defensive end? Remember, Dareus made his impact as a substitute off the bench in nearly every game last year. His impact was most impressive on pass rushing downs.

At linebacker, there has never been more depth. For sure, Dont'a Hightower will start, but at which position, Middle or Jack?

It depends on the situation and the down. If Hightower is at Jack, who is at Mike? And the questions keep going.

Despite his key play last year, Nico Johnson is in a tough competition with Chris Jordan. Jerrell Harris and Tana Patrick are competing and Jalston Fowler is making great strides and impressing the coaches with his agility and abilities at linebacker. There have been no positions solidified.

In the secondary, Dre Kirkpatrick will clearly be a starter, but on the left or right side. Where will he play in nickel and dime packages? Who will be the first off the bench when extra defensive backs are called on.

And who is at the other corner position—DeQuan Menzie, Phelon Jones, John Fulton or DeMarcus Milliner? There is no answer at this point in time.

For sure, Mark Barron will be at the safety position, but the second safety position is not solidified. Robert Lester has strong consideration, but Jones can compete at safety as well as cornerback.

Solidifying a position is not what matters to these players; solidifying a role is the key. Defense or special teams, it doesn't really matter. These players are unselfish and will encourage the player on the field from the sidelines until it is their number that is called.

I think what the coaches have done for themselves is that they have provided great options at every position. They have put every position in good standing because whoever starts, they will have earned the position by competing at a high level.

I think this is probably the first year since the '70's that every defensive position will be manned by some of the best players in the entire SEC, and in some cases the entire nation.

This is truly an All-Star cast, 'Bama fans.

We as fans will not be disappointed by the product placed on the field. Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Jeremy Pruitt, and Sal Sunseri will be able to develop defensive packages for any type of offense they will face in 2010. The will bring stunts from every angle, confuse every quarterback in the league, and bring tears to more that just one notable player in 2010.

The Tide is high. Others are counting on the Alabama offense to be explosive, but I can't wait to see the defense get put together and get after it like no other defense has in years past. This defense will be extremely fast, incredibly athletic, strong, immovable up front, and unbelievably agile in pass coverage.

The Tide will strike fear in the mind of the opposition's quarterback before the ball is snapped. The quarterback will have no more than three seconds to get rid of the ball because a blitz could come from any position in the second line of defense.

Opposition running backs will time and time again be strung out to the sideline, and the north-south runner will hit a wall on every down. Receivers crossing over the middle will pay for their intrusion. Deep passes will be met by defensive backs with leaping and catching abilities that rival any receiver in the land.

Opposing offenses will be pounded on every play. They will weaken and be defeated week after week. This is what Alabama football used to be like, and this is today's Alabama football.

From the standpoint of a fan, have class and represent your university well. Thank the opposition fans for visiting. Greet them with a handshake and a smile.

There is no team in the country that Alabama fans should envy. We have the best in our own backyard and we can watch the best play every weekend. Let's get ready to celebrate with class and dignity.

Roll Tide, Alabama, Roll Tide Roll.