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Alabama Football: 5 reasons the Crimson Tide will win the SEC again

By Erich Hilkert

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25, center) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93, left), linebacker Reuben Foster (10), defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94, second from right), and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25, center) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93, left), linebacker Reuben Foster (10), defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94, second from right), and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Defensive line

Alabama always has one of the top defensive lines in the nation. Despite losing a significant amount of talent up front, there is still plenty of talent for Alabama in the defensive trenches.

Alabama will replace nose guard Dalvin Tomlinson with Da’Ron Payne. Payne had worked his way into a significant reserve role last season, keying the team’s run defense.

Another key backup in 2016, Da’Shawn Hand figures to step into a starting role at strongside defensive end. Hand totaled 21 tackles with two sacks in 2016.

Junior college transfer Isaiah Buggs could step in at weakside defensive end. Buggs was the No. 2 JUCO prospect in the nation according to 247Sports.

Other options include 6-foot 7-inch and 303-pound defensive end Raekwon Davis. Davis saw limited playing time in 2016. He should receive a big uptake in snaps in 2017, possibly having a chance at a starting role. Joshua Frazier and LaBryan Ray will also compete for snaps. In sum, Alabama has plenty of talent on the defensive line, despite losing key members from 2016.

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