Alabama Football: 5 early signees who’ll have instant impact in 2019

2. Antonio Alfano (DE/Colonia, N.J.)

On the other side of the line-of-scrimmage, Alabama really needed to make a splash in this recruiting cycle on the defensive line, and they did so magnificently.

Alabama signed five defensive linemen on Wednesday, with the potential still existing to add a few more between now and February. This fills a huge position of need for the Crimson Tide, especially considering they are likely to lose their three starters from this season.

Isaiah Buggs is a senior and obviously gone, but junior Raekwon Davis and redshirt sophomore Quinnen Williams are expected to forego their final years of eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Antonio Alfano, a five-star prospect, figures to lead the push for immediate playing time among the guys Alabama signed. Alfano seems like a perfect-fit for what Nick Saban looks for with his hard-working mentality.

In an interview on signing day, Alfano talked about wanting to go to Alabama because he wanted to compete against the best, something that is obviously music to Nick Saban’s ears.

With that kind of attitude, and a boatload of talent, Alfano figures to be in the mix for the defensive line rotation as a true freshmen as he enrolls early and goes through spring practice with the team.

At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Alfano has drawn comparisons to former Alabama defensive lineman and current Washington Redskin Jonathan Allen. Alfano has the size and versatility to play on the interior or the outside, likely playing defensive end when Alabama is in 3-4 alignment and shifting inside to defensive tackle when they move to a 4-3.

Alfano may end up being more of a fit as a defensive tackle in college, but regardless of where he plays he should push for immediate playing time in Tuscaloosa next season.