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Alabama Football: 5 position battles to watch this spring

By John Mitchell

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Isaiah Buggs #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with Mack Wilson #30 after a defensive stop against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Isaiah Buggs #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with Mack Wilson #30 after a defensive stop against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Will Linebacker

Dylan Moses should move over and fill the Mike linebacker spot quite nicely, replacing Mack Wilson as the signal caller of the defense. After that, though, it gets tricky as Alabama has a dearth of game-experience with the reserves. Moses and Wilson took almost every meaningful snap at inside linebacker in 2018, and there figures to be a deep competition for the Will linebacker spot next to Moses, with numerous players staking their claims.

Alabama was softer in the middle of the defense last year than potentially ever before under Saban, which makes this position group a main offseason priority for Alabama. Say what you will about Wilson, but losing his experience and his ability as the signal-caller will be tough to replace. Moses should be ready for his spot in the sun, however, after being a Butkus Award finalist as a sophomore.

The presumptive favorite to start at Will heading into spring is sophomore Ale Kaho, who served as Moses’ primary backup a year ago. The highly sought-after freshman played sparingly last season as a reserve linebacker, and was a key contributor on special teams coverage units.

Kaho had some personal issues that kept him away from the team as Alabama began spring practice last Friday, but he is expected to return to the team after spring break. He was a late addition the Tide last season and made quick progress to jump up the depth chart; if his head is on straight, he is the favorite to win the job.

The door is open for others, though, and redshirt senior Joshua McMillon, redshirt sophomore Markail Benton, and sophomore Jaylen Moody will all push for the job. McMillon has been biding his time as a reserve and special teams player, and could push for the role in his final season of eligibility. Benton and Moody have less experience, but are talented players in their own right.

Don’t sleep on incoming freshman Shane Lee, either, as the four-star recruit enrolled early and will make it difficult for his upperclassmen teammates to fend him off.

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