Projected Depth Chart for Alabama vs. Western Kentucky

[Bamabuzzard]

31-10 Miami

 

[JayBama_in_PCOLA]

Haynes will make the start.

 

[bamaga]

Qua Russaw was in on the first series, no way he was third team. Did anyone see Keon Keely in the game?

 

[Ledsteplin]

Qua Russaw was in on the first series, no way he was third team. Did anyone see Keon Keely in the game?

I noticed he started it seemed. Yet listed 3rd. Keeley probably played. I don't recall hearing his name though. It appeared everyone played. Even the walk-ons.

 

[JessN]

Qua Russaw was in on the first series, no way he was third team. Did anyone see Keon Keely in the game?

As we always say on every depth chart we publish -- it's there in the disclaimer at the top -- our depth charts are never official UA documents. We report them the way they actually play on the field. For the first game of every year, absent any guidance from the head coach (the "official" depth chart wasn't released this week until 2 hours before kickoff), about the only thing we can do is combine post-spring depth charts with how we're being told they're playing in camp.

I would like to point out that even Alabama's official depth chart Saturday was wrong. According to it, Miles McVay was the backup left tackle. I think it was obvious to most that Pritchett was going to be the swing tackle, but when it came time to put it in the reserves, McVay was on the right and Betrand on the left, which is how we'll list them this week, too. Just pointing out that even the "official" documents can get a bit off.

As for Russaw, what I think you'll see the rest of the way in is him and Robinson split most of the first-team snaps with Koht running third. Russaw and Robinson operated like they were tied for 1st/2nd against WKU.

Keeley got three snaps at Bandit toward the end of the game. He's a good bit behind Latham and Overton for now. A traditional DE spot is new for him and will take some time (and some weight).

 

[gtgilbert]

Qua Russaw was in on the first series, no way he was third team. Did anyone see Keon Keely in the game?

He wasn't listed as 3rd team. that's what the "OR" statement means; then listed from oldest to youngest.

It's not really that surprising though. Of all the guys we have at that spot, Russaw is the only one who is close to big enough to be a 3 down guy. The others look to be more pass rush specialist in their build.

 

[gtgilbert]

Freshman Zabien Brown beat out DeShawn Jones.

Probably does stay that way as Brown has been doing very, very well, but Jones has also been somewhat limited with an injury.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Probably does stay that way as Brown has been doing very, very well, but Jones has also been somewhat limited with an injury.

Thanks, I didn't know that about Jones.

 

[gtgilbert]

Thanks, I didn't know that about Jones.

had a hammy issue and only got a few reps during practice last week. They let him get in the game a bit and he seemed to handle that ok so his load will probably increase this week. that said, Brown is the real deal and might not be easy to unseat unless we get into a situation where the experience Jones has helps him deal with some more complex offenses we will face versus what Brown can ramp up to learn.

 

[Ledsteplin]

had a hammy issue and only got a few reps during practice last week. They let him get in the game a bit and he seemed to handle that ok so his load will probably increase this week. that said, Brown is the real deal and might not be easy to unseat unless we get into a situation where the experience Jones has helps him deal with some more complex offenses we will face versus what Brown can ramp up to learn.

Brown is really good. I was impressed with all the freshmen in the secondary. It was hard to tell they had no game experience.