Marcel Dareus - #57 – DE – 6-3 – 280 lbs. – Huffman, AL - Huffman
Damian Square - #92 – DT – 6-2 – 290 lbs. – Houston, TX - Yates
Undra Billingsley - #94 – DE – 6-3 – 275 lbs. – Birmingham, AL – Woodlawn
It looked initially as though Bama would have more newcomers on the defensive line, but both Glenn Harbin & Michael Williams have started out at the JACK linebacker. Also of note, JuCo transfer Terrence Cody has come in with this group, but was profiled with the juniors.
Marcel Dareus was one of the last people to pop up on the Tide’s recruiting radar. Grade issues had made him unattractive to a lot of people, and had even devalued him in the eyes of at least one national recruiting service. Once he got his grades in order there was a mad rush to sign the mammothly strong and versatile lineman who can play both tackle and end. His brother Demerius also signed with the Tide on signing day, but he began his career at Junior College.
Chance that he plays in 2008: Almost certain. I would say absolutely certain except that he is currently in a black no contact jersey with an undisclosed injury. The fact that he participated in team stretching before heading to a stationary bike tells me that it’s not likely serious. If he’s cleared for contact by this time next week he’ll see time in rotation at defensive end, probably as early as the Clemson game.
The fact that he also has the size and strength to slide inside and play tackle in Bama’s short yardage and goal line defenses only adds to his ability to get on the field quicker. He has been the Julio Jones of the defensive side of the ball for this class - the guy that jumps out at everyone. Expect to see him early and often.
Damian Square came to Alabama after flirting with Texas A&M. After committing to the Tide he developed a close relationship with outgoing defensive end Wallace Gilberry - hence the #92, worn in Wallace’s honor. He started the fall camp at defensive end, but was moved to nose guard earlier this week.
Chance that he plays in 2008: Fair. Like offensive lineman, the best case scenario for defensive lineman is to have the option to redshirt. The fact that more times than not the Tide will line up with only one tackle means that depth isn’t as much of an issue. He is likely behind 3 other players right now at the nose guard position, which means that a redshirt would not be a shock.
Undra Billingsley is the prototype build for a defensive end in Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense. He’s big, quick & agile. He is also a fantastic student, earning valedictorian honors at Woodlawn High School. That should indicate the ability to pick up the play book quickly, which could be his ticket to playing time.
Chance that he plays in 2008: Fair. There are several guys ahead of him the depth chart, but few with game experience. Undra hasn’t made a huge impact thus far in fall camp, but there are still 3 weeks until he has to be ready. With the Alfred McCullough moving to defensive end, that position is now more crowded with “ready to play” guys. Having said that, outside of the 2 starting ends, there is very little game experience, so playing time is up for grabs. If the season started today, he would be a definite redshirt candidate. Six weeks from now things could be totally different.
Related posts:
- Player Profile: Freshman Defensive Backs Mark Barron - # 4 – S – 6-2 –...
- Player Profile: Freshman Offensive Lineman John Michael Boswell - #67 – OL – 6-5 –...
- Player Profile: Freshman Receivers & Tight Ends B.J. Scott - #1 – WR – 5-10 – 195...
- Position Profile: Defensive Line Bobby Greenwood - #93 – SR – 6-5 – 278...
- Player Profile: Freshman Linebackers Jerrell Harris - #5 – LB – 6-3 – 215...
