A-Day Game
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Admission: Free
DEFENSE
Eyabi Anoma
Soph./OLB
6-5/252
Key Stat: Registered two tackles for a loss in 12 games last season
Buzz: One of the most highly-rated recruits in Alabama history, Anoma’s freshman season was quieter than most expected, even though he earned SEC All-Freshman honors. Anoma entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal earlier offseason, but now appears committed and ready to make an impact for the Crimson Tide as an elite pass rusher.
Jared Mayden
Sr./DB
6-0/200
Key Stat: Totaled 18 tackles last season
Buzz: Deionte Thompson’s absence will be felt in the secondary, but Mayden has the experience and ability to help soften the blow. Having provided depth in the secondary for the past two seasons, it appears to be his turn to step up. He’s played as first-string safety next to Xavier McKinney so far this spring.
DJ Dale
Fr./DL
6-3/314
Key Stat: Made 14 tackles for a loss as a junior in high school
Buzz: Quinnen Williams emerged as a wrecking ball on Alabama’s defensive line last season, vaulting himself into consideration to be a top-five NFL draft selection. With him gone, the Crimson Tide will need a new name to step up. Dale has only been on campus for a few months, but has already earned reps with the first team defense at nose tackle.
OFFENSE
Evan Neal
Fr./OL
6-7/360
Key Stat: Ranked the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation according to 247Sports Composite
Buzz: An early enrollee, Neal has already shown why he was such a prized recruit in his few months on campus. He was observed working at left guard on the first-team offensive line during Alabama’s first spring scrimmage. Neal could be a key piece of a rebuilt Crimson Tide line that lost three starters from last season.
Miller Forristall
R-Jr./TE
6-5/234
Key Stat: Caught five passes in 15 games as a freshman in 2015
Buzz: After playing in all 15 games in his first year with the Crimson Tide, Forristall’s sophomore season was cut short three games in by a knee injury. He appears to be back at full strength and will be required to step into a starting role since Alabama lost both Irv Smith Jr. and Hale Hentges.
Mac Jones
R-Soph./QB
6-2/205
Key Stat: Completed only 5 of 13 passes last season
Buzz: Tua Tagovailoa is Alabama’s starter, but all eyes will be on Mac Jones during Alabama’s spring game. Jones impressed in the spring game last year, throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns. His performance this year will have added pressure to it, since Jones is slated to takeover backup duties after seeing limited action last season.
— Ben Stansell
