SDS Staff | 58 minutes ago
Alabama’s rough fall camp climaxed Wednesday when it was announced that All-American Dylan Moses suffered a knee injury that requires surgery. Moses is the heart and soul of the Tide’s defense.
Earlier in fall camp, Alabama also lost senior starting linebacker Joshua McMillon to a season-ending injury.
In Moses’ absence, true freshman Shane Lee now becomes the starting middle linebacker. The 6-0, 246-pound backer signed with Alabama in the class of 2019, and he was rated a 4-star prospect and was ranked as the nation’s No. 5 inside linebacker, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.
In McMillon’s absence, true freshman Christian Harris will be the starter. Harris also signed with Alabama in the class of 2019, and he was rated a 4-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 6 inside linebacker, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Yes, Lee and Harris are two very talented young linebackers, but replacing the experience of both Moses and McMillon is brutal. Moses is the quarterback of the defense, and its leader.
Other things Saban said on the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday:
- Been really pleased with the progress of our team in fall camp, looking forward to being able to compete. You never know what you have until you hit the field.
- On Dylan Moses: Dylan was injured yesterday, had a knee injury. It requires surgery, and he will be out for some time. We will do everything to support Dylan and the people that will step up in Dylan’s place.
- On Duke’s QB: he is an outstanding player, very athletic. Capable passer, they have very good pass concepts. he can run, very effective with those things. We will be facing a dual-threat guy and we have to play him as a runner and a passer.
- With Moses and McMillian out who calls defense and will there be a “crash course” for them: I think that’s what we do everyday, we try to get these guys ready… The guys we have as backup linebackers, they have been good students of the game… Sometimes you get guys who aren’t focused if they aren’t the guy… I don’t think there’s no substitute for experience, and now, they will be able to apply the knowledge and experience they have.
