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Breaking: Saban releases depth chart for Louisville game

The starters look pretty settled, but let’s just say that he’s keeping his options open beyond that.

By Josh Chatham
<p zoompage-fontsize="15" style="">NCAA Football: SEC Football Media Day Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban finally released his depth chart, and it’s about what we expected where starters are concerned.

A few bullets:

  • Raise your hand if you looked anywhere but the QB line first. You are a dirty liar. Now, let’s analyze the top line. Tua Tagovailoa should come behind Jalen Hurts alphabetically, and #13 should come after #2, yet it’s Tua’s name preceding the “or.” Let the theories begin.
  • Despite all the “or” business in the second unit, Ale Kaho is already standing alone as the understudy to Dylan Moses at WILL. This is an interesting development, though it underscores the depth issue at inside linebacker. Would really be second in line there, or would one of the guys backing up Mack Wilson slide over in case of injury? Since Jaylen Moody isn’t listed, we have to assume that he’s on the developmental squad and likely ticketed for a redshirt.
  • Interesting that Jamey Mosley is backing up both SAM and JACK, while Eyabi Anoma and Cameron Latu share the respective second lines with him. You have to wonder if the youngsters will be featured off the edges in some rabbit packages.
  • The fact that Alex Leatherwood is listed as a primary backup at RT suggests that Deonte Brown would probably slide in at RG if something happened to Jedrick Wills, kicking Leatherwood out to tackle.
  • Phidarian Mathis has worked himself up to backup nose, and Tevita Musika isn’t listed at all. This is an interesting development and as thin as the defensive line group has been in some time. Hard to think that they run with only six guys all season.
  • Kyriq McDonald is the backup at Star despite the fact that Patrick Surtain II has been seen working behind Carter in practice. Perhaps the coaches want Surtain focused on the simpler outside role for now, where he is listed as a primary backup on both sides. Big opportunity for McDonald if that’s the case.
  • Ben Davis is nowhere to be found in his third season.
  • Trevon Diggs is the primary punt returner and the two kickers are sharing the job.

Any other thoughts?

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