Alabama is faced with replacing several key contributors from last year’s national championship winning team. But the defensive line seems to be adjusting just fine, said defensive lineman Jeoffrey Pagan.
“We lost some really good guys from the [defensive] line, and that just opened up doors for younger players, like myself, to come in and be able to help out and actually play a role,” Pagan said. “I feel like my role is actually greater than it was. I have an opportunity to do something special.”
Nose guard Brandon Ivory said he and Pagan are now faced with stepping up as leaders on the defensive line, serving as guides for younger players.
“Last year I looked up to leaders like [Damian] Square and Jesse [Williams], and I’m just trying to play the role they played and be a leader for [Darren] Lake and other players,” Ivory said.
But both players still rely on Ed Stinson’s experience as a senior on the defensive front.
Pagan said Stinson’s presence around the younger players has benefited them with their workload increase this spring.
“Ed’s like the old guy on the [defensive] line, and he’s like the father,” he said. “He’s somebody that we can always go to if we need help. He’s just somebody that knows the game.”
Stinson is especially beneficial to linebacker-turned-defensive end Xzavier Dickson, as Stinson went through the same position change in his earlier years at the Capstone.
Pagan said Dickson could line up as a tackle or an end on the defensive front and the Crimson Tide would not suffer.
“He’s battling at both positions,” Pagan said. “He’s really talented on the outside, but then again, he’s really talented on the inside. Xzavier could really line up either way, and wherever he’s at he’s going to make an impact.”
The departure of Jesse Williams left a hole in the heart of the defensive line, and it is up to nose guards Ivory, Darren Lake and Wilson Love to fill it.
Pagan said he can’t tell the difference between the three when he has worked with them in practice.
“I’ve taken reps with all three of them, and I would line up with any of them and be confident that they will all three get the job done,” he said.
The offensive line has taken notice too. Left guard Arie Kouandjio said Ivory has been impressive during practice and the two situational scrimmages.
“He’s having a pretty good spring,” Kouandjio said. “All the defensive linemen are doing real well.”
Freshman Dalvin Tomlinson has played well this spring and has caught the attention of head coach Nick Saban.
“Dalvin’s had a really good spring,” Saban said. “I think he’s a really good player. I think at times he’s feeling his way a little bit. He has gotten a little bigger, and that probably has helped him. He is very, very athletic, can run very well. I think we need some guys like that. I think he’s done a really good job this spring. If he continues to progress, he’ll be one of the guys that we Pagan. Because rotate as a starting end next year with the other two – Ed [Stinson] and Jeoffrey he’s got that potential. He’s smart, and he’s developed nicely.”
Other players are beginning to take notice of the defensive line. Junior tight end Harrison Jones said the defensive line will be one of the sparks for the Tide in 2013.
“We’ve got some really talented guys, some guys that have really worked hard on the defensive line, Pagan especially,” Jones said. “I see those guys really stepping up and filling the spots that were left open last year from guys leaving the team, big team leaders like Damion Square, Jesse Williams and Quinton Dial.
“That’s something that is going to be a big part for our team this year is the defensive line stepping up, and I’ve thought they’ve done a good job of that so far.”
