Roster countdown: 41 Braswell; 40 Blackshire; 36 Jackson
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: linebackers Chris Braswell, Kendrick Blackshire and Ian Jackson.
41 OLB Chris Braswell
2022: Appeared in all 13 games, recording 20 tackles, including four for loss, 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. Picked up defensive player of the week honors from UA coaching staff after posting four tackles, including one for loss, and a forced fumble in season-opening win over Utah State.
Of note: Along with fellow outside linebacker Dallas Turner, Braswell wasn’t available for the 2023 A-Day game. He’ll head into his fourth season in the program as the projected starter opposite Turner, with both good bets to see action across Alabama’s three primary defensive packages. Up more than 30 pounds from his true freshman weight of 225, Braswell is physically equipped to handle more than situational pass rush duties. If opposing offenses emphasize Turner in their pass protection schemes, it will be on Braswell to make them pay. Simply put, with his former classmate, Will Anderson, no longer around, it’s time for Braswell to produce at a level befitting of a five-star designation.
40 ILB Kendrick Blackshire
2022: Saw action in seven games before missing final five contests of regular season due to injury. In working on special teams and defense, Blackshire amassed six total tackles, including one for loss, and a quarterback hurry. Posted career-high three stops in win over Utah State.
Of note: Injuries plagued Blackshire in each of his first two seasons in the program. Healthy and able to compete during 2023 spring drills, the Texan opened the latest A-Day game alongside Justin Jefferson for the White (second-team) defense. In the scrimmage, Blackshire recorded eight total tackles and a sack. Of his stops, a scrimmage-high seven were solos. Blackshire is at his best between the numbers. His direct (and violent) approach to seeking out the ball works well on special team as well. It is outside the numbers and when dropping into coverage where his viability as an every down option on defense comes into question.
36 ILB Ian Jackson
2022: Reserve inside linebacker saw action in three contests (Texas A&M, Tennessee and Mississippi State) as a special teamer. Recorded first tackle of Alabama career in win over MSU.
Of note: The redshirt sophomore came on in the second quarter of the 2023 A-Day game to work alongside Blackshire for the White team. He finished the scrimmage with one assisted tackle. Both Jackson and Blackshire took tight end Miles Kitselman on a crossing route, leaving running back Justice Haynes wide open for an easy touchdown grab in the second quarter. In addition to vying for a role on special teams, Jackson will provide depth at inside linebacker.
Previous:
49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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