Roster countdown: 45 Ouzts; 44 Payne; 43 Murphy
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: tight end Robbie Ouzts; defensive lineman Damon Payne; and inside linebacker Shawn Murphy.
45 TE Robbie Ouzts
2022: Ouzts appeared in all 13 games, including the first three starts of his Alabama career. Caught four passes for 43 yards. Also saw action on special teams, where he picked up UA player of the week honors post-Mississippi State.
Of note: Ouzts spent 2023 spring drills recovering from injuries. As was the case with Cameron Latu, Ouzts will be counted on to help complement Alabama’s primary option (CJ Dippre) at the position. With the possibility of more 12 personnel during the upcoming season, Ouzts could see his snap count on offense rise. While capable of working in line, Ouzts’ best work has come off the ball. It was in that role that he produced two receptions for 29 yards in the Crimson Tide’s latest Iron Bowl win over Auburn. Despite having the look of a prototype fullback, Ouzts is athletic enough to handle blocking duties on the perimeter in the quick game.
44 DL Damon Payne
2022: After redshirting during his first season in the program, Payne saw action in six games a year ago. Of his seven tackles on the season, three came in a win over Mississippi State. Also recovered a fumble against Austin Peay.
Of note: With DJ Dale, Byron Young and Jamil Burroughs moving on, opportunity knocks for Payne. Beyond projected starters Justin Eboigbe and Tim Smith, competition for prime rotation spots continued in April and March. In the A-Day game, Payne opened the scrimmage opposite Burroughs with the White (second-team) defense. Recipient of the Jerry Duncan “I Like To Practice” Award at the close of spring drills. Capable block defender whose role beyond base and big nickel will hinge on his ability to rush the passer.
43 ILB Shawn Murphy
2022: As a true freshman, Murphy played in five games. In seeing time on defense and special teams, he recorded two tackles and a pass breakup.
Of note: With the additions of Trezmen Marshall from the transfer portal and Justin Jefferson from the junior college ranks, the departures of Henry To’o To’o and Jaylen Moody didn’t result in an automatic promotion for Murphy. Instead, competition for vacancies remained fierce in the spring, with Murphy working in support of Marshall and Jihaad Campbell for the Crimson defense in April’s A-Day game. Murphy’s lone tackle in the scrimmage — a stop of tight end Danny Lewis after a short completion — highlighted his ability to take care of business in space. Post-spring game, Murphy was a Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award recipient. In addition to competing for a role at linebacker, the second-year projects as a prime core four special teams candidate.
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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