Experience, depth lacking at linebacker

Of the probable starters at linebacker, a sophomore may be the veteran.

Prince Hall, a leading candidate on a short list, is the only player to start for the Crimson Tide at linebacker last year.

But don't write the second line of defense off so quickly. Put a question mark instead. The future looks hazy more than shaky.

With ankle-high depth and a lack of grizzled veterans, the Tide will depend on one thing this year: unproven talent.

And if a lack of experience was not enough, head coach Nick Saban's new defensive schemes serve as the first hurdle for the new core.

The base defense will line up three down linemen and three linebackers. After checking the offensive alignment, the seventh man, called the jack, will either take the line to stop the rush or drop back as a fourth linebacker to help against the pass.

Essentially, the team will run a 4-3 or a 3-4 depending on the offense.

While Saban avoids listing depth charts, a few players have separated themselves as potential starters.

Hall, who played more than 500 snaps and started eight games last year, certainly stands alone atop the experience ladder. He finished third on the team last season with 71 tackles, two of those sacks and 10.5 for a loss.

Hall will likely retain his middle linebacker spot but will face competition from up-and-coming freshman Rolando McClain. The 6-4, 255-pound Decatur native has garnered attention throughout spring training.

Senior Darren Mustin, once a backup at Middle Tennessee, appears as the frontrunner at weak-side linebacker. He recorded a total of eight tackles last year, taking only 66 snaps in nine games.

"You talk about intangibles, of playing with great competitive character, giving great effort and playing with toughness," Saban said of Mustin. "He really goes out of his way to make sure he knows what his job is and how to do it. He has a lot of pride in his performance. He has some leadership qualities, and we're really pleased with what he's done."

As for the strong side, Ezekial Knight made the off-season move from defensive lineman to linebacker. The difficulty of learning a new position while learning a new defense may lengthen his learning curve.

On top of that, a heart murmur sidelined the junior for the final eight games last season. Knight tallied four tackles and forced a fumble in just four games last year.

Despite those burdens, many have pegged Knight as a player poised for a breakout year.

A defensive end last year, Keith Saunders' athleticism makes him a great candidate for the dual role of the jack. His size and speed will allow him to both stand the line and back it. He started 10 games for the Tide last year and collected 16 tackles.

Other players battling for reps include senior Marcel Stamps at weak side, sophomore Zach Schreiber at strong side, sophomore Brandon Fanney at jack and senior Demarcus Waldrop at middle.