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ESPN ranks the SEC’s best defensive front seven units

Tyler Waddell

By Tyler Waddell

Published:

ESPN’s SEC reporters have been ranking the position groups across the conference all week. Today it took a close look at every team’s defensive front seven, which includes linemen and linebackers.

To no surprise, Alabama leads the list at No. 1 thanks much in part to a loaded depth chart. Names such as Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams, give the Crimson Tide’s front seven a solid reputation as arguably the best unit in college football heading into the 2016 season.

Here’s what the site said about Alabama being No. 1:

One of the few programs that can lose talent to the NFL and still be on top because of its depth. Defensive end Jonathan Allen’s return was huge for the line. Da’Ron Payne, a freshman All-American, Dalvin Tomlinson and Da’Shawn Hand all played significant snaps last season. At linebacker, Reuben Foster is back on the inside after a 73-tackle season and sackmaster Tim Williams (10.5 sacks) returns to lead the outside linebackers. Ryan Anderson, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rashaan Evans all saw playing time last season and have plenty of ability.

Here’s the complete rankings, with analysis from Sam Khan, Jr. on the reigning defending champs:

1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Ole Miss
4. Florida
5. Tennessee
6. Texas A&M
7. Missouri
8. Arkansas
9. Vanderbilt
10. Georgia
11. Auburn
12. Mississippi State
13. Kentucky
14. South Carolina

Tyler Waddell

Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).

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