Breaking News: How Can Alabama Football Replace Que Robinson at Edge?

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program, a powerhouse with a storied history of success, is facing a significant challenge on the defensive side of the ball: replacing standout edge rusher Que Robinson. Robinson, a key contributor to Alabama’s defense over the past few seasons, has been one of the most effective pass rushers in the SEC, known for his explosive speed, physicality, and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His departure leaves a noticeable void in Alabama’s pass rush, which has been one of the cornerstones of the program’s dominance in recent years.

As head coach Nick Saban and his staff prepare for the upcoming season, they are faced with the question of how best to fill the gap left by Robinson. Fortunately for Alabama, the program has a long history of producing elite talent at virtually every position, including the edge. The Crimson Tide have a wealth of depth and potential, but the task ahead is multifaceted and involves both finding a suitable replacement for Robinson and adjusting the defensive scheme to maximize the new personnel.

The Importance of the Edge Rusher in Alabama’s Defense

To fully understand the challenge of replacing Robinson, it’s important to first recognize the role of the edge rusher in Alabama’s defensive scheme. Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide has built a reputation on dominating defensive play, and the edge rusher position has often been the face of that dominance. The edge rusher is responsible for pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, and forcing turnovers, all while being able to handle the physical demands of covering outside runs, tight ends in the passing game, and forcing quarterback mistakes in critical situations.

Que Robinson was exceptional in all these areas. He possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that allowed him to consistently wreak havoc on opposing offenses. His ability to collapse the pocket, make tackles for loss, and disrupt passing lanes made him a game-changer for Alabama. Losing such a versatile and productive player puts a substantial amount of pressure on the coaching staff to identify the next player to step up and lead the charge on defense.

Assessing the Roster: Who Can Step Up?

Replacing a player like Que Robinson requires a comprehensive look at the talent currently available on the Alabama roster. The coaching staff has a number of options to consider, including players already on the team who could move into the starting role, as well as incoming recruits who could make an immediate impact. Below are several candidates who are likely to get the first crack at replacing Robinson.

1. Chris Braswell: The Veteran Pass Rusher

Chris Braswell, a former highly-rated recruit, has been a rotational player for Alabama over the past few seasons. He has shown flashes of his potential, showcasing speed off the edge and the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Braswell’s most notable trait is his pass-rushing ability. Over the past couple of years, he has steadily improved in his ability to get to the quarterback, and he is expected to take on a larger role in the absence of Robinson.

Braswell’s experience and familiarity with the system give him an edge over other contenders. He has been mentored by some of the best defensive minds in college football, including Saban and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Braswell’s ability to read offensive linemen, use his speed to bend around the edge, and set up blockers for a counter-move makes him a prime candidate to step into a starting role.

However, there are still areas of Braswell’s game that need refinement. He must continue to develop his ability to stop the run and improve his overall consistency in setting the edge. If Braswell can address these weaknesses, he has the potential to be a major force for Alabama’s defense.

2. Dallas Turner: The Rising Star

Another name that quickly comes to mind is Dallas Turner, a sophomore who showed tremendous promise during his freshman season. Turner was a part of the Crimson Tide’s rotation last year, and though he didn’t start, he made significant contributions as a pass rusher. His blend of size, strength, and quickness allows him to overpower blockers and cause chaos in the backfield.

Turner’s potential as a dynamic edge rusher is undeniable. He has the kind of burst off the line of scrimmage that is reminiscent of past Alabama stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris. If he can continue to refine his technique and develop better awareness in pass coverage, Turner could emerge as the new face of Alabama’s edge rush.

The key for Turner will be his ability to handle an increased workload. As a freshman, Turner often found himself in situational pass-rush opportunities, but if he becomes the starter, he will need to prove that he can play a full complement of snaps and remain effective throughout the game. His development over the offseason will be critical in determining whether he can seize the role vacated by Robinson.

3. Jihaad Campbell: A Physical Force

Jihaad Campbell is another name that could emerge as a key contributor in replacing Robinson. A physically imposing player, Campbell has the frame and strength to hold up against offensive linemen while still maintaining enough athleticism to rush the passer. His versatility as an edge rusher and linebacker gives him an edge in Alabama’s hybrid defensive scheme.

Campbell has shown flashes of greatness, particularly in his ability to set the edge against the run and disengage from blockers. His pass-rushing skills still need some refinement, but his high ceiling as an all-around linebacker could make him a strong candidate for a more prominent role in the defense.

If Campbell can refine his pass-rush technique and become more effective at getting to the quarterback, he could form a deadly one-two punch alongside Braswell or Turner on the edge. Alabama has a rich history of developing multi-dimensional linebackers who can excel both in coverage and as pass rushers, and Campbell has the tools to follow in that tradition.

4. The Freshman Impact: Elijah Griffin and Keon Keeley

Alabama is also bringing in a pair of highly-touted edge-rushing prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. Elijah Griffin, a 6’4″, 245-pound defensive end, is known for his explosive first step and ability to collapse the pocket. Keon Keeley, another 5-star recruit, is an athletic freak with a natural bend around the edge and impressive pass-rushing moves.

Both Griffin and Keeley are expected to be immediate contributors in Alabama’s defense, although it is unclear whether either will be ready to step into a starting role right away. However, with their raw athleticism and elite pass-rushing instincts, they could provide much-needed depth at the position. If either of these players adjusts quickly to the speed of the college game, they could surprise many and become a starter in the edge-rusher rotation.

5. The Scheme: How Saban and Steele Will Adjust

While much of the focus will be on individual players stepping up, the reality is that Alabama’s defensive success often comes down to how well the coaching staff can adapt and maximize the personnel available. Kevin Steele, who returns as defensive coordinator, is known for his ability to get the most out of his players, and his defensive schemes are designed to create pressure on the quarterback from multiple angles.

One possibility is that Alabama may incorporate more hybrid looks in its defense, moving linebackers like Jihaad Campbell or even Dallas Turner around to create mismatches. These players could be utilized in different ways, depending on the situation, to maximize their strengths as pass rushers. In addition to traditional edge-rushers, Alabama could lean more heavily on blitzes and stunts to generate pressure on the quarterback.

The Role of Leadership

While much of the conversation around replacing Que Robinson centers on individual talent, it’s also worth noting the importance of leadership on Alabama’s defense. Robinson was not just a physical presence but also a leader in the locker room, helping to inspire and motivate his teammates.

Replacing Robinson’s leadership will be just as critical as finding his on-field replacement. Veterans like Braswell, Turner, and Campbell will need to step into leadership roles, helping to maintain the high standards that Alabama’s defense is known for. In particular, players who have already proven themselves in big games will need to take the reins and ensure the defense stays focused and aggressive throughout the season.

Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Saban’s Program

As Alabama seeks to replace Que Robinson at edge, the program faces a critical moment in its pursuit of continued dominance. While the talent is certainly there, the challenge will be how quickly players can step up and how well the coaching staff can adjust its schemes to fit the strengths of its personnel.

One thing is certain: Alabama football has a track record of developing elite edge rushers, and there is little doubt that the next star at the position will emerge in due time. Whether it’s Chris Braswell, Dallas Turner, Jihaad Campbell, or one of the talented freshmen, the Crimson Tide’s defense will once again be expected to be one of the best in the nation. The key to success will be a combination of individual development, coaching adjustments, and leadership on and off the field.

For Alabama fans, the future of the edge rusher position is bright, and while Que Robinson’s departure is certainly a loss, it also presents an opportunity for the next wave of talent

to make their mark on the program’s illustrious history.