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30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) warms up before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) warms up before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Da'Shawn Hand

Defensive Lineman, Alabama

The 2016 version of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense was one of the best we have seen in college football in a long time. One of the key players on that defense was Jonathan Allen, who proved to be a menace on the defensive line. Allen could do it all, clogging up the middle of the line, while also showing incredible athleticism in getting to the quarterback.

For some time, Allen was considered the best talent in the 2017 NFL Draft class, which is a testament to the kind of player head coach Nick Saban is going to have to replace this season. Not only does he need to have someone that can disrupt the passing game, but also someone strong enough to shred blockers and get after running backs. Da’Shawn Hand has that kind of ability, and just may join Allen in the NFL as a first round pick in next year’s draft.

During his time at Alabama, Allen developed some shoulder issues, and for Hand, he also has been bitten by the injury bug. Hand has had to deal with back problems during his collegiate career, but it should not impede the effect he is going to have on the game next season. He is an incredible athlete, and could wind up being one of the best defensive linemen in the SEC in 2017.

Alabama is not going anywhere, and Saban is going to be even more fired up after losing to Clemson in the national title game last season. While their defense may take a bit of a step back, as more than half of their unit has moved on to the NFL, Saban is going to have his team ready. Hand will be a big reason why the Tide wins their fourth-straight SEC title in 2017, and the two-time high school All-American cannot wait for his time to shine.

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