Roster countdown: 28 Jefferson; 26 Miller; 25 Hurley

Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: inside linebacker Justin Jefferson; running back Jam Miller and cornerback Jahlil Hurley.

28 ILB Justin Jefferson

2022: Wrapped up two-year stint at Pearl River (Ms.) Community College by posting 86 total tackles, two sacks and an interception in 2022. In two seasons with the Wildcats, Jefferson amassed 143 stops. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Jefferson ranked as the top linebacker and No. 2 overall junior college prospect for the 2023 cycle. Enrolled at UA in January and took part in spring drills.

Of note: Jefferson finished his run through spring drills at Alabama working with the White (second-team) defense in the A-Day game. Reaffirmed status as runner and hitter early in the scrimmage, blowing up pulling offensive guard Olaus Alinen on a Crimson run play that lost a yard. On the next snap, Jefferson broke up a pass intended for Miller. Assuming some assignment mistakes have been cleaned up since his last practice, Jefferson figures to be a central figure in the competition to replace two starters from a season to go. He’s also a good bet to serve on coverage and return units in the kicking game.

What we wrote about Jefferson upon his signing in December: “Jefferson brings an advanced mix of athleticism and physicality that should put him in the mix for a starting job immediately. Also shows good eye discipline and instincts, a combination he uses to quickly diagnose plays before closing ground and finishing with authority. Has attributes needed to become a top off-the-ball linebacker in the SEC.”

26 RB Jam Miller

2022: As a true freshman, Miller appeared in all 13 games. Finished the season with 233 rushing yards on 33 carries. In averaging 7.06 yards per carry, Miller posted four runs of 23 yards or more.

Of note: One of four scholarship backs who took part in 2023 spring drills, Miller opened the A-Day game with the White (second-team) offense. In the scrimmage, the sophomore rushed eight times for 23 yards. He also caught one pass for 11 yards. Efficient running style showed up once again, as he pressed the hole on an inside run before hitting the corner for nine yards. Miller, a recipient of the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award at the close of spring drills, is a willing pass protector who was a work in progress in that area in the spring. In addition to battling Haynes, Williams and Richard Young for reps behind projected starter Jase McClellan, Miller’s presence on special teams could carry over into his second season.

25 CB Jahlil Hurley

2022: As a senior at Florence (Al.) High School, Hurley amassed 56 tackles, five interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Hurley ranked as the nation’s No. 4 safety and No. 50 overall prospect for the 2023 cycle. Enrolled at Alabama in January and took part in spring drills.

Of note: Projected at both safety and corner at the next level, it was at the latter where Hurley got his start at UA. Given how similar projections have worked first at corner under Saban, Hurley’s presence at the spot didn’t come as a surprise. In April’s A-Day game, Hurley rotated with Dezz Ricks at the corner spot opposite Antonio Kite for the White (second-team) defense. Hurley finished the scrimmage with one solo tackle, a hustling stop that came at the end of a deep ball reception by Jermaine Burton in the fourth quarter. With UA bolstering competition at corner via Louisiana transfer Trey Amos, the upcoming season figures to be one of continued development for Hurley.

What we wrote about Hurley upon his signing in December: “Did a little bit of everything on the prep level: safety, corner, kickoff returns, wide receiver and even some Wildcat quarterback. Length and speed stand out quickly when watching Hurley. Figures to get his start at UA at corner, but projectable at no fewer than three positions.”

Previous:

32 Lawson; 30 Campbell; 29 Ricks
35 Alexander; 34 Robinson; 33 Osborne
41 Braswell; 40 Blackshire; 36 Jackson
45 Ouzts; 44 Payne; 43 Murphy
49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
54 McVay; 52 Booker; 50 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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