Before its home opener against Mercer, Nick Saban told local reporters that Alabama would feature some young players in the matchup. A few names on defense earned an opportunity to emerge, and they did not disappoint fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium in a 48-14 victory.
Drew Sanders, a sophomore, started at outside linebacker.
The 6-foot-5, 244-pounder replaced an injured Christopher Allen (foot) and did a great job setting the edge.
Mercer could not get outside of Sanders on run plays, as it totaled 48 yards on 38 carries. He recorded two tackles and two pass breakups while pressuring Fred Payton at quarterback.