Alabama starting lineup: A look at Kalen DeBoer's team ahead of Week 1 showdown against WKU

Alabama opens the Kalen DeBoer era against WKU tonight. As is increasingly typical, the Tide have not released a formal depth chart. But most of the standouts for DeBoer's Tide are pretty predictable. Here's a projected Week 1 starting lineup for Alabama aginst WKU.

Alabama projected starting lineup in Week 1

Linebacker Deontae Lawson will start against WKU in Week 1. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Alabama projected offensive starters

QB: Jalen Milroe

The Heisman candidate under Nick Saban will take the helm under Kalen DeBoer. A season ago, Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns. It'll be interesting to see how his skills develop in DeBoer's offense.

RB: Justice Haynes

Alabama lost its top two rushers, but has some talented backs still ready to roll. Haynes had 168 yards and two touchdowns in limited action last season, but he figures to get the first shot in 2024.

WR: Kobe Prentice, Germie Bernard, Emmanuel Henderson

There's a little bit of a guessing game here. Prentice is the top returnee (314 yards, 2 TDs), while Bernard came with DeBoer from Washington. Henderson is a highly regarded junior, and between him, freshman Ryan Williams and Kendrick Law, there'll be plenty of snaps to go around.

TE: CJ Dippre

Dippre caught 11 passes for 187 yards last season. He's the next man up at the tight end spot.

OL: Kadyn Proctor, Tyler Booker, Parker Brailsford, Jaeden Roberts, Wilkin Formby

Proctor transferred and then returned to Alabama and will likely start this season. Booker and Roberts are also returning starters. Brailsford followed DeBoer from Washington and Formby was a reserve last year.

Alabama projected defensive starters

DL: Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Keenan III, Tim Smith, Quandarrius Robinson

Keenan and Smith are returning starters at tackle, while the ends, Latham and Robinson, both saw significant time last season but will be new starters.

LB: Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell

Lawson and Campbell are returning starters and were the team's second and third-leading tacklers last season. This group is one of the nation's best.

DB: Domani Jackson, DaShawn Jones, DeVonta Smith, Keon Sabb, Malachi Moore

Jackson and Moore are returning starters. Jones battled frosh Zabien Brown this offseason, and both of them will see significant snaps at the corner. Smith is the nickel, and Sabb is a transfer from Michigan State.

Alabama special teams projected starters

K: Graham Nicholson, P: James Burnip, Ret: Kendrick Lee, others

Nicholson was a massive transfer portal addition from Miami of Ohio, and might be the nation's best kicker. Burnip is a returnee, and so is Lee. Many of Alabama's elite athletes can contribute significantly to its special teams.

What do you think of Alabama's projected Week 1 starting lineup? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!