Editor’s note: Each day between now and Alabama's date with Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship, we will review the season for a key Crimson Tide player or coach and attempt to project what’s next for him. Today we’ll look at defensive end Damion Square.
No. 92 Damion Square
Defensive end
33 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Role in 2012: Square was a versatile player on the defensive line, spending most of his time at defensive end while mixing in some snaps at nose guard to spell Jesse Williams and Brandon Ivory.
The good: The senior was an understated success. While he didn't come away with the sack and tackle for loss numbers you'd like from a defensive end, he did find a way to pressure the quarterback, leading the team with nine quarterback hurries. He did so while maintaining the most important part of the Alabama defensive scheme -- gap assignment. Because of that, UA was stout against the run and the pass, finishing in the top 10 nationally in both categories.
The bad: Alabama struggled to find consistency getting to the quarterback all season, and some of that burden falls on Square. The lack of a solid pass rush was evident against Georgia, LSU and Texas A&M, not surprisingly the most successful offenses against Alabama this season.
Crystal ball: Square is likely to be either a late-round or free agent pickup in the NFL when his playing career is done at Alabama. While he has a solid record of production at a major college football program, he lacks the measurables to attract pro scouts. What the Crimson Tide lose in experience with Square's loss, they'll pick up in athleticism. Jeoffrey Pagan and D.J. Pettway seem to be the prime candidates to step in at defensive end. Other options include Ed Stinson, LaMichael Fanning, Korren Kirven and Dalvin Tomlinson.
