TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama did what many thought it would in Monday’s fall practice.

With Keith Holcombe and VanDarius Cowan departing from the football program this offseason, the Crimson Tide’s inside linebackers were left with a barren cupboard void of experienced depth.

So on Day 3 of preseason camp, Alabama did some experimenting, as outside linebacker Christopher Allen was spotted taking reps under Pete Golding’s watch with the inside linebackers, something head coach Nick Saban -- while voicing his concerns on defense -- hinted could happen.

“We tried everything we could to try to add somebody to that position,” Saban said. “I think Mack (Wilson) and Dylan (Moses) will do extremely well. We need Markail Benton to mature and develop and not be one of those guys that’s always looking for an easy way. Joshua McMillon has got some experience and toughness. Christopher Allen has been working some in there. So has Christian Miller. Jaylen Moody is a young player who has to develop some confidence and knowing what to do.

“We’ll see how that goes. That’s kind of where it’s at.”

Allen practiced alongside Moody, a true freshman, in the third group of inside linebackers. They were behind Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses, the Tide’s expected starters at Mike and Will, and the second group of Benton and McMillon. With Allen working with the inside ‘backers Monday, redshirt sophomore Ben Davis also made a move to outside, a familiar position for him.

Entering his sophomore year, Allen is a player UA has relied on in unexpected circumstances. In 2017, the Baton Rouge, La., native was likely headed toward a redshirt season, Saban said, but injuries to Miller and Terrell Lewis in Game 1 forced the freshman into reserve duty.

In a similar situation this preseason, Allen seems to be stepping in where he is needed.

“He’s one of the young players that understood his role last year, and he wanted to improve his game this year,” redshirt junior outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings said of Allen. “He’s one of the guys that’s definitely improving and getting better each and every day.”

Alabama LB Christopher Allen rushes the passer versus Fresno State.

Saban and company know what they have in Wilson and Moses, two players that each started games last season because of injuries. But behind them, there are question marks. Benton is a name several have wanted to see, Saban included, take that next step this fall, but he has yet to see the field in a game, redshirting in 2017 during his first season on Alabama’s campus.

Between Benton, McMillon and Davis, the trio combined to play just 74 snaps last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Along with Moody, the newcomer, the Crimson Tide needs its young and inexperienced players on its roster to provide quality depth at inside ‘backer.

“Markail and Jaylen, they both come to practice working hard every day,” Wilson said. “I try to stay on them because they get frustrated, which young linebackers are going to do because they don’t know want to do. I just get on them because they’ve got to make the calls because they’re playing the Mike linebacker. ... I try to stay on them and let them know you’ve got to get extra film to learn at least the basics of the defense and just play fast.”

To combat the attrition it has endured at the position, Alabama could look to add a now-available player to its roster. Former 5-star recruit Ale Kaho was granted his release from the University of Washington on Monday, and the Tide will be in the conversation for one of its former target’s services, according to 247Sports Blair Angulo. He will be immediately eligible.

But UA has also experimented with Allen, as well as Miller, in an effort to deepen its linebacking corps at inside. We will see if that continues in today’s 2:30 p.m. CT practice.

“We do have a very versatile defense where we do have concepts within the 3-4 defense, as well as 4-3 concepts,” defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi said. “I think the great thing about that versatility is a lot of individuals that play outside backer may have the ability to play inside. Just like we’ve done from Reggie Ragland to Rashaan Evans and others in the past where inside backers can also play outside.

“Having the versatility within the system at least allows us to be able to move some guys around as opposed to maybe some other defenses where you’re kind of at the position you play and a little bit, for lack of a better term, stuck at your position. We’re able to move guys around and tie in concepts that make sense, where I think we can be in the position to get our best personnel out there.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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