TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ask an Alabama football player like Christian Miller what position he plays, and he might respond, “It depends on the play.”

Linebacker is the obvious answer for him, only that just begins to describe his varying responsibilities. The Crimson Tide defense is known for having players in different roles per the situation. Rashaan Evans and Reggie Ragland are good examples from previous seasons, but the 2018 defense in particular figures to be versatile.

It’s partly due to trying to maximum the potential of what’s on the roster, but also necessity.

“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.

“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.”

Even though his multi-purpose roles won’t be as extensive as what the coaches had been planning, Miller has sort of become the poster child of this year’s efforts during the early stages of training camp. Throughout the offseason the outside linebacker was also working in at inside linebacker to help provide depth.

Alabama doesn’t have much there behind junior Mack Wilson and sophomore Dylan Moses, and they both have only made two career starts.

Markail Benton redshirted last season. Joshua McMillon played in eight games and was credited with five tackles as a sophomore in 2017. They’re the primary backups. The third string, for now, is former outside linebacker Ben Davis and true freshman Jaylen Moody.

“We need Markail Benton to mature and develop and not be one of those guys that's always looking for an easy way,” Saban said. “Josh McMillon has got some experience and toughness. Jaylen Moody is a young player who has to develop some confidence and knowing what to do.”

Miller’s primary position is strongside linebacker, which usually leaves the field when the nickel defensive back is inserted. But like Moses he’s also an effective pass-rusher, so there was a potential for him to be like a front-seven version of Minkah Fitzpatrick last year in that he could line up in a different spot on first, second and third down.

But then junior outside linebacker Terrell Lewis suffered a torn ACL roughly a month ago, requiring surgery. Consequently, some of those initial plans were put on hold.

“Once he got injured I had to work a little more on outside,” Miller said.

Even though the recovery time from an ACL can take six months or more, Alabama isn’t writing Lewis off for 2018. Last year he appeared to be done for the season after suffering an elbow injury in the opener against Florida State, only to return for the regular-season finale at Auburn.

He ended up having one of the biggest plays of the season, the third-down sack in overtime against Georgia, forcing the Bulldogs to attempt a long field goal.

With the use of a brace, Lewis walked to the Bryant-Denny Stadium sideline during Fan Day on Saturday. All indications are that he’s doing everything he can to play at some point this season.

“He’s got the right mindset,” said junior outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who is coming off a torn ACL suffered in the Sugar Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he surprises you as far as what time he is back for us,” Lupoi said.

Alabama learned the hard way in 2017 that it can’t have too many contingency plans at one position. All five players who were considered starters at the start of last season went down with a major injury, and many of the reserves were sidelined as well.

The open practice during Fan Day provided a little reminder as well, as Moses had to be helped to the locker room with what appeared to be a heat-related issue.

So just like the Crimson Tide is developing as many players as possible in the secondary, where Alabama didn’t return a single starter, the same is going on with the front seven.

Chris Allen, who teammates raved about during the spring, has been like Miller, getting extra work in at the interior. But Alabama is also giving a lot of reps to Moody, along with fellow true freshmen outside linebackers Eyabi Anoma and Cameron Latu, who probably don’t have to worry about redshirting.

Anoma may already be one of the Crimson Tide’s best pass rushers, along with Miller.

“He’s got diversity as a player,” Saban said about Miller, who missed most of last season with a biceps injury. “He can play multiple positions. Is very athletic. His issue when he first came in he lacked bulk and strength, and now he’s developed those things. I think he could have an outstanding year for us.”