HOOVER, Ala. -- Alabama is expecting big things from LaBryan Ray this fall.

The defensive end is entering a junior season that will see him step into the starting lineup after a sophomore year as a key reserve. At SEC Media Days on Wednesday, coach Nick Saban and linebacker Dylan Moses spoke highly of Ray at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham -- Wynfrey Hotel.

“LaBryan Ray has been a very good player for us. He was very productive for us last year,” Saban said. “We look at him, even last year, as a starter who rotated in and played probably just as much as any of the defensive ends. He’s an athletic guy, he’s got a great motor. He’s gotten bigger and stronger, is more physical now. We think he can be a really, really good player for us.”

Moses added: “The dude, he’s very dominant. He’s one of my favorite players on the team. For him to be so dominant and a great player, you wouldn’t expect that from him off the field because he’s so quiet and to himself, and he’s real goofy, too. But it’s like a switch that goes off in his head once he goes on the field. That’s what separates him from everyone else.”

As a true sophomore in 2018, Ray provided depth along the Crimson Tide’s defensive line. He saw time in all 15 of Alabama’s games last season, making one start against Tennessee. Ray recorded 39 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss (-13 yards) and 2.5 sacks (-9 yards), and added two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries coming off the bench a year ago as a sophomore.

During UA’s 15 spring practices, Ray was a consistent first-teamer opposite rising senior Raekwon Davis and started the A-Day Game. With Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs not returning, the 6-foot-5 junior has an opportunity to take that next step in his third season in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

However, Ray has been limited this summer by injuries, Saban revealed on Wednesday. And even though the defensive line depth is much better for Alabama with six newcomers at the position, the Tide will rely on Ray to play a large role on defense. But his setbacks are not considered serious.

“He’s had some foot and ankle things that have bothered him a little bit in the offseason, but we expect him to 100-percent, full-go when we get started in August,” Saban said. “I think he’s a player that we definitely want to count on to be a good leader on our team and someone who can contribute and be very productive.”

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

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