COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

South Alabama loses three of four D-line starters

The Sports Xchange

August 12, 2016 at 10:39 am.

Sep 12, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; South Alabama Jaguars defensive lineman Tre Alford (78) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Alonzo Moore (82) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 48-9. Photo Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 12, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; South Alabama Jaguars defensive lineman Tre Alford (78) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Alonzo Moore (82) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 48-9. Photo Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

South Alabama is down three starters on the defensive line after two season-ending knee injuries added to the injury list Thursday.

Dewayne Alford ruptured his Achilles in preseason workouts and coach Joey Jones said nose tackle Tre Alford and defensive end Jimmy Gipson are likely out for the season with knee injuries suffered in practice.

Defensive line depth was already a concern for Jones. That depth took another hit when Jones confirmed freshman defensive tackle Nick Fields was advised to give up football. Fields told the Dothan Eagle he has a heart-related issue.

Sophomore Sean Grayer and senior Randy Allen are the favorites to start at defensive end, but Finesse Middleton, a graduate transfer from Louisville, is likely to be in the mix.