Nick Saban and Alabama football has lost a premiere edge rusher.
According to an earlier report from Cecil Hurt of Tuscaloosa News, sophomore Eyabi Anoma was not enrolled for classes at the University of Alabama for the fall. He had until Aug. 28 to arrive and get enrolled; however, that will not be the case now. Per multiple sources, Touchdown Alabama Magazine has learned that the talented outside linebacker is back home in Maryland and he is “100 percent” gone for good this time.
The five-star prospect in the 2018 signing class entered the transfer portal back in the spring, but Saban and company got him out of there.
While some have stated the health of Anoma’s grandmother has caused his return home, other sources claim he was suspended about two weeks ago and was “kicked off the team.”
RELATED: Alabama LB Eyabi Anoma not currently enrolled in classes
“He has not been happy at Alabama for a while,” sources said of Anoma.
The enigma with him is he possesses the very thing that cost the Crimson Tide a College Football Playoff National Championship last season: a consistent pass rush.
An alumnus of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Md., Anoma totaled 50+ sacks in his prep school career and boasted the length, speed and athleticism to alter the opponents passing attack at an elite level.
After losing Christian Miller to an injury versus Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, Alabama did not have that player to constantly harass Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.
In speaking with Anoma at the Orange Bowl, he told yours truly on how he’s committed to waiting his time and learning at Alabama.
He also mentioned how he wants to learn the entire system and have the knowledge that Miller and former Tide player, Jamey Mosley possess.
Whether it was family issues or him just not meshing well with the team, Anoma will not be a member of the Tide this season. With him gone, Christopher Allen returns to the forefront as a player ready for an impact year and also look for Jarez Parks to get action at strong-side linebacker.
Even with his chances being slim, one can’t count Ben Davis out either.
Prior to this news, the thought was on Sal Sunseri turning Anoma around.
He had a productive spring and was in prime position to be a marquee piece; nevertheless, Bryant-Denny Stadium does not feel like home for the young man.
It’s next man up for the Tide.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
