On last week, Alabama football featured two true freshmen on its defensive line and both played very well.
With veteran players such as LaBryan Ray and Phidarian Mathis being banged up, Nick Saban gave Jamil Burroughs and Tim Smith an opportunity versus Georgia. The duo arrived on campus in February as four-stars after posting successful high school careers. Both players contributed high energy, effort and focus in helping the Crimson Tide shut the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the second half. Burroughs and Smith assisted in limiting Zamir White to 57 yards rushing on 10 carries, while pressuring Stetson Bennett to throwing three interceptions.
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In the aftermath of a 41-24 victory, Saban told local reporters that he wants to continue working Burroughs into games.
DJ Dale, a sophomore, said both players have a ‘great work ethic’ and were ready for the moment.
Alabama lost Ishmael Sopsher, a redshirt freshman, to the transfer portal on Wednesday.
As he is thinking about other options — although he can return to the team — expect for Burroughs and Smith to continue growing in confidence. During an airing of In My Own Words on Wednesday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine discussed both freshmen and what they bring to the table.
Be sure to tune into the show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for TDA on YouTube at 6:00 p.m. CT.
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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.
