Spring football returned to the University of Alabama on Friday, March 19.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to repeat as national champions. With 15 practice sessions – including the A-Day Game – the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews on marquee players.
We are on the defensive side of the ball. Our sixth profile piece is on Tim Smith.
Tim Smith
-Classification: Sophomore
–Position: Defensive Lineman
-Hometown: Sebastian, Fla.
-Height: 6-4
-Weight: 320 pounds
-Strengths: Power, athleticism, quickness, run stopper, pass-rush capabilities
-Weaknesses: Needs more opportunities
–Summary: Tim Smith has a skill set that will transcend into him becoming the next superstar on Alabama’s defensive line.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide’s defensive coaching staff saw it last season, despite a global pandemic. Smith arrived on campus as a four-star from Florida and immediately grabbed playing time as a defensive tackle. His role grew late in the 2020 season, and Smith totaled 14 tackles (2.5 for loss), one sack, one quarterback pressure, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He forced a fumble and recovered a fumble versus Mississippi State, while Smith’s best performance came against Arkansas.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder collected three tackles, including 1.5 stops for loss and one sack versus the Razorbacks. He recovered a fumble versus Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game and held the Gators to 54 yards rushing. During his career at Sebastian River High School, Smith was an unstoppable force.
Double teams could not contain him, as he knifed his way to 62 tackles (32 for loss), 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in his senior year.
Regardless of DJ Dale’s experience, it will be difficult for him to hold off Smith.
When he entered games, Smith took over the front line with his power and quickness. He has the ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and create issues for opposing offensive linemen.
All Smith needs is more opportunities to showcase what he can do. He is having a strong spring. Alabama has had dominant nose tackles such as Terrence Cody, Da’Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Christian Barmore, but Smith is the next one up.
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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.
