Alabama has had elite players at linebacker and in the secondary during Nick Saban’s tenure; however, the defensive line has been the reason for those guys having success.
Aside from last year, the Crimson Tide’s front line has played a huge role in its national championships.
Names such as Jonathan Allen, Dalvin Tomlinson, Da’Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams, Da’Shawn Hand, Terrence Cody, Jesse Williams, A’Shawn Robinson, and Jarran Reed were impactful players on the line. Christian Barmore was stellar in 2020, leading the team in sacks (eight).
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Alabama was three-deep along its front in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Coach Saban and the Tide won a national championship in two of those years, and a third would have happened if not for Deshaun Watson making plays. It has endured rough moments in the last three seasons, but the Tide looks to be back dominant up front. Justin Eboigbe, a junior defensive end, spoke to reporters on Tuesday for the first time in his career. He felt good about the performance from the defensive line in last week’s scrimmage.
“It was the first opportunity to play live football and let the young guys get a chance to play,” Eboigbe said. “It was a chance for us to see where are we at and grow for the next scrimmage.”
Alabama is hopeful to have LaBryan Ray (groin) for week one versus Miami. He has not practiced since fall camp started, and this is a critical season for his NFL Draft value. Despite not having the redshirt senior, Saban said the Tide is rotating eight to nine players on its defensive line. Eboigbe confirmed the statement from his head coach and is excited about how good the line is.
“We can roll very deep,” Eboigbe said. “Having young guys step up and contribute is a big thing because you want to be fresh on the defensive line. The fresher we are, the better contribution we can give to the team.”
Players are holding one another accountable on the line.
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Eboigbe said the veterans and Coach Freddie Roach have been pushing the younger players.
After not getting a consistent push last season, the Tide expects to change that. Alabama wants to have its defensive line sack quarterbacks and stuff running backs. He arrived as a four-star in 2019, but Eboigbe has worked on his craft each year. Whether it’s run-stopping or pass-rushing, he wants to be versatile. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder desires for his technique to be perfect.
He has played in 23 career games, including four starts, and has 29 total tackles. Eboigbe has four quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one interception in his career. Alabama has some personalities on its defensive front, and Saban wants to see them elevate.
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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.
