Youth is the primary component of Alabama’s defensive line, but the upside on each player is high.
Defensive coordinator Pete Golding and defensive line coach Freddie Roach are excited about this group for the future. The players are inexperienced, but the potential in terms of a ceiling is unbelievable. Tim Smith, a native Floridian, is one of the names Crimson Tide fans want to see more. According to Nick Saban, the Alabama head football coach mentioned another marquee athlete to watch in Monday’s presser. Jamil Burroughs, who grew up 27 minutes west of Atlanta, Ga., is an emerging second-year defensive lineman.
He came in the 2020 signing class with Smith and Jah-Marien Latham to the Crimson Tide.
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The 6-foot-3, 312-pounder excelled in fall camp last year and played in six games.
He took the field versus Southern Mississippi inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and quickly created attention. Burroughs had one of Alabama’s two sacks in a 63-14 victory, and he also totaled one tackle for loss. As a four-star recruit, he helped the defensive front allow 82 yards rushing (2.5 yards per carry) against the Golden Eagles. Burroughs played a role in assisting Alabama’s third-down defense to 10 wins on 15 attempts. Before coming to the Tide, he was a dominant force at McEachern High School on its line.
Burroughs collected 120 tackles, including 13 for loss and 11 sacks, in his tenure. He also forced two fumbles and blocked a field goal.
On Monday, Saban updated reporters on Burroughs in his presser.
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“He’s got good quickness and explosive power,” Saban said. The thing with most of our young guys is that they have to be able to execute and do what they are supposed to do.”
He spoke about the importance of discipline and making sure each young player does their job.
Whether it is gap assignments or reading the right play, Saban wants each defensive lineman in order. Burroughs, a sophomore, has improved in this area. He has gotten better at playing assignment football. His role should increase as he continues to progress.
Alabama opened the season with having seven to 10 players to rotate on its defensive front.
Fans are ready to see more guys, starting with Burroughs.
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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.
