Alabama football fell one victory short of its ultimate goal in 2021.
Bryce Young and Alabama’s offense achieved new heights, but Pete Golding coached the defense to impressive numbers as well.
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Will Anderson finished third all-time in sacks (17.5) for a single season in school history.
He led a Crimson Tide unit that totaled 57 sacks – the most of the Nick Saban era. Alabama’s previous high under Saban was 54 in 2016 with Jeremy Pruitt as the defensive coordinator, and that group did not win a national title. Sixteen of its 57 sacks (28 percent) came from the defensive line. Phidarian Mathis totaled nine sacks to lead all linemen, and he’s heading to the NFL Draft.
Injuries took LaBryan Ray’s career from him, but he will participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl to prepare for the draft.
Alabama returns several talented names upfront, but who will provide constant pressure?
Freddie Roach, Alabama’s defensive line coach, will have DJ Dale, Tim Smith, Byron Young, Justin Eboigbe, Jah-Marien Latham, Jamil Burroughs, Stephon Wynn Jr., and Braylen Ingraham with experience in the system. The Tide brought in Tim Kennan III, Damon Payne, and Anquin Barnes for the 2021 class. Alabama signed Khurtiss Perry, Isaiah Hastings, and Jaheim Oatis for the 2022 class. Coach Saban has the talent, but which players will make the most impact?
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Spring football will be exciting at defensive tackle.
Alabama has not had a disruptive nose guard since Christian Barmore. After signing names such as Terrence Cody, Marcell Dareus, Jesse Williams, Da’Ron Payne, and Quinnen Williams, the Tide needs to find its next force in the middle. Dale showed potential as a freshman in 2019, but he has struggled at times since his knee injury. If he returns to his freshman form, Dale is the answer for Alabama. Smith, Latham, or Burroughs could win the job upfront.
All three have size, strength, quickness, explosiveness, and fast hands.
Khurtiss Perry is the freshman to watch. According to Justin Smith, the lead scouting and recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Perry was ‘the most violent defender’ he saw on the recruiting trail. When the Tide creates pressure with its nose tackle, it allows defensive ends, linebackers, and the secondary to execute confidently. Alabama maintained a consistent pass rush upfront during its early championship years under Saban, and it was because of the success at defensive tackle.
Someone has to rise from this group, and we will find out in spring practice.
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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.
