Nick Saban updated reporters on three players out for spring practice.
Keanu Koht, a reserve outside linebacker, was one of the players.
RELATED: Nick Saban loses a staffer from Alabama to a Big Ten program
A native Floridian, Koht did not play in 2021. He arrived in Alabama’s top-ranked signing class as a four-star prospect. Will Anderson is the leader in the room, and Dallas Turner is a rising star, but who emerges to help them at outside linebacker.
Chris Braswell and Quandarrius Robinson return with experience in the system, but two freshmen have their eyes on seizing the moment. Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell are both five stars. They came in the Crimson Tide’s recent recruiting class.
Alexander is a product of Thompson High School (Alabaster, Ala.), while Campbell played at Timber Creek High School (New Jersey) and IMG Academy (Florida).
Alexander became a dominant in-state player, especially in his senior year. He anchored Coach Mark Freeman’s defense to an Alabama Class 7A state title in 2021. Alexander totaled 93 tackles, 29 stops for loss, ten sacks, and 27 quarterback hurries. The 6-foot-2, 258-pounder is wearing No. 35 in practice. Nico Johnson played well under Saban with the number, and DeMeco Ryans became a legend in the number. Alexander may win the primary backup role behind Turner at strong-side “SAM” linebacker.
He has the size to sustain at the attack point.
RELATED: Ja’Corey Brooks out for spring practice could pay dividends for Agiye Hall and other young receivers
Campbell was an impressive athlete at both of his prep school stops. He played wide receiver and defensive end in seven games at Timber Creek in 2020. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder had 15 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded 45 tackles and seven sacks. Campbell can pass up Robinson and battle Braswell for the backup spot behind Anderson at jack/rush linebacker. Alexander and Campbell are highly-touted, and new outside linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler knows it.
Both look to be impactful in spring action.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
