Spring football returned to the University of Alabama on Friday, March 11.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of 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 move to the eighth marquee player on Alabama’s defense to profile, and it’s defensive lineman Tim Smith.
Tim Smith
-Classification: Junior
–Position: Defensive Lineman (nose tackle)
-Hometown: Gifford, Fla.
-Height: 6-4
-Weight: 304 pounds
–Strengths: Size, power, quickness, explosive first step, growing production, high ceiling, high motor, experience
–Weaknesses: Needs more experience as a starter
Summary for spring practice
Alabama fans want to see more of Tim Smith on the defensive line as a nose tackle.
He arrived on campus as an elite five-star in the 2020 signing class from Gifford, Fla. Smith quickly earned playing time as a freshman and produced 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback pressure, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games. He excelled as an interior force and assisted the Crimson Tide to an undefeated national championship season.
The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder earned two starts in 2021, but he played in 15 games. He increased his production for tackles (24) and stops for loss (four) with a pass breakup. Smith started against Arkansas and Mercer, but he wants to have a bigger presence.
He has the potential to do what Quinnen Williams, Da’Ron Payne, Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson, Christian Barmore, and Marcell Dareus did as interior linemen. Those players were unblockable for offensive linemen, and they terrified quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive coordinators. Smith carries the skill set to be dominant, but he needs more starting time.
DJ Dale returned for his senior year as a defensive tackle. He earned a spot on the internal leadership group. Dale will start at nose guard in spring practice, but people need to keep an eye on Smith. His talent and abilities will not be ignored for a third straight season.
Related profiles
–Ty Simpson, Quarterback (freshman)
-Aaron Anderson, Wide Receiver (freshman)
–Emil Ekiyor, Offensive Lineman
–Will Anderson, Outside Linebacker
–Dallas Turner, Outside Linebacker
–Byron Young, Defensive Lineman
–Justin Eboigbe, Defensive Lineman
–Henry To’oto’o, Inside Linebacker
–Jordan Battle, Defensive Back
–Jihaad Campbell, Outside Linebacker (freshman)
–Jeremiah Alexander, Outside Linebacker (freshman)
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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.
