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Has Alabama found its disruptive nose tackle? Jamil Burroughs made his case on A-Day

Alabama DL Jamil Burroughs (#98) celebrates after sacking Bryce Young in 2022 A-Day Game
Tramayne Wright - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Alabama’s national championships under Nick Saban have come with a disruptive force on the defensive line.

Coach Saban mentioned nose tackle as a position where the team has to get better. The Crimson Tide has athletes that can pressure quarterbacks and stop the run, but they must perform well consistently. DJ Dale has the most experience at the position, but the spring game showed an upperclassman that’s ready to take the spot. Jamil Burroughs arrived as a four-star in Alabama’s 2020 signing class from McEachern High School. As a native Georgian, he was a powerful defensive tackle on the recruiting trail.

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Burroughs played nine games in his first two seasons, totaling seven tackles and a sack. He assisted the Tide to an undefeated College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020, but he wants to be more impactful. The 6-foot-3, 309-pounder was a force throughout A-Day. He constantly pressured Bryce Young as he recorded two of the White team’s ten sacks in the game.

Burroughs bullied offensive linemen and collected two tackles for loss.

Saban highlighted him as the most improved player on the defensive front. According to credible sources, Burroughs is the man for Alabama at nose tackle. One source, in particular, said the defensive tackle spot is Burroughs’ to lose. Saban has shown loyalty to his veterans in the past, but he has also pulled them for other players if needed. Fans remember Saban benching Jalen Hurts in the second half of the 2018 CFP National Championship Game versus Georgia. He went with freshman Tua Tagovailoa and the result was a national title. Saban likes Dale, but Burroughs possesses more explosiveness and can create more negative plays.

RELATED: Five impressive takeaways from Alabama’s spring game

Alabama may have found its nose guard as Burroughs will continue to work in the summer.

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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