Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
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 the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
After previewing Eli Ricks, we return to the defensive line with Byron Young at No. 14.
Byron Young
-Classification: Senior
–Position: Defensive Lineman (End)
-Hometown: Laurel, Miss.
-Height: 6-3
-Weight: 292 pounds
–Strengths: Game experience, quickness/explosiveness, edge-bending moves, productive, good run stopper, pass rusher
-Weaknesses: Has yet to become a full-time starter
SUMMARY:
Byron Young has increased his production each year since arriving on campus in 2019.
He came as a four-star from Mississippi with DJ Dale and Justin Eboigbe.
Young has yet to become a full-time starter on Alabama’s defensive line, but he has game experience. In 38 career games, he’s proven to be more explosive than Dale and Eboigbe upon the snap of the football. Young had 39 total tackles — including nine for loss and two sacks — and two quarterback pressures last season. The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder has 91 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three quarterback hurries in three seasons as a defensive end. He brings quickness, edge-bending moves, and powerful hands to rip through offensive linemen on running plays. Coach Saban likes the explosiveness Young adds on the line.
He is on the watchlist for the Senior Bowl. Young wants to increase his value for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Alabama will have him as a full-time starter in the fall. Young has his chance to impress pro scouts and maybe create a high-round stock. He leads an underrated defensive line, but it is a group that looks to show the nation it means business.
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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.
