Alabama football has not had a consistent push from its defensive line in the last couple of seasons.
Jaheim Oatis reset opposing offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage in 2022 as a freshman at nose tackle, but the Crimson Tide’s performance at defensive end needs to improve. Justin Eboigbe, a native Georgian, started last year strong, but he suffered a neck injury after four games. The former four-star missed the remainder of the season; however, he returns for his fifth year and has been medically cleared to play. Eboigbe has 41 career games of experience and would serve as one of two starting defensive ends for the Tide. Alabama now looks to see who would play opposite Eboigbe in pressuring opposing quarterbacks in the fall.
Tim Smith
People have waited for Tim Smith to become a breakout star since he arrived in Alabama’s 2020 signing class.
He arrived at 340 pounds, but the native Floridian is now 302 pounds.
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The 6-foot-4 specimen enrolled as a five-star recruit and helped the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman. He looks forward to achieving more as a senior, especially with an opportunity to create a nice NFL Draft stock. Smith played all 13 games for Alabama last season, including seven starts. He totaled 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Smith brings power, explosiveness, quick hands, and good footwork to win one-on-one situations up front.
He has waited a while, but now he must take advantage of this opportunity.
Jamil Burroughs
Jamil Burroughs came to Alabama football as a powerful defensive lineman in the 2020 class.
He entered as a four-star from Georgia and has contributed in the rotation. Burroughs, once a four-star prospect, played in 11 games last season — totaling eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and two quarterback hurries. The 6-foot-3, 309-pounder excelled in fall camp as a freshman in 2020, helping the Tide earn a CFP National Championship. He possesses the ability to win at the line of scrimmage, but Burroughs needs to become consistent. If he can do that, he may be the starting defensive end.
Damon Payne Jr.
Damon Payne arrived in 2022 as a top defensive tackle, but he could also play end.
The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder worked six games in 2022 — posting seven tackles and a fumble recovery. As a Michigan native, Payne has the skill set to win on the outside. He has improved as an interior lineman, but does he have a better upside than Smith or Burroughs? Payne needs to show out in scrimmages and the A-Day game to garner attention of possibly starting as an end.
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He does have the talent, though.
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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.
