Alabama has its ‘hateful competitors’ on defense and a coach that has them playing with a new attitude.
Last week, Crimson Tide fans saw elements of defensive play that reminded them of the dominant units under Nick Saban.
RELATED: Malachi Moore appears to have a resurgence akin to 2020 dominant freshman season
They saw defensive linemen getting penetration, linebackers shooting gaps, making tackles, and flying to the ball, and defensive backs playing assignment football. Alabama’s spring game featured, which the Crimson team earned a 30-21 victory, featured 15 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, three quarterback pressures, 14 pass breakups, and four interceptions. Several guys were impactful, including Malachi Moore, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Kristian Story, Caleb Downs, Earl Little II, Terrion Arnold, Jake Pope, Antonio Kite, Trezmen Marshall, Kendrick Blackshire, Justin Jefferson, Jihaad Campbell, Quandarrius Robinson, Keanu Koht, Jeremiah Alexander, and Justin Eboigbe. The Crimson Tide created havoc on defense without Deontae Lawson, Chris Braswell, and Dallas Turner, so the team will look even better when they return. In five seasons under Pete Golding, Alabama looked lost on defense.
Kevin Steele, the new defensive coordinator, has played understanding where to be. Robert Bala, Alabama’s inside linebackers coach, performed well in the spring. He has been a good teacher for players at the position, but Steele’s toughness has guys ready to attack the opposition. Alabama is playing with a controlled aggression on defense and that is what has been missing for a while.
Moore stated on the Crimson Tide Sports Network that Steele is ‘aggressive, tough, and demanding.’
He mentioned the long-time defensive coach will not let Alabama players waver from its standard. If it can this type of defensive effort into the fall, the Crimson Tide should be in a position to win a national championship.
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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.
