College football has evolved, but games and championships are still won in the trenches.
The University of Alabama struggled to reset an opposing defensive line and did not consistently generate enough push for its rushing attack with its offensive line in 2022. Nick Saban wants both fixed, and it starts with Eric Wolford and Freddie Roach having their respective units in order. It also helps to have players that want to meet goals as far as gaining or dropping weight.
RELATED: Alabama OT JC Latham explains why he added weight for this season
JC Latham and Tim Kennan III have their new weight unveiled on the roster. Latham, a junior, started at right tackle last year — moving defenders at 335 pounds. The former five-star added 25 pounds, moving to 360. He did this to bring more power against edge rushers in the run game, and stalemate guys in pass protection from getting to the quarterback. Latham also knows his potential to be a first-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft. Kennan, a redshirt sophomore, came to the Crimson Tide as a four-star from Ramsay High School (Birmingham, Ala.) in the 2021 class. The 6-foot-2 defensive lineman redshirted his freshman season because of an injury coming from Ramsay. He played in two games last season, but Kennan has come alive in fall practice.
RELATED: Alabama DL Tim Kennan III is preparing to become impactful in year two
Coach Saban highlighted him after the final scrimmage as someone who has stepped up. People talked about the impressive body transformation Jaheim Oatis made, but Kennan made one as well. Kennan dropped 28 pounds, going from 343 to 315.
He still brings the power to stop the run, but now Kennan has the speed to make plays.
Everything for Alabama starts up front if it’s trying 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.
