People have given headlines to Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Deontae Lawson, Jaheim Oatis, and Justin Eboigbe up front for Alabama’s defense, but a young name has become a marquee leader for the Crimson Tide.
Tim Kennan III, a redshirt sophomore, has transformed himself into a playmaker. He came to the University of Alabama as a powerful lineman in the 2021 class from Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Ala. Kennan dealt with an injury and had to drop weight, but he’s become one of the reasons why the Tide has the best second-half defense in college football. The 6-foot-2, 315-pounder has been excellent against the run, but Kennan’s has also impressed with his ability to pressure quaerterbacks.
RELATED: Alabama DL Tim Kennan III is ‘playing like a starter,’ according to Nick Saban
He worked himself into a starting role at nose tackle in the offseason, pushing Oatis to defensive end. Kennan, a former four-star, has 32 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, and a team-high seven quarterback hurries. He has made the most of his opportunity to be an impactful starter. Seth McLaughlin, a senior offensive lineman, spoke about Kennan in Monday’s player interview. The native Georgian is proud to see how Kennan developed into one of the best players on the team.
“Tim Kennan is a guy that I am probably the most proud of on the team,” McLaughlin said.
“Last year, he was not getting a lot of playing time. He was going through a lot of stuff. He really started showing leadership in his devout Christian faith, and he’s been coming into his own. He has been a huge piece of our defense this year, and I love Tim Kennan. He is one of the best people on the team to talk to. To see all his hard work pay off, it is incredible.”
Kennan’s hard work has paid off as he’s been behind the success of a team that’s headed to the SEC Championship Game.
He is ready to lead the defensive front against Chattanooga and Auburn before facing Georgia.
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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.
