Fans of the University of Alabama football program have a defense that is respected again.
Pete Golding, the Crimson Tide’s former defensive coordinator, took Alabama through five years of frustration and caused the defense to lose its swagger. Nick Saban made a move in the spring that shocked some, but it was the right move to restore Alabama to its standard. Kevin Steele, 65, was hired for his third stint under Saban and did not disappoint this season.
RELATED: Kevin Steele bringing the nastiness back to Alabama’s defense
Alabama has been much better situationally and carried more focus, intensity, and relentless performances under Steele.
Coach Saban’s defense has been the best second-half group in college football.
Steele has the defense back in the College Football Playoff for the Tide as Southeastern Conference Champions, but a player highlighted him and another assistant coach that’s brought fire back to the program. Tim Kennan III, a redshirt sophomore, explained the importance of Steele and Freddie Roach in Tuesday’s episode of The Bama Standard via YouTube.
“The situation hits differently when you know your coaches care,” Kennan said about Steele and Roach.
“They are not just doing it to make sure they keep their jobs, but they do it because they care for the betterment of you. It was more of a fire this year from Coach Roach. He had more grit this year and for my development, he has been very instrumental in my progress. Coach Steele just brings that old school, nasty, ‘we are going to take it to you’ mentality no matter what. If you have not heard Coach Steele’s pregame speeches, he will have you wanting to run through the wall. I am very grateful to have both of them as my coaches.”
Terrion Arnold expressed to reporters before the season started that Steele’s voice makes players want to play.
RELATED: Watch: Kevin Steele brings toughness culture back to Alabama as DC
Kennan confirmed it with his statement on The Bama Standard.
The tandem of Roach and Steele have helped the Birmingham (Ala.) native turn in a successful season as a first-year starting defensive tackle. Kennan has 36 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, seven quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup.
He ranks second on the defense for quarterback hurries. Kennan and his teammates are ready to take the coaching from Steele and Roach and dominate Michigan up front in the Rose Bowl. Alabama faces the Wolverines on New Year’s Day.
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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.
