Alabama football’s first spring practice session under Kaleb DeBoer is approaching.
The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will spotlight 30 players to watch over this spring with spring practice starting next week.
We know look at James Smith, a second defensive lineman, after previewing Damon Payne Jr.
James Smith
Position: Defensive Lineman
Classification: Sophomore
Height: 6-3
Weight: 296
2023 stats: two tackles, a fumble recovery
Summary: James Smith was one of 10 5-stars that Alabama signed in its 2023 recruiting class.
Smith, a product of Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., is a highly explosive and powerful defensive lineman. The 6-foot-3, 296-pounder was impressive on the high school circuit and made enough noise in fall camp to contribute in nine games for the Crimson Tide last season. He recorded two tackles and a fumble recovery for a Southeastern Conference Championship team.
Smith has the capability to be a starter on the defensive line or get marquee playing time in the rotation.
He could be a defensive tackle or end with his size, explosiveness, and quickness. The departure of Justin Eboigbe to the NFL Draft and Isaiah Hastings and Anquin Barnes to the NCAA transfer portal opens an opportunity to Smith to become a star.
He has built up confidence with Freddie Roach, Alabama’s defensive line coach, to excel.
It will be intriguing to see how he fits into the 4-2-5 “Swarm Defense” under Kane Wommack.
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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.
