He enters his fifth season as the defensive line coach at the University of Alabama, but Freddie Roach is excited about the group.
Alabama fans want to know if there is a dominant face to identify; however, the Crimson Tide has several players up front that could have a breakout season in the upcoming fall.
Justin Eboigbe, a former four-star, was the lone player lost to the NFL Draft off the Tide’s defensive line. Alabama returns significant names, including Jehiem Oatis, Tim Smith, Tim Kennan III, Jah-Marien Latham, and Damon Payne Jr.
It also brought over LT Overton, a transfer from Texas A&M. Coach Roach spoke to reporters last week during interviews at spring practice.
He said the biggest thing for the defensive front is getting more players on the field.
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“Tim Kennan has done a really good job,” Roach said.
“We have Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, LT Overton is here, we have Jordan Renaud… we have really good players in the room. It is now about letting them play, continuing to develop them, and having fun doing it.”
Alabama does have a lot of depth on its defensive line. In its national championship seasons under Nick Saban, the Tide had a steady rotation of nine to 12 players up front.
It has athletes that can stop the run and affect the quarterback. We will see how Roach unleashes these guys in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
