The University of Alabama had significant defensive linemen in the Nick Saban era that made plays and created easier opportunities for linebackers and defensive backs.
Players such as Marcell Dareus, Terrence Cody, Nick Gentry, Jesse Williams, Damion Square, Jonathan Allen, A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, Da’Ron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, Quinnen Williams, and Christian Barmore among others gave quarterbacks and running backs nightmares at the sight of their presence. Other names including Phidarian Mathis and Byron Young were good players that made it to the National Football League, but Williams was the last dominant lineman for the Crimson Tide in the Saban era.
RELATED: Alabama wide receiver rehabbing for ‘epic return’
Tide fans have concerns about this defensive front because it does not appear to have many show stoppers. The depth is there with names such as Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, Jeheim Oatis, Damon Payne Jr., and LT Overton, but Tim Kennan III has been the only consistent force of the group. Jordan Renaud and Edric Hill have the potential to be really good; however, they are still developing.
Alabama needs to unleash a pair of former five-stars in the fall to make quarterbacks fear its front.
People have been waiting for James Smith and Keon Keeley to feast. Both were terrorizers in high school, giving opposing offenses no chance to make plays.
Smith, a Montgomery (Ala.) native, is quick twitched with a high motor. He is powerful, but also very athletic to knife his way through offensive linemen to the quarterback. Keeley, a native of Tampa, Fla., chose Will Anderson’s old number for a reason. The defensive coaching staff see something special in Keeley. He got hard coaching from Freddie Roach and Jamey Mosley throughout spring practice. Alabama wants to turn Keeley loose on college football when it feels he’s ready for it.
Smith and Keeley need to play more so the defense can have much needed aggression under Kane Wommack. Kalen DeBoer said the best players will play at Alabama— regardless of age — so it is time for the defensive line to be elite again.
It needs to go with Smith and Keeley.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
