We continue to move through the summer, but Alabama football is returning soon.
Kalen DeBoer inherited a very talented roster from Nick Saban and is prepared to put it in action.
RELATED: A projection of Alabama’s starting offense for the 2024 season
The former Washington head coach wanted this chance to be Nick Saban’s successor. He had a good spring with the Crimson Tide, but DeBoer is focused on getting Alabama back to winning national championships. Defensively, the Tide returns experienced veterans and young talented playmakers. Kane Wommack gets his first chance as the defensive coordinator to have this group back to being elite. How could Alabama’s starting defense look like in the coming fall? A projection is below.
Defensive Line
-Bandit: Jah-Marien Latham/Keon Keeley
-Nose tackle: Tim Kennan III
-Defensive tackle: Jehiem Oatis
-Defensive end: Tim Smith/James Smith
Summary
Alabama has at least 14 players to rotate on its defensive line.
Jah-Marien Latham, a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2020 signing class, will get the first crack at the “Bandit” position.
Keon Keeley, a former five-star, is incredibly talented and versatile. He fits at the bandit or “Wolf” spot for Alabama. Freddie Roach, the Tide’s defensive line coach, wants to turn Keeley loose on the field. Tim Kennan III will man the nose tackle spot while Jehiem Oatis will start at the other tackle position. Tim Smith and James Smith will battle for the final starting end position.
Alabama also has Damon Payne Jr., Edric Hill, Jordan Renaud, Hunter Osborne, LT Overton, Jeremiah Beaman, Isaia Faga, and Steve Bolo Mboumoua that can rotate in up front.
Inside Linebackers
-Mike: Deontae Lawson
-Sting: Jihaad Campbell
-Backups: Jeremiah Alexander, Justin Jefferson, Sterling Dixon, Justin Okoronkwo
Summary
Deontae Lawson returns as the middle “Mike” linebacker for Alabama.
Jihaad Campbell is back as the weak side or “Sting” linebacker in Kane Wommack’s system. Lawson and Campbell are experienced and athletic to shoot gaps, have lateral quickness, and make several marquee tackles. Both finished at Nos. 2 and 3 respectively on the team for tackles in 2023. Jeremiah Alexander, Justin Jefferson, Sterling Dixon, and Justin Okoronkwo make up the remainder of the inside ‘backer room. Alexander and Jefferson are the immediate backups to Lawson and Campbell.
Dixon and Okoronkwo are very talented freshmen that get action on special teams and in the rotation.
Outside Linebackers
-Wolf: Quandarrius Robinson
-Competition: Keanu Koht, Qua Russaw, Yhonzae Pierre, Keon Keeley
Summary
Quandarrius Robinson, a former 5-star from the 2020 class, should start at “Wolf.”
He can the rush the quarterback with a hand in the dirt or standing up. Robinson will have hefty competition as Keanu Koht, Qua Russaw, Yhonzae Pierre, and Keon Keeley can all play the position well. Coach Wommack wants to create pressure from all angles, so whoever starts at wolf has to be explosive. Christian Robinson, the Tide’s outside linebackers coach, has a lot of talent to develop.
Secondary
-CB 1: Domani Jackson
-CB 2: Jahlil Hurley/DaShawn Jones
-Husky: DeVonta Smith/Red Morgan
-Rover: Malachi Moore
-Free Safety: Keon Sabb/DeVonta Smith
Summary
Alabama’s secondary could be the biggest strength of the team, regardless of the young talent.
Domani Jackson, a transfer from the University of Southern California, should start at cornerback. He brings size, length, athleticism, and experience from the Trojans. Jackson enrolled early for spring football at Alabama and is bought into it.
Jahlil Hurley and DaShawn Jones may have a battle for the second corner spot. Hurley is the lone holdover from Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class as a defensive back. Jones, a transfer from Wake Forest, had seven career pass breakups and three interceptions.
DeVonta Smith and Red Morgan are competing for the starting “Husky” position.
Both got reps in the role throughout spring practice. Smith has more experience, but Morgan has incredible athleticism, playmaking skills, and upside. Malachi Moore returns as the strong safety or “Rover” in Wommack’s defense. His experience will play a huge role in how far the secondary goes. Keon Sabb and Smith will fight it out at free safety in fall camp for Alabama.
The Tide also has Jaylen Mbakwe, Zabien Brown, Zavier Mincey, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. in the cornerback rotation.
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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.
