Alabama football has a new defensive scheme, but does it perfectly fit the players on its roster?
Nick Saban operated out the 3-4 base alignment with a nickel in the formation for 17 years.
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The Crimson Tide has three down linemen, four linebackers — Jack, Mike, Will, and Sam — and four defensive backs. Alabama’s fifth defensive back in nickel was known as ‘Star’ while the sixth defensive back in dime was known as ‘Money.’
Coach Saban got Alabama to six national championships and put several players in the National Football League with his defense.
Kane Wommack, former head coach at the University of South Alabama, brings a 4-2-5 look on defense to the Tide.
He and his father, Dave Wommack, originated the 4-2-5 scheme.
This look has four down linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. Some positions have different terms as “Bandit” is one for defensive end, “wolf” is one for outside linebackers, “husky” is for the fifth defensive back, and “rover” is for the strong safety. The scheme fits Alabama perfectly because it has players at each position that are skilled to excel in those responsibilities.
Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Kennan III, Jehiem Oatis, and Tim Smith/James Smith are ideal for the four linemen.
Latham, Kennan, Oatis, and Tim Smith have played a lot of football. These four have experience, but James Smith may beat out the elder Smith because of his upside. Alabama also has other players in its defensive line rotation to fulfill these roles.
Deontae Lawson would remain as the middle “Mike” linebacker while Jihaad Campbell would play the “Sting” position. The linebacker in the ‘wolf’ look would be someone that can rush the quarterback standing up or coming after signal-callers with a hand in the dirt. Alabama has several names for the wolf spot, including Quandarrius Robinson, Keanu Koht, Keon Keeley, Qua Russaw, and Yhonzae Pierre. Wommack has different body types to choose, but he has to get the right players on the field.
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In the secondary, Domani Jackson would serve as an outside cornerback.
Jahlil Hurley could be the second corner or Alabama has two transfers — DaShawn Jones (Wake Forest) and Kameron Howard (UC Charlotte) that could start. Red Morgan, a freshman, or DeVonta Smith may end up at ‘Husky.’ Malachi Moore fits the ‘rover’ or strong safety spot while Keon Sabb look strong as a free safety. No matter who takes a position, the 4-2-5 system can work in the Southeastern Conference for Alabama. It starts with the front linemen generating constant pressure, and it makes everyone else’s job easier. We will see if Freddie Roach, Alabama’s defensive line coach, lets the aggressive dawgs off the chain 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.
