Kane Wommack’s new defense at the University of Alabama will go as far as the defensive line takes it.
The 4-2-5 scheme hinges on the defensive front creating havoc, allowing linebackers and defensive backs to make plays.
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Alabama fans were spoiled by the defensive fronts it had from 2015 to 2017. Players such as Jonathan Allen, A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, Dalvin Tomlinson, Da’Ron Payne, Da’Shawn Hand, Quinnen Williams, Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis, Darren Lake, Ryan Anderson, Tim Williams, and others had offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and running backs terrified. They were known as “the creatures” as they produced two College Football Playoff National Championships in three seasons.
Crimson Tide supporters want to see the return of a nasty defensive line, and an Alabama State University alum is making it happen in summer training.
Coach Swift, the founder Winning Edge, is one of the elite offensive linemen/defensive linemen trainers in Alabama.
He has worked with some of the best players to come through the Tide’s program, including Da’Ron Payne, Phidarian Mathis, Anfernee Jennings, and D.J. Dale. Swift has his hand on more Alabama guys up front this summer, preparing them to be monsters in the fall.
He is training Tim Kennan III, Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, Hunter Osborne, and Jordan Renaud on perfecting pass-rush moves. Swift told Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Alabama is going to be ‘really nice’ up front.
WE Got Active in Tuscaloosa today!
DL Pass Rush work with @AlabamaFTBL Defensive Line‼️
Coming for a QB near you soon‼️#WEdifferent #WErush #WEwin #TrenchPerformance pic.twitter.com/4x1VuQVzCJ— Coach T. Swift (@coachswift64) June 29, 2024
Alabama Defensive Linemen, Tim Keenan III, Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, Hunter Osborne and Jordan Renaud working with @coachswift64 and WinningEdge.
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) June 29, 2024
“People don’t think Alabama has a defensive line, but they have 12 guys up front,” Swift said. “They are three-deep at every position, and I think they will all do well. This is a big year for them, and they are working hard to reap a good harvest.”
The guys Swift has been around the most are Kennan, Smith, Latham, and Quandarrius Robinson.
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He wants a monster campaign from them, yet he is high on Renaud and Osborne.
“Jordan Renaud is special,” Swift said.
“Hunter Osborne is working really hard and could be a breakout player either this year or next year.”
Swift also mentioned James Smith, the bully from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. Smith, a former five-star in the 2023 recruiting class, can really be special if he becomes a starter. Swift said Coach Wommack likes the way he is training the linemen.
They are developing into being pass-rush savvy, especially with the 4-2-5 allowing players to have more one-on-one matchups.
It will be exciting to see how the front performs against competition this season.
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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.
