He finished spring practice with some inconsistencies in his game, but Kane Wommack and Freddie Roach are refining this explosive former five-star on defense.
James Smith, an alumnus of Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., has all the potential to be a disruptive All-American defensive tackle for the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-3, 296-pounder was a pure bully in high school, yet he is learning how to channel his tenacity into the framework of Alabama’s defense. He showed some promise in the Tide’s season opener, posting two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry in Alabama’s 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky.
Coach Roach sees Smith growing in discipline and said Wednesday that the second-year player ‘has taken his game to the next level’ for the Tide on defense.
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“I think James has grown up a lot,” Roach said.
“He has worked hard, and he’s getting what he deserves. He came in every day throughout camp and has continued to improve. That’s good. We are trying to build depth in that room, so several guys can go out there and perform. He has done a tremendous job.”
Alabama fans were thrilled to get Smith in the 2023 signing class.
He is maturing under Wommack and Roach and should be a marquee player up front.
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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.
