The more things change, the more they stay the same, and this can be said about the potential of Alabama natives making an impact on the Crimson Tide’s defense next season like they have done so many times in years past.
The Tide is set to return Alabama natives, Tim Keenan III, Deontae Lawson, James Smith, Qua Russaw, Yhonzae Pierre, Jeremiah Beaman and Isaia Faga, back to its defensive front next season. They will also welcome Kelby Collins, who is a product of Gardendale High School in Alabama.
Keenan and Lawson have served as veteran leaders for the Crimson Tide. Lawson, who suffered a season-ending injury against Oklahoma, was one of Alabama’s captains in 2024 and managed to finish the season with 76 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks before missing the final three games of the season. Keenan was one of the Tide’s most productive defensive linemen, finishing the year with 49 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Both have announced they will return to the Tide next season, bringing back experience and production.
Tim “BRING THE PAIN” Keenan III
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/Qyrhv3FQTv
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 30, 2024
Qua Russaw saw his playing time increase tremendously under Kane Wommack. The Montgomery, Alabama product started in five games during the regular season as a redshirt freshman and proved he could create turnovers at the Wolf Linebacker position, finishing the year with two interceptions and one forced fumble to go along with 36 total tackles.
Qua Russaw says Alabama’s defense is determined to get back to looking like “Old Bama.” 🗣️
In the last 3 games they’ve backed it up only allowing 6.6 ppg while forcing 9 takeaways in the process. pic.twitter.com/Mq3ttJtQdx
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) November 19, 2024
James Smith’s playing time increased steadily as a sophomore throughout the 2024 season with his best game of the year coming against Michigan when he had four total tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Yhonzae Pierre gradually saw more snaps in 2024 as a Wolf linebacker. He took advantage of the snaps he earned with six tackles, a quarterback hurry and two pass deflections.
Beaman saw limited playing time during the season but played his most meaningful snaps against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl when he had two tackles. The Birmingham, Alabama product could be a candidate to be a sleeper to make an impact in 2024.
Collins Is transferring to Alabama after two seasons with Florida. He is expected to line up in the bandit role on Alabama’s defense with the potential to make an impact in year one in Tuscaloosa.
“He’ll be a bandit for us, play the field defensive end position. He’s a big man,” Wommack said. “It will be exciting to kind of get out there and work with him.”
Year 1 pic.twitter.com/IFSFArsRdb
— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) January 27, 2024
Some of the Crimson Tide’s best defenses under Nick Saban featured players from the state, and Alabama’s 2025 group is on pace to have high expectations like some of those past defenses with its fair share of in-state talent to take advantage of.
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