In 2024, Alabama’s defense improved significantly over the course of the season. Despite multiple injuries, the group banded together and began to figure things out in Kane Wommack’s SWARM defense.
The good news for Alabama is that seven starters will return on the defensive side of the ball. With that being the case, it will be interesting to see which players step up and assume starting roles at the other positions.
Touchdown Alabama lists five breakout candidates on the defensive side of the ball for the Crimson Tide.
1. James Smith – Jr. / 6’3”, 296 lbs. / Montgomery, AL
With Alabama losing Tim Smith to the NFL, someone will need to step up. The player that makes the most sense to replace Smith is rising junior James Smith. The former five-star is poised to make noise at defensive tackle in 2025.
Smith played sparingly as a true freshman but saw action in all 13 games last season. He finished the season with 20 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. In my opinion, Smith has the potential to be a Quinnen Williams-type player. With that said, I expect him to have a tremendous junior campaign.
2. DaShawn Jones – R-Sr. / 6’0”, 185 lbs. / Baltimore, MD.
Alabama lost its starter at the STAR position this offseason when Devonta Smith transferred to Notre Dame. With Smith transferring, there is an open competition at the position heading into the spring.
One of the players that I am looking toward to assume the starting role is DaShawn Jones. In 2024, Jones played in 13 games with one start. He played more and more as the season progressed. Given Jones’ experience and versatility, I think he has the biggest advantage of anyone. He is familiar with the position and displayed his potential in Year 1 in Tuscaloosa. I anticipate him having a breakout year at STAR in 2025.
3. Jordan Renaud – R-So. / 6’4”, 268 lbs. / Sarasota, FL
In the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Alabama coaching staff has seldom interest in recruiting defensive lineman. One of the reasons why stems from the defensive linemen that are returning to Tuscaloosa. One of them is Jordan Renaud.
The Florida native has kind of flown under the radar in his first two seasons. However, he has made the most of his opportunities. He recorded 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in 12 games. His role will be expanded in 2025 with Tim Smith turning pro and Jah-Marien Latham reportedly changing positions. Renaud has the chance to turn heads with his ability to effectively rush the passer and aid in stopping the run.
4. Jeremiah Beaman – R-Fr. / 6’4”, 265 lbs. / Birmingham, AL
As I previously alluded to, there is the belief that the defensive linemen on Alabama’s roster are eager and ready to contribute in 2025. One of those lineman that has shown early promise is Jeremiah Beaman.
Despite ample playing time, Beaman managed to draw a lot of attention. He played with physicality and discipline in late-game action. The former four-star has the potential to be a key reserve in the trenches for the Crimson Tide. He will need to add 15-20 pounds of muscle weight in the offseason. If he can do that, the sky is the ceiling for the Alabama native.
5. Keon Keeley – R-So. / 6’5”, 277 lbs. / Tampa, FL
Alabama fans have begun to question why Keeley has not played much in his first two seasons. While I cannot provide a definitive answer, I can say that the coaching staff is as high on Keeley as they have been since he arrived on campus as a true freshman.
The former five-star has changed positions and seemed to be buried in the defensive line rotation the past two seasons. Alabama’s coaching staff has continued to have faith in Keeley, and it could pay dividends in 2025. He has a lot of potential as a defensive lineman. I think it has taken some time for him to adjust to the college level and get acclimated to playing the defensive tackle position. I would be surprised if he does not see the field more and compete for significant playing time at defensive tackle during the 2025 season.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
