Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack was asked during Friday’s session with the media about some of the players that stood out to him along the interior of the defensive line. The first player that Wommack mentioned was redshirt sophomore James Smith.
“I think you saw guys that started taking steps in the bowl game against Michigan,” Wommack said, “I thought certainly James Smith had a great game and is going to take more of a central role for us moving forward.”
Wommack did not specify what he meant by ‘central role.’ However, I think it is fair to assume that it means Smith will see more opportunities up front for the Crimson Tide during the 2025 season.
In two seasons, Smith has played in 22 games. He has recorded 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.
The former five-star is a physical presence at 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds. He displayed his ability to stop the run and apply pressure on the quarterback several times during the 2024 season. The expectation is that he will continue to grow and develop in the SWARM defense. There is a strong chance that Smith earns the starting job at defensive tackle. Regardless, the Alabama native will be an impact player in the trenches for the Crimson Tide 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.
