Kalen DeBoer highlights key area where Alabama’s pass rush needs to improve

ct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) fights for a fumble with Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman LT Overton (22) and Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated South Carolina 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer appeared on ESPN’s “Always College Football” with Greg McElroy and spoke with the former Alabama quarterback about the Crimson Tide’s pass rush heading into the 2025 season.

DeBoer said key edge rushers. LT Overton, Jah-Marien Latham and Qua Russaw, gained a lot of valuable experience last season and this spring, but he mentioned a specific area the pass rush needs to improve.

“A lot of it comes down to just finishing a play,” DeBoer said. “There’s some guys that got home, but they just have to get the quarterback on the ground.”

A player like Overton in the bandit position is an example of what DeBoer is speaking about. Overton led the team with 38 pressures last season. No other player had more than 19, but surprisingly, he finished the year with only 2 sacks. 

DeBoer said there is one specific thing that the edge rushers need to know in the midst of a play.

“Know where their help is at as far as the quarterback is going to move to this spot, but they aren’t going to be able to do that because Tim Keenan II’s got that push inside or James Smith or any of these guys that we got interior wise,” DeBoer said. “Collectively, I hope there’s another level that we take this.”

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