Why Ryan Grubb feels that Alabama football’s defense is helping his offense grow

Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) grabs onto Auburn Tigers tight end Luke Deal (86) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

The Alabama offense is a work in progress as the team works through the offseason, but having a top defense to go against in practice is valuable to new Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Grubb said one of the things that is making the offense better is going against defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 Swarm defense in practice.

“I tell you what, I’m thankful for it,” Grubb said on The Game with Ryan Fowler. “I know it’s a big cliche, but those guys like Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, all these guys. That is exactly what we need to go against every day because it reminds our guys of, you know, we have a talented receiving core, but the type of players that they’re going to have to beat every week in the SEC and to compete for a national championship. It keeps us hungry because there’s certainly days we come out and get the better of the defense, and there’s day we come out and get humbled. And that’s something that I think is part of the process. So, not only do I think Kane’s got really good players over there, but they’re well coached and smart and really talented. It’s fun, and I know these guys appreciate the competition.”

Wommack installed his scheme last year, and it had some highs and lows, but the defense ranks 10th in returning production.

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