Alabama DL expected to be ready to go against Florida State

Aug 31, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman James Smith (23) holds up four fingers on each hand as the games moves to the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Alabama defeated Western Kentucky 63-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama football has been working James Smith back into the fold throughout fall camp after he was limited in the spring and in the Crimson Tide’s recent scrimmages.

Kalen DeBoer confirmed Smith should be ready to go against Florida State on Thursday during his press conference.

The Montgomery, Alabama product is expected to have a breakout season in 2025. The hype around him that started against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl has not calmed down. One can make the argument it has only grown with some of the things Alabama’s coaching staff has said about Smith during fall camp.

“James is doing a nice job,” Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack recently said. “He was dinked for a couple of days and has come back nicely, has kind of hit all the markers he needed to hit. We got him back out on the field the other day, and he looked fresh, fresh legs. He is such a havoc-style player. He can create, generate a lot of havoc in the backfield, which is something I am excited about, and how we’re going to utilize him in that role.”

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