The defensive lineman Alabama will lean on with James Smith missing first half vs. Vanderbilt

Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Edric Hill (94) tackles Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) in the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Edric Hill looks ready to step up for Alabama with James Smith set to miss the first half of the Vanderbilt game. Smith will miss the first half after getting ejected for targeting against Georgia.

Hill has been a contributor along the Crimson Tide’s defensive line throughout this season despite not starting a game. He had his best game of the season against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night. The Missouri native finished the game with three total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a half sack.

Alabama football’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack feels Hill’s recent play embodies the improvements the Tide’s defense has made in recent weeks.

“Edric played physical,” Wommack said. “He played hard in the game, which really, I think has been a marker of all of our guys. We played timid and on our heels in week one, and I think we have to this point, we have identified that and kind of rectified that a little bit in terms of the effort that we’re playing with, but particularly when you’re an interior D lineman, it’s natural when the ball is on the perimeter are thrown downfield not to naturally burst to the ball. And I think Edric’s doing a really good job with the ball with a bunch of our interior defensive linemen… I think Edric played well the other night.”

Hill played in nine games during the 2024 football season, but he appeared to take a major step forward in the  spring.

“But, man, Edric Hill, he’s been making a magnificent impact this spring,” Tim Keenan said during the spring. “I can’t wait to see what he keeps doing.”

While Hill is expected to start against Vanderbilt, look out for Kelby Collins or Keon Keeley getting into the mix in the first half with Smith sidelined.