Alabama pass rusher keeps getting ‘better and better’ with more reps

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (42) celebrates a sack with Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) during the game with Wisconsin at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Alabama football’s redshirt sophomore, Yhonzae Pierre looks to be hitting his stride, with him set to see more reps in the immediate future with Jah-Marien Latham and Qua Russaw sidelined with injuries.

Pierre has played meaningful snaps throughout the Crimson Tide’s first four games of the season. He has managed to rack up 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and a sack during this stint.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack feels Pierre is the Tide’s most improved pass rusher.

“Yhonzae Pierre has consistently gotten better as a pass rusher and that’s one area that I’m excited about, some of the things that he gives us from a pass rush standpoint,” Wommack said. “I’ve talked about him in the off-season. He just keeps getting better and better. His ability to affect the run game, to generate some pass rush has shown up so far this season.”

The Crimson Tide’s linebacker, Deontae Lawson spoke highly of Pierre before the season started, referring to him as a player who grew into the type of edge rusher Alabama would like to have. Lawson has been pleased with what he has seen from Pierre while playing with him and alongside him at times this season.

“He taking strides in the right direction for sure,” Lawson told reporters on Tuesday. “He coming to work every day. I just try to bring guys with me. I’m pushing Yhonzae every day to be a better practice player. But when that opportunity come, he shows up, we just going to keep getting better. He’s going to have more reps, and I know he’ll be ready to step up to the challenge.”

Pierre is expected to make his first career start Saturday against Vanderbilt.