Alabama DL recognized as top freshman against the run

Photo By Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama

Alabama football’s defensive lineman, London Simmons was recently graded as the top freshman defensive lineman against the run by Pro Football Focus.

Simmons has gone from a three-star recruit to a true freshman contributor for the Crimson Tide in a matter of months. He enrolled at the University of Alabama during the summer and did not go through spring football with the team. He earned a role in the Crimson Tide’s rotation during fall camp after Tim Keenan III went down.

Simmons’ role expanded when Jeremiah Beaman went down with a season-ending injury, and the freshman started two games at nose tackle before Keenan made his return to the field.

Alabama has continued to lean on Simmons in its rotation with Keenan back at full go. He has racked up 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hurries and one sack through six games. The Tide’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack recently praised the freshman.

“London continues to show up and does a good job,” Wommack said. “But London certainly, when you go back and watch tape, has earned the right to get more playing time, and certainly this week, I would imagine you’re gonna see more snaps from him.”

Alabama has multiple true freshmen standing out at the moment, which is a good sign for the future of the Alabama football program.