How landing this talented SEC pass rusher was a ‘big win’ for Alabama’s defense

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Kane Wommack could teach a masterclass on roster retention with the job he’s done for Alabama’s defense in the last two years.

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He is good at getting current players to stick around in Tuscaloosa (Ala.), but he’s just as effective in landing some of the best transfers on defense. Wommack pulled in some athletes from the NCAA transfer portal that look to be marquee contributors in the upcoming fall. He likes what he is seeing through a few sessions of spring practice, but there is a talented Southeastern Conference edge rusher that Wommack was more than excited to land.

Desmond “Dez” Umeozulu, a Maryland native, comes to the Crimson Tide from the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The 6-foot-6, 253-pounder has breakout sacks specialist written on him, and Wommack can feel it. Umeozulu, a former four-star, played in 36 games across three years at South Carolina – posting 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

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He studied behind Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr. about how to be the best, yet Umeozulu looks forward to having better numbers than his former teammates with a new team. His potential screams ‘Bandit’ (field-side defensive end), but his body says ‘Wolf’ (edge linebacker) in Wommack’s system.

Alabama’s defensive staff desires several packages where it can get the best rushers on the field to affect opposing quarterbacks and create more takeaways. Umeozulu presents that opportunity with his length, power, speed, and overall skill set. Wommack thinks it is unreal to see how Umeozulu chose the Tide out the portal.

“We were really fortunate to get Desmond Umeozulu out of the portal,” Wommack said Friday in his media availability with reporters. “That was a big win for us.”

Yhonzae Pierre returns as the alpha dog of Alabama’s pass rushers, but Umeozulu can open windows to more sacks for Pierre. It will be fun to watch how Wommack incorporates Umeozulu in situations to rush the quarterback.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.