Former 4-star edge “will stand out” at Alabama in 2026 season, per Yhonzae Pierre

Photo comes via Kent Gidley of Alabama athletics

Alabama’s defense is hungry for creating more negative plays, generating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and being consistently dominant.

Kane Wommack carries a passion of excellence, and the third-year defensive coordinator demands the same from his players. Yhonzae Pierre returns a team-high eight of the Crimson Tide’s 33 sacks from 2025, but who will assist the potential All-American in dropping quarterbacks in the fall? The junior has placed his stamp of approval on Justin Hill as the next great pass rusher. Hill, a Cincinnati (Ohio) native, enters his second year with much to show.

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Hill was one of the top edge players from Winston Woods High School in the 2025 class.

He possessed a strong motor and athleticism, posting 16 tackles for loss and 13 sacks during his junior season in 2023.

The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder saw his role expand in his freshman campaign as the season wore on in 2025.

He collected 10 tackles – including 2.5 for loss – and a pass breakup through 15 games. Hill has been second in outside ‘Wolf’ linebacker drills in the first four sessions of spring practice, showing the defensive staff he is ready for the next step.

Pierre knows he will have help in harassing quarterbacks, but feels Hill is set to pop off.

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“He works his tail off,” Pierre said Friday of Hill in Alabama’s media availability for players. “In year two, I can see him in the backfield making a lot of plays for us. He is not a young guy anymore. He is going to stand out this year for sure.”

Confidence is dripping from Pierre on Hill, but we will see if Hill proves his teammate right.

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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.