Second-year edge rusher turning in ‘really good’ spring for Alabama

Photo comes via Kent Gidley of Alabama athletics

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said Desmond Umeozulu, a transfer from South Carolina, was a ‘big win’ for the Crimson Tide out the portal as an edge rusher.

Notes from Alabama football’s Tuesday spring practice ahead of A-Day

However, we are seeing a second-year player on the roster turn it up in spring practice.

Justin Hill, a former four-star, is pushing for a chance to be the one who helps Yhonzae Pierre at ‘Wolf’ linebacker affect quarterbacks. Wommack is blending the Wolf and ‘Bandit’ positions to get more rushers on the field, and Hill has a body type to be very effective. The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder from Cincinnati (Ohio) played 15 games last season on special teams and defense – watching his role increase throughout the year. He finished with 10 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and a pass breakup.

Alabama has been at its best in championship years when it’s had at least two defensive players that can make quarterbacks highly uncomfortable.

Kalen DeBoer highlighted Hill in Monday’s airing of Hey Coach.

“Justin Hill, as an outside linebacker or defensive end, had another good, good spring,” DeBoer said.

Alabama DB not letting size limit him: “Put me anywhere on the field, I can do whatever”

Hill can play as a stand up edge rusher or he can put a hand in the dirt and explode to the quarterback from a defensive end role. Alabama has a lot of athletes that can pressure, but Hill is someone to not lose sight of.

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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.