Alabama transfer edge expected to ‘show fans a lot’ this season

Photo comes via Alabama athletics

Spring practice is over for Alabama football, but the excitement has only begun.

Big remaining concerns for Alabama football as spring practice closes

Fans want greatness to come into fruition for Kalen DeBoer in year three, and he’s stacked talented players with good coaches to get it done. He grabbed several athletes from the NCAA transfer portal – including some ballers on defense.

The outside/edge ‘Wolf’ linebacker position is one that provides a lot of intrigue.

Yhonzae Pierre exploded in 2025 and returns as a leader; however, the Crimson Tide acquired more talent to help him. Justin Hill, a sophomore, had a good spring, but there is a transfer that Kane Wommack has respect for on the roster.

Desmond Umeozulu, a former South Carolina player, was referred to as a ‘big win’ for Alabama out the portal.

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Wommack said the Tide was ‘very fortunate’ to get the Maryland native.

He has the potential to be a prime time sacks specialist at 6-foot-6 and 253 pounds. Umeozulu had 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks across 36 matchups for the Gamecocks, nevertheless, he will get more developed at Alabama. Hill highlighted Umeozulu after the A-Day game, stating the transfer ‘will show fans a lot’ in the upcoming season.

“He is a long, quick, and powerful guy,” Hill said of Umeozulu. “His potential is through the roof.”

Wommack blended the Wolf and ‘Bandit’ positions in spring ball to get more edge rushers on the field to affect quarterbacks.

Umeozulu has an opportunity to be very dangerous.

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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.