Kane Wommack says improved defensive line play has made things easier for Alabama linebackers

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has spoken highly of the Crimson Tide’s defensive line throughout fall camp so far.

One of the first head-turning statements he made during fall camp was about the Tide’s emphasis on adding mass.

“I think we have improved our physicality up front,” Wommack said. “I think we’ve improved in our consistency as a defensive line unit. And we’ve gotten bigger. The last two years here we’ve been 14th in the SEC in D-line frames up front. I think this year, we’re fourth or fifth. We’ve worked really hard to get ourselves back in a position where we can be a big, physical defensive line.”

The Alabama defensive coordinator feels this added size will pay big dividends for the Tide this fall.

“Big bodies matter. Mass kicks ass,” Wommack said. “When you have big frames that have length and being able to strike people, but also when they’re getting a double team, just sheer mass matters. The truth is, we got moved around some the last two years here.”

Wommack provided more insight into his confidence in the Tide’s defensive line on Tuesday, saying he felt the unit makes things easier for the inside linebackers playing behind them.

“But it’s a little bit easier now when you’re playing with a D-line up front that holds their gap responsibility, does their job at a much higher level,” Wommack said. “You see those guys starting to play with more confidence.”

Alabama’s defensive line received high praise after the Tide’s first scrimmage last week. One former college football defender, who was in attendance, said the Tide’s defensive line looks like Alabama of old at times during the scrimmage.

A lot of buzz around the Tide’s defensive line has been positive as of late. Alabama fans will see if teh buzz was legit on Sept. 5 when the Tide opens the season against East Carolina.