A neck injury shortened his season in 2022, but an Alabama defensive lineman has bounced back.
Justin Eboigbe, a redshirt senior, has been a vocal leader and leader by example up front.
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A former four-star in the 2019 recruiting class, the native Georgian has the Crimson Tide with one of the best defenses in college football. He has assisted Freddie Roach (defensive line coach) in flipping the switch on the defensive line. Eboigbe has increased his draft value with 39 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. The 6-foot-5, 292-pounder turned in a good outing versus Tennessee — posting eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in a 34-20 victory for the Crimson Tide. He did not play in last year’s matchup against the Volunteers, so he relished being back on the field with his guys.
Eboigbe did not play versus Louisiana State University in 2022. He looks at the matchup on Nov. 4 as a ‘motivational’ one.
“Any game is extra motivation, but especially the games where we did not get the job done is a little extra motivation,” Eboigbe said. “I feel like there is no need for any external motivation from coaches, media, or anyone on the opposing team. I feel like every time we get a chance to step on the field, especially myself, it is a blessing for myself and my team. I’m looking forward to it.”
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Two losses took Alabama from competing for a championship to playing in the Allstate Sugar Bowl last year.
The Tide avenged one of those defeats, but the next one is coming up. Alabama’s matchups with LSU have come with SEC Championship, national championship, and marquee recruiting implications. Nothing will be different this time around.
We will see how Eboigbe and the Tide perform.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
