He watched Marcell Dareus, Da’Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams, and DJ Dale win national championships as nose tackles for Alabama, but the maize and blue confetti for Michigan following the Rose Bowl bothered him.
Tim Kennan III, a redshirt sophomore, was a first-year starter for Alabama’s defense in 2023.
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He observed the blueprint of Birmingham (Ala.) natives before him and gave his all; however, the Crimson Tide fell short of playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Kennan left with a bad taste in his mouth, but the former four-star will be more than motivated to become a vocal leader for next year’s group. The 6-foot-2, 315-pounder totaled two tackles in a 20-27 overtime loss to the Wolverines, but he’s ready to return to the drawing board for the upcoming spring.
He expressed his emotions to reporters after Monday’s loss.
The experience will pay off for Kennan as he’ll be a marquee veteran for the next defensive line.
“Yeah, we lost and it sucks and I definitely feel a type of way,” Kennan said.
“Next year. Next year is going to be back to the drawing board. We’ve got to work even harder.”
Alabama overcame adversity in 2023 to be Southeastern Conference Champions. The team created a motto, “Let All Naysayers Know” or LANK, and they rallied behind it. Nick Saban watched his bunch push its way to the CFP, but it feel short of its goal.
Alabama loses Justin Eboigbe to the NFL Draft, but Kennan will have Jaheim Oatis, Damon Payne, and Jah-Marien Latham to help him out. We will see what Tim Smith, a senior defensive lineman, does with his decision. The Tide has young names up front and a NCAA transfer player (LT Overton). Spring practice will be exciting to see who emerges as players to contribute.
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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.
