A huge extension of Nick Saban remained at the University of Alabama on defense for Kalen DeBoer’s staff.
Freddie Roach, a former Crimson Tide player, joined Alabama football for a third time in his career in 2020 to mentor and develop defensive linemen. The three-time national champion (2009, 2015, and 2020) has seen steady growth at the position; however, this season could be his best one. Alabama has marquee depth at every spot across the defensive line and a mixture of players that can rush the quarterback. Roach, 41, has a Saban-like approach in taking things one step at a time. He is not trying to win a national championship in the offseason. The Florence (Ala.) native wants his group to improve each day of fall practice.
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“Consistency in working and trying to improve daily. That is the goal,” Roach said this week in practice about the responsibility for Alabama’s defensive line.
The Tide has leadership up front with names such as Tim Kennan III, Tim Smith, Jeheim Oatis, and Jah-Marien Latham.
All four have played a lot of football, while two — Tim Smith and Latham — have a College Football Playoff National Championship ring from the 2020 season. Alabama fans are excited about some of the young guys, including former five-stars Keon Keeley and James Smith, but Roach wants them focused on becoming better players each day. Daily improvement is ideal for both, but Roach likes Keeley’s process in transitioning from an outside linebacker to a defensive end.
“Keon has played on the edge, so it’s about development,” Roach said.
“He is a big guy, really athletic, so it is just about focusing on what you can do to be the best you can be.”
Keeley, a redshirt freshman, is growing in his understanding of having his hands on someone each play.
Roach does not want him dwelling on external factors. He wants James Smith, a sophomore, to be more consistent. Both have made strides as well as some of the other players, but consistency is a big thing with Roach. He is happy with where the group is, but he knows it has a long way to go. Roach is thankful to have the leadership of Kennan, Oatis, Tim Smith, and Latham.
Alabama will have its first scrimmage Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
We’ll see how the defensive line performs in its first game-like practice.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
