Alabama football starts the second half of its regular season on Saturday versus Louisiana State University.
The Crimson Tide begins its College Football Playoff push to be one of 12 teams in the dance.
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Kane Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, has seen growth from his group in the last few weeks. Alabama is forcing takeaways, getting off the field more on third down, and generating pressure to quarterbacks. A reason behind this development is an emergence of a young defensive lineman. Jordan Renaud, a redshirt freshman from Sarasota, Fla., came in the Crimson Tide’s 2023 recruiting class from Tyler (Texas) Legacy High School as a four-star. He earned a little playing time in 2023 during Nick Saban’s final season as head coach, but Renaud has grown under Wommack. The 6-foot-4, 268-pounder has been impactful in each situation he’s been on the field, regardless of playing behind veterans such as Jah-Marien Latham and LT Overton.
He has recorded nine tackles, including half a sack in seven games. Renaud is someone to watch in Alabama’s matchup with the Tigers, especially with LSU being down an offensive lineman for the game. His explosiveness up front could cause disruption for Garrett Nussmeier and the timing of LSU’s offense. Wommack highlighted Renaud on Monday as someone he is excited about.
“There are a lot of young guys I am excited about, but he is certainly one to point towards,” Wommack said.
“Jordan continues to grow in our defense in understanding what to do.”
Wommack appreciates the effort and consistent Renaud has, but what impresses Wommack the most is seeing how the second-year player has elevated his game to force the coaching staff to play him. Renaud has taken reps from Latham, Overton, and Keon Keeley with his desire to be great. Jihaad Campbell, a junior linebacker, said Tuesday that Renaud has ‘stepped up big.’
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“The coaches and players trust him to go in the game and make his plays on the field,” Campbell said.
Christian Barmore, a former Alabama standout, was like Renaud in 2019.
Barmore, a Philadelphia (Pa.) native, was so disruptive when he got into games that fans loved his passion. When the coaching staff pulled him out, Crimson Tide supporters were upset because they viewed Barmore as someone who was getting it done.
Barmore would have a monster season in 2020, helping the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship.
Renaud has the ability to make things happen up front. Hopefully, we will see him dominate a lot versus LSU.
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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.
