The Alabama Crimson Tide began spring practices on Monday. The defense will look similar to last season for the most part. Three starters turned pro and several depth pieces transferred elsewhere. Aside from that, things remain fairly intact from a season ago for defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and the Crimson Tide.
Touchdown Alabama lists five players with the most to prove during spring practices.
1. DL Keon Keeley
Aside from quarterback Ty Simpson, the player that has the most to prove in my opinion is Keon Keeley.
The former five-star had a ton of expectations and hype surrounding his name when he arrived on campus as a true freshman.
In two seasons, Keeley has played in five games. The coaching staff believes in Keeley and has exerted all options to help him see more game action. The spring will be a great opportunity for Keeley to create value for himself and get one step closer to seeing meaningful playing time.
2. LB Qua Russaw
Alabama lost starting WOLF linebacker Que Robinson to the NFL Draft this offseason. With that being the case, someone will have to assume the starting role.
One of the players that flashed some potential at WOLF in 2024 is Qua Russaw. The Alabama native showed some promising signs of what he can become at the position. Will he take the next step during spring ball? He certainly has the skillset and traits to do so.
3. DL James Smith
Rising junior James Smith has made the most of his opportunities in an Alabama uniform. He has played in 22 games recording 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
The time has come for Smith to push for a starting role with defensive tackle Tim Smith Jr. heading to the NFL. Alabama has options at the position, but Smith seems to be the first in line to become a starter. Will the former five-star tap into his full potential in Year 3. That is the ultimate hope around the locker room and inside the building heading into the 2025 season.
4. LB Yhonzae Pierre
The Alabama coaching staff has high hopes for redshirt sophomore Yhonzae Pierre. The Alabama native has put in work behind the scenes the past two seasons to get to this point in his career.
Pierre is primed to compete for the starting WOLF spot alongside teammate Qua Russaw. Pierre has had several setbacks in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa due to injury. If he is able to stay healthy, he will have the opportunity to prove a lot during spring ball.
5. CB Dashawn Jones
With starting HUSKY Devonta Smith transferring to Notre Dame, a spot opened up this offseason. One player to keep a close eye on in spring practices is Dashawn Jones.
The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon played in 13 games for the Crimson Tide in 2024. He recorded 23 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. There is still a lot of room for Jones to prove himself in Kane Wommack’s SWARM defense. The first step to doing that is becoming a starter which will need to be earned throughout the spring and into the summer.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
