Alabama’s roster is full of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen that want to be impactful.
Nick Saban left Kalen DeBoer with a program teeming with talent and hunger to win a national title. Crimson Tide fans are excited to watch specific players have success; however, this team may be guided by four super seniors. Alabama has at least four players on the team that were on its 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship team during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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They know what it takes to win and are pouring that knowledge into this team.
A breakdown of the super seniors is below.
Quandarrius Robinson, LB
Quandarrius Robinson came in the 2020 class with Will Anderson, Chris Braswell, and Drew Sanders as a five-star.
He waited behind Anderson, Braswell, and Dallas Turner for this opportunity. The Birmingham (Ala.) native leads the conversation for “Wolf” at the linebacker position, but Robinson has to fend off the talent behind him. He made contributions on defense last season, posting 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery.
Robinson has to be a force if the Tide looks to create turnovers, and if he’s trying to be a high round NFL Draft pick.
The 6-foot-5, 231-pounder is good, but he has to come up to another level.
Tim Smith, DL
Tim Smith came into Alabama as a powerful five-star in the 2020 class.
The native Floridian was one of the top defensive end prospects in the nation. He had a good freshman year, but Smith has yet to produce a breakout campaign. He had 31 tackles in 2023 with two sacks and a quarterback hurry. The 6-foot-4, 302-pounder has an opportunity to turn in an incredible season this fall. Smith is one of at least 12 defensive linemen in Alabama’s rotation.
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He can stop the run and pressure the quarterback too. Smith needs to put it all together now.
Jah-Marien Latham, DL
He’s had to wait his turn for this moment, but Jah-Marien Latham has played in 31 games across four years at Alabama.
Latham arrived as an elite defensive lineman in the 2020 class. He projects as one of two starting defensive ends for the Crimson Tide in the fall. Latham played in all 14 games in 2023, recording eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder is in the best position of his career to finally be a starter up front for the Tide.
Malachi Moore, DB
Malachi Moore is expected to have an All-American season.
He was a superstar on the 2020 team that won a CFP National Championship, and Moore wants to return to that greatness.
The Trussville (Ala.) native bounced back from injuries to have a good 2023 campaign. He had 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and an interception. Moore became a permanent team captain and is the leader of this year’s defense. He has transitioned from nickel cornerback to safety and looks to having this unit create turnovers on the back end.
A marquee season for him could lead to a first round NFL Draft grade.
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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.
