The city of Birmingham (Ala.) is a brotherhood that breeds Alabama football.

Some of the best defensive linemen for the Crimson Tide in the Nick Saban era hailed from Birmingham. 

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Marquee names such as Marcell Dareus, Da'Ron Payne, and Quinnen Williams are excelled as linemen -- helping Alabama to conference championship and national championships. DJ Dale, a former four-star, came in the Tide's 2019 class, assisted Alabama to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020 and two Southeastern Conference titles in 2020 and 2021.

Tim Kennan III, a Birmingham native, arrived in the Tide's 2022 class and is looking for his first national title. He emerged as the starting nose tackle in 2023 -- totaling 38 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, seven quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. 

Kennan played with Dale in the 2022 season. The third-year defensive lineman credited Dale with his development and a growth.

"@djdale94. I will always sing his praise because definitely helped mold me into the player I am today."
- @AlabamaFTBL DL Tim Keenan III.@Roger_Hoover's Full Interview on Thursday's Crimson Drive driven by @NASCAR at 2 pm on @UA_CTSN: https://t.co/tgBThLFa8p pic.twitter.com/s0tdDmtdCP

— Crimson Tide Sports Network (@UA_CTSN) June 18, 2024

"I always will sing his praise because he definitely helped mold me into the player I am today," Kennan said to Roger Hoover of Crimson Tide Sports Network about Dale. "He had a big influence on my life. I talk about my big sister, but I am the middle child so I am the older brother. I have had older brother figures, but this was the first time I felt like I felt I was the little brother. I could make a mistake and he would be like 'man, what are you doing?' I appreciate him pouring into me, showing me what to do and what not to do, showing me how to react and how not to react, how to carry myself, how to put time into whatever, how to be on my stuff with my plays, how to be consistent, and how to fight through pain. DJ was not going to say much, but he would get it done. Just to see a man like that, I strive to make him proud too. DJ, if you see this bro, I love you man."

The appreciation Kennan has for Dale is special. 

Alabama fans are looking forward to Kennan's production in the fall.

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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.