Kane Wommack has a player on this Alabama defense that has positioned himself for a breakout season.

Jeremiah Alexander, an Alabaster (Ala.) native, has been wanting this opportunity since high school. He entered the Crimson Tide's program as the top in-state player in the 2022 signing class and one of the best edge rushers in the nation.

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Alexander put fear in the hearts of running backs and quarterbacks as a defensive end at Thompson High School. He punished opposition during his senior year -- totaling 93 tackles, 29 stops for loss, 10 sacks, and 27 quarterback hurries -- pacing the Warriors to a Class 7A state championship in 2021. The 6-foot-2, 249-pounder chose Alabama over several other programs, but he also accepted a position change for the Tide. Alexander is now an inside linebacker and was very impressive in spring practice.

Kalen DeBoer enjoyed watching him tear the field up. Alexander made several plays and was one of the top tacklers in the spring game. He's played in 18 games across two seasons; however, he knows this fall is the moment for him. Alexander has been training with Mike McCoy, a former Alabama wide receiver, at Maximum Performance Institute (MPI) in Birmingham. 

The 2009 BCS National Champion said Alexander will 'break out' this season.

"Jeremiah has the football intelligence and size, it's over once he learns this defense," McCoy said. "I told Alexander in high school he would be a better linebacker than a defensive lineman. He already knows how to get guys off him. When fall camp comes, watch what I tell you about him. By the fourth or fifth game of the season, watch what I tell you about him."

DeBoer told reporters after a spring scrimmage that 'stuff happens' when Alexander is on the field.

He is now prepared to become the next marquee defensive name in program history.

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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.