Kane Wommack identifies big area of ‘depth concern’ for Alabama
develop depth along the interior of their defensive front.
The Tide lost veteran defensive lineman, Tim Smith, to the NFL Draft after the 2024 season. Experienced linemen, Damon Payne and Jaheim Oatis decided to depart from the program via the transfer portal.
Wommack feels the development of some young talent up front now becomes vital for Alabama.
“I don’t know if I ever feel like I have enough depth on the interior, but it’s certainly an area that I think from a defensive standpoint, it’s probably one of our biggest areas of depth concern,” Wommack said when asked about Alabama’s interior depth. “Development is the best recipe for that. But certainly we’ll make sure we address those needs in any way we need to.”
One of the Crimson Tide’s veteran defensive leaders, Tim Keenan decided to return to Alabama for another season along with some players, who are rising.
Keenan identified Edric Hill as a defensive lineman, who made plays and showed improvement during the first week of spring practice along with Jeremiah Beaman.
“Those guys been making incredible jumps…But, man, Edric Hill, he’s been making a magnificent impact this spring,” Keenan said. “I can’t wait to see what he keeps doing.”
Kelby Collins is a new and welcomed addition to the Tide’s defense. Wommack shared Friday the Florida transfer is playing inside and outside along the defensive line this spring.
“Kelby’s doing both for us,” Wommack said. “He is playing inside and outside, which is a lot to ask for a guy coming in new. But, like, like some things that I see from him, you know, he’s growing and learning into the position, learning the defense, even fundamentally how we do things versus maybe where he was before.”
James Smith was highlighted during the first week by Wommack as well as the Tide looks to have a young and hungry defensive line group on 2025.
