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Alabama: 2023 Defense Discussion

CoolBreeze

CoolBreeze

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10 days before kickoff at BDS and we've discussed the QB situation ad nauseum. Time to talk some D. The perception is that we will be really good on defense this year but that is probably because of Kevin Steele coming on board. How accurate is that? Before Jamil Burroughs got booted it was the D Line that was to be the strength of the team. Below is a piece about the D LIne as a unit and, although it seems solid, it could be the D backfield is our true strength.
www.rollbamaroll.com

2023 Alabama Fall Football Preview: Will the Defensive Line round into form this season?

There’s a LOT of depth, but very little proven depth.
www.rollbamaroll.com www.rollbamaroll.com
 
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STONECOLDSABAN

STONECOLDSABAN

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CoolBreeze said:
10 days before kickoff at BDS and we've discussed the QB situation ad nauseum. Time to talk some D. The perception is that we will be really good on defense this year but that is probably because of Kevin Steele coming on board. How accurate is that? Before Jamil Burroughs got booted it was the D Line that was to be the strength of the team. Below is a piece about the D LIne as a unit and, although it seems solid, it could be the D backfield is our true strength.
www.rollbamaroll.com

2023 Alabama Fall Football Preview: Will the Defensive Line round into form this season?

There’s a LOT of depth, but very little proven depth.
www.rollbamaroll.com www.rollbamaroll.com
Click to expand...
I am so glad you started this thread. I have been so tired of talking about the qbs. I don't think there is any question the D backfield and line backers are the strength of this defense I think the Inside Linebackers are really going to help with stopping the run this year. I think they are going to be better than they have been in years.

I am not as down on the D-line as some people are. D-line is kind of a position where you see a lot of guys take that elite step in there junior and senior years or 3rd or 4th years. So you get a revisionist history from football fans. "I just don't see any Jonathan Allens on that line" Jonathan allen wasn't Jonathan allen until his junior year. Quinnen Williams wasn't Quinnen Williams until his Redshirt Sophmore year. Thats not me saying we have those guys on this line its just some guys need more development. That article still has Kennan as 340 pounds and says he will play "some". Well he is down to 315 now and is apparently a handful to block. I think he is going to play more than RBR thinks and will help with the rotation. Its do or die for tim smith Jr. And it sounds like we want him to go from good to great, so Nick Saban is pushing him really hard. Let's hope Damon Payne takes the next step forward as well.
 
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R

Ratal

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I am really looking forward to watching ILB and S. We have fresh faces in positions that have concerned me in the past.
 
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CoolBreeze

CoolBreeze

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STONECOLDSABAN said:
I am so glad you started this thread. I have been so tired of talking about the qbs. I don't think there is any question the D backfield and line backers are the strength of this defense I think the Inside Linebackers are really going to help with stopping the run this year. I think they are going to be better than they have been in years.

I am not as down on the D-line as some people are. D-line is kind of a position where you see a lot of guys take that elite step in there junior and senior years or 3rd or 4th years. So you get a revisionist history from football fans. "I just don't see any Jonathan Allens on that line" Jonathan allen wasn't Jonathan allen until his junior year. Quinnen Williams wasn't Quinnen Williams until his Redshirt Sophmore year. Thats not me saying we have those guys on this line its just some guys need more development. That article still has Kennan as 340 pounds and says he will play "some". Well he is down to 315 now and is apparently a handful to block. I think he is going to play more than RBR thinks and will help with the rotation. Its do or die for tim smith Jr. And it sounds like we want him to go from good to great, so Nick Saban is pushing him really hard. Let's hope Damon Payne takes the next step forward as well.
Click to expand...
Good stuff SCS. Yea Keenan is poised for a breakout year and I think Payne is in that category as well. I get the feeling these other guys like Latham, Goodwine, Hastings and Barnes are also in step-up mode. The article seems to brush them off as career subs but they have to be good options after some time in the system. Really excited about James Smith. Think we are going to be solid in the trenches on both sides of the ball this season.
 
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CoolBreeze

CoolBreeze

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Tidelines said:
Excited about some of the new LBs. Marshall sounds like he is going to help a lot.
Click to expand...
Heck yes, that group looks excellent with some true frosh on campus to push the envelop. Qua Russaw is one to keep an eye on...kid actually ran track in HS.
bleacherreport.com

Examining Qua Russaw's Impact on Alabama's 2023 Season Depth Chart

One of the top pass-rushers in the 2023 recruiting class has picked his school. Jaquavious "Qua" Russaw, a 5-star edge-rusher from Carver High School in...
bleacherreport.com bleacherreport.com
 
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teamplayer

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The defensive line just needs a couple of guys to step up a bit. I think we are solid at every position on this defensive unit for the 1st team, and we are solid at some positions through the third team. We just need a few guys to step up and be solid backups here and there. Of course, if we have a few guys who really improve and become stars, it will certainly help. This defense could be really good, and if we go back to a more physical style where we control the clock a bit more, they should be rested and ready to wreak havoc on every play. Make 'em quit! Roll Tide!
 
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Windsortide

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CoolBreeze said:
Heck yes, that group looks excellent with some true frosh on campus to push the envelop. Qua Russaw is one to keep an eye on...kid actually ran track in HS.
bleacherreport.com

Examining Qua Russaw's Impact on Alabama's 2023 Season Depth Chart

One of the top pass-rushers in the 2023 recruiting class has picked his school. Jaquavious "Qua" Russaw, a 5-star edge-rusher from Carver High School in...
bleacherreport.com bleacherreport.com
Click to expand...
Had a good A day would love to see 4 edge guys able to play winning football.
 
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Windsortide

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With the buzz around Arnold and Downs with the veteran additions the secondary could be the best it’s been in quite sometime. I also am looking forward to depth at the LB position
 
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CoolBreeze

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teamplayer said:
The defensive line just needs a couple of guys to step up a bit. I think we are solid at every position on this defensive unit for the 1st team, and we are solid at some positions through the third team. We just need a few guys to step up and be solid backups here and there. Of course, if we have a few guys who really improve and become stars, it will certainly help. This defense could be really good, and if we go back to a more physical style where we control the clock a bit more, they should be rested and ready to wreak havoc on every play. Make 'em quit! Roll Tide!
Click to expand...
i am curious to see how the D Line under Steele's tutelage is going to perform. I mean, coach is a fiery guy. A veteran leader coordinating the defense like him should raise the level of play for everyone in the rotation. Maybe that is the light switch that dudes like Latham, Goodwine and crew need to ramp up trench warfare for the good guys.
 
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CoolBreeze

CoolBreeze

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Windsortide said:
With the buzz around Arnold and Downs with the veteran additions the secondary could be the best it’s been in quite sometime. I also am looking forward to depth at the LB position
Click to expand...
Agreed. It is especially exciting when that buzz is coming from your peers.
tdalabamamag.com

Alabama players explain why freshman DB Caleb Downs is special

The University of Alabama had three student-athletes with head coach Nick Saban at SEC Media Days. On Wednesday, JC Latham, Dallas Turner, and Kool-Aid McKinstry had a message for reporters at the Grant Hyatt Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Turner and McKinstry — both defensive leaders for the Crimson...
tdalabamamag.com tdalabamamag.com
 
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STONECOLDSABAN

STONECOLDSABAN

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CoolBreeze

CoolBreeze

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Here is a little ditty from just a few weeks ago:
rolltidewire.usatoday.com

Projecting Alabama football's starting defense entering fall camp 2023

August has arrived and that means the start of the college football season is just around the corner. It also means that Nick Saban and the Alabama football team will begin fall camp in just a few days. With fall camp just around the corner, now is a good time to preview…
rolltidewire.usatoday.com
 
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