2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Position Preview: Defensive Line.
Among the most impactful hires made by Kalen DeBoer as part of his staff at Alabama was that of Kane Wommack. Wommack left his post as the head coach at South Alabama to become the Crimson Tide’s new defensive coordinator, and that newness is not in name only. Not only is Wommack the third defensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa in as many seasons, but he is also instituting a new defensive philosophy.
Wommack’s unique 4-2-5 scheme, dubbed the “Swarm” defense, was a staple of his tenure in Mobile. It represents a dramatic shift from the defensive formations of the Nick Saban era, wherein there was much positional innovation from a 3-4 base. As far as the defensive line is concerned, that means the introduction of the “Bandit”: a defensive end who can play different styles but also force the issue at the line of scrimmage (for example, an edge rusher who sets up akin to a lineman).
As a whole, the position group provides both depth and experience on the defensive side of the football. That’s despite the loss of notable names to the transfer portal and professional ranks, including Justin Eboigbe, who is now with the Los Angeles Chargers after a seven-sack, All-SEC season in 2023.
Among this season’s leaders on the defensive front include Tim Keenan III and Tim Smith. Keenan was among the biggest defensive contributors in 2023, starting at nose tackle last fall following a 2022 season in which he appeared in just two games. Smith has played in double-digit contests in each of his four seasons entering his graduate year. Of the newcomers, Texas A&M transfer LT Overton figures to make some of the most impact.
Projected Depth Chart
2024 Alabama Defensive Tackles:
1. Tim Keenan III
Alabama defensive lineman applies pressure during a game
Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) pressures Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Mississippi 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
One of the breakout players on Alabama’s 2023 team, Keenan found success on the defensive interior after dropping weight and recorded 38 tackles to go with his first career sack. He elected to stay in Tuscaloosa, and going into his redshirt junior season, is set to be one of the leaders on his side of the ball.
2. Tim Smith
Alabama football defenders in a game against Kentucky
Nov 11, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Kentucky Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports / Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
The other Tim on the Crimson Tide’s defensive line has some of the most experience on the entire team, having played in a double-digit number of contests every season since his 2020 arrival. He had a pair of sacks in 2023, good for second on the defensive line behind Eboigbe, and tallied nine tackles last September against USF.
3. LT Overton
Texas A&M defender watches a play unfold
Sep 2, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman LT Overton (18) watches the ball during the third quarter against New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Overton, a former five-star and Under Armour All-American in 2022, arrived at Alabama with two seasons’ worth of SEC experience on his ledger acquired at Texas A&M. He posted 31 tackles during his freshman campaign and is right in the mix to stake his claim at the new Bandit spot.
4. Damon Payne Jr.
Alabama defenders during the Rose Bowl
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. (44) and linebacker Deontae Lawson (32) reacts after a play in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
This redshirt junior has a lot of games under his belt but is in line to gain even more experience in the 2024 season. A potential breakout candidate, much as Keenan was in 2023, he’s seen time on a rotational basis and logged a tackle in the Rose Bowl.
5. Jeheim Oatis
Alabama player pressures LSU quarterback
Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Miles Frazier (70) grabs a handful of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis (91) jersey as Oatis pressures LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Oatis is one of the key returners to the defensive line for the upcoming season. He started three games last fall and only missed one, not playing against USF due to an injury. Nevertheless, his productive 2023 season saw 26 tackles and recognition on the Outland Trophy watchlist. He had four tackles in Alabama’s game against eventual fellow College Football Playoff semifinalist Texas.
