Alabama takes the field tomorrow morning for its first practice of fall camp. From there, it’s only a month until the Crimson Tide kick off their 2025 season against Florida State in the season opener. We’re also getting closer to finishing up our summer roster rankings, so let’s get to it.

Previous roster rankings: Nos. 74-78, Nos. 70-73, Nos. 66-69; Nos. 62-65; Nos. 58-61; Nos. 54-57; Nos. 50-53; Nos. 46-49; Nos. 42-45; Nos. 38-41; Nos. 34-37; Nos. 30-33; Nos. 26-29; Nos. 22-25; Nos. 18-21; Nos. 15-17; Nos. 12-14; Nos. 9-11

No. 8 – IDL Tim Keenan III

Previous ranking: No. 8 (+0)

Keenan has become an important piece for Alabama’s defense over the last two seasons. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound nose tackle has played 963 snaps while starting 25 of a possible 27 games for the Crimson Tide. Not only that, but he’s also been a fairly effective pass rusher despite being a squatty, powerful interior defensive lineman.

He’s totaled 33 pressures with 3.5 sacks. Granted, he’s not twitchy or explosive off the snap, but he’s a little more disruptive than people realize. Plus, he’s good at collapsing the pocket to complement what guys are giving the defense off the edges. Keenan’s biggest contribution might be his leadership though, as he’s well respected in Alabama’s locker room and isn’t afraid to hold his teammates accountable.

Keenan doesn’t have the type of skillset that’s going to garner Day 1 attention in next year’s draft. He’s an elite run defender while be a somewhat effective rusher on the college level, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was viewed exclusively as an early-down defensive lineman on the next level. That role still holds value though, to a point where I can even see him becoming a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection.

Projected role in 2025: Starting NT

No. 7 – WR Germie Bernard

Previous ranking: No. 7 (-1)

Bernard was easily Alabama’s most consistent pass-catcher last season. Yes, Ryan Williams was the most dynamic and the most exciting, but the Washington transfer brought a toughness and reliability that quarterbacks love. He set career-highs in snaps (732), targets (73), catches (50) and receiving yards (794), but he only tied his career high in receiving touchdowns with two.

That final stat is really the only number of concern. The rising senior is 6-1, 204 pounds and brings running back-like physicality after the catch, so it was somewhat surprising to see him not find the end zone more than three times (one rushing score). Over his first three seasons, he’s only totaled six touchdowns through the air. For comparison, Williams scored seven within his first seven games. I’m guessing that number will increase with more opportunities in the passing game.

Some have Bernard as a potential Day 1 draft pick. I’m not quite willing to go that far yet, but I can easily see him eventually being a Day 2 option who would have starting potential. You won’t find many players who bring his combination of strength, body control, contact balance and after-catch vision. Plus, he’s got great hands. Last year, he spent exactly 50% of his time in the slot while playing 48.4% out wide. He also saw close to double-digit snaps in the backfield, showing off his versatility.

Bernard will likely be Alabama’s starting slot receiver in 2025, but I’d expect him to continue to get moved around and used on various motions, jets and other creative ways that allow him to make an impact.

Projected role in 2025: Starting H-WR

No. 6 – DB Bray Hubbard

Previous ranking: No. 5 (-1)

I did a full breakdown of Hubbard, which you can find here.

Projected role in 2025: Starting S