Two of Alabama’s top defenders are getting healthy at the right time, which should make a significant difference against Florida State
On Wednesday, Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack provided injury updates on two of the Crimson Tide’s top defenders.
Alabama’s defense needs all hands on deck with it travels to Tallahassee to take on Florida State in the season opener. While the Seminoles are coming off of a 2-10 season, they’re expected to be much improved on offense with Gus Malzahn taking over play-calling duties.
Two guys who would help with that: defensive lineman James Smith and linebacker Deontae Lawson. They’ve been battling their way back from injuries. To be fair, Lawson’s injury occurred late last season, and, for the most part, he’s been back and available throughout fall camp.
Smith was limited in the spring and was also dealing with an undisclosed injury more recently, but Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack spoke to the media on Wednesday and provided an encouraging update regarding his starting defensive tackle.
“James is doing a really nice job,” Wommack told reporters following Alabama’s practice. “Was dinged up there for a couple of days, and has come back nicely, has kind of hit all the markers he needed to hit. We got him back out on the field the other day and he looked fresh, fresh legs.
“He’s such a havoc-style player. He can create and generate a lot of havoc in the backfield, which is something I’m excited about in how we’re gonna utilize him in that role.”
I recently named Smith my top breakout player for Alabama’s defense.
Why? Well, because he’s got all the tools to be a complete game-wrecker, whether that be against the run or as a pass rusher. Plus, his importance to the defensive line is undeniable. Without him being available, the depth starts to get thin, especially if you need a twitched up, disruptive three-tech.
At 6-foot-3, 284 pounds, Edric Hill would likely slide into a starting role next to nose tackle Tim Keenan III, and the only really depth option, or at least an established depth option, would be transfer Kelby Collins. That would create at least some level of concern.
Lawson is the other guy who’s trying to be fully available for Florida State. Wommack seems to think that Alabama is getting a leaner, meaner version of the linebacker that’s more reminiscent of Lawson’s final year under former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
“To me, he looks a little more like the 2023 Deontae Lawson, from a weight standpoint,” Wommack said. “I don’t know if he got too heavy last season, necessarily. He carried a lot of bulk on and moved really well. Obviously from an injury standpoint, he had to come back from that, and his body’s just in a position to where he’s moving really fast.
“He looks good, he’s playing with great anticipation, his level of leadership has taken to another level. He’s playing his best football right now, which is pretty impressive to say 8-9 months coming off a leg injury. Really impressed with him, proud of him.”
Lawson remains the field general of Alabama’s defense. He’s the clear-cut leader. Don’t get me wrong, there are two other veteran options in that off-ball linebacker room in Justin Jefferson and Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green, but Lawson brings multiple years of starting experience at Alabama. He’s got a different level of respect in that locker room.
