Alabama’s production at Wolf has to start matching the talent if the defense wants to take the next step
Alabama’s got talent at Wolf, but the production has to start matching that talent.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When it comes to high school recruiting rankings, there aren’t many positions on Alabama’s roster more talented than the Wolf linebackers. Out of the five players that make up that room, four of them are former top-100 recruits with two of the four once being five-star guys in Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre.
Not only that, but there’s some experience here too.
Yes, most of Jah-Marien Latham’s career snaps have come as a defensive lineman, whether it be a defensive end, interior player or, most recently, a Bandit in Kane Wommack’s system. Now, he’s made the permanent move to Wolf after sliding over the position late last season. But while he hasn’t spent a ton of time at Wolf, he’s played over 800 snaps with 11 starts.
You’ve also got Russaw and Pierre, who were a part of the same recruiting class in 2023. Pierre’s experience is limited, but he did get some meaningful action last year en route to 92 snaps on defense. Russaw was Alabama’s starter at the position in 2024, so while injury limited him to just 403 snaps and six starts, he’s got experience as well.
So far, the Wolf room has left a favorable impression on Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“Their competitiveness, guys that all want to make sure they’re on the football field. I trust them all. I really do,” DeBoer told reporters after Alabama’s fourth preseason practice on Sunday. “A lot of just high energy, high effort, they focus on playing at a high level. Great character, great personalities. A lot like what I would say in the quarterback room. They all push each other in a healthy way.”
The main three are Russaw, Latham and then probably Pierre, but Noah Carter and freshman Justin Hill are both intriguing depth pieces too. Their presence provides defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and company with a handful of versatile options who can do a lot of different things for Alabama’s defense.
“There’s some playmakers there,” DeBoer said. “They always do their job, first and foremost, as part of the defensive concept, whatever is called. I like the way they’re getting to the quarterback and really pressing those edges. They’re versatile enough that they can do a lot of other things too, where you put them in spots every once in a while in coverage.”
Hill is a player I like a lot. Outside of Russaw, the true freshman might be the Wolf I’m most excited about. That doesn’t automatically mean that he’ll make Alabama’s rotation in his first season, but his overall skillset is really intriguing. Obviously, there’s some explosiveness as a pass rusher, but it’s his ability to set the edge against the run and be comfortable sliding off the ball that makes him an ideal Wolf.
Don’t forget about Carter though. This guy is also a former top-100 recruit who the coaches were clearly high on when he flipped his commitment from Washington late in the recruiting process. DeBoer was actually asked about the Peoria (Ari.) native following Sunday’s practice and how he has grown since arriving at Alabama.
“I think, first starts with him and his maturity. It’s not like he was immature. That’s not the case. I’m talking about every way, everything he does in terms of going about his business, preparation for practice,” DeBoer said. “When he’s out there, it’s about every play, giving everything he’s got, but learning from both what he’s doing, and now absorbing and learning from others. That’s what mature guys do.
“I just love the way he goes out there. There’s a business mentality, a business-like mentality about him. And then just the production too. Physically, he’s just taken those next steps. And you can see it. His production. He’s in the right spot. He’s able to hold his own against matchups when physicality has to take place. He’s worked hard in the offseason to really get his body build up. Ballou and his staff have done a great job. I think Noah’s a guy that absorbed all that, taken all that in and took advantage of it.”
Once again, Alabama is loaded up at Wolf.
With that said, the production hasn’t matched the talent or the hype yet. Russaw and Latham are the only two who have produced a sack in their careers, and they only have 3.5 between them (two in 2024). That must change in 2025. The pieces are there, and the pass rush in particular needs these guys to come on strong. The good news? From the early returns of fall camp, it seems like they’re moving in the right direction. We’ll see how that continues leading up to the season opener against Florida State.
