As always under Nick Saban, coach Kalen DeBoer will continue to create a competitive culture in Tuscaloosa, and several position battles are expected to continue into fall camp and perhaps even the season.
The key competitions include right tackle and cornerback, both very important positions to say the least. Whether these positions ultimately prove to be strengths, or at least reliable and sufficient, will be a major determinant of the Tide’s overall success.
One position battle that hasn’t received as much attention is the Wolf position in Kane Wommack’s defense. While Bama can still field two pass rushers on obvious passing attempts, this competition is made even more critical by the fact that there won’t be two Wolves on the field on a regular basis.
In the final years of the Saban era, outside linebacker was arguably the most talented position on the roster. With 5-star talents like Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Drew Sanders and others on the roster, Saban liked having two of these exceptional athletes on the field at the same time.
The Wolf room of 2024 may not have this level of top talent and certainly not as much experience. Still, I view this room as one with a very high minimum standard. Redshirt Senior Quandarrius Robinson and Redshirt Junior Keanu Koht Figure that leads the room and should be very solid.
Robinson has played with all of the superstars mentioned above and it’s now his turn to take the reins. Koht has been impressive in spring training and is being tipped by some as a breakout candidate this season.
This duo should make the Wolf position very reliable under coach Christian Robinson. However, several younger players could have the potential to get the most out of the room. Former 5-Stars Via Russaw And Pierre-Yhonzae are lurking in the background and could add a little more momentum to Alabama’s pass rush. The two redshirt freshmen both hail from the Yellowhammer State and are expected to be the Crimson Tide’s next big edge rushers. Russaw in particular has put in the effort and could see an early start in the fall.
This position could ultimately require a committee approach as it has several capable players with varying strengths. Look for Q-Rob to be in the lineup early in the season while Koht and Russaw work hard throughout the 2024 season.
