Alabama Football could give up on Peter Woods but it won’t
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football will not stop recruiting 5-Star defensive lineman, Peter Woods – and it shouldn’t. But it could move on from Peter Woods and the 2023 Crimson Tide defensive line would be just fine. Talented depth needs to be added in every recruiting cycle, but good options are still available.
No Peter Woods means the Crimson Tide needs to land at least three other d-line recruits who can become future starters. The most important one is 5-Star, James Smith. In addition, at least two more with considerable potential must be added.
One many Alabama fans are familiar with is 4-Star, Kelby Collins, who like Smith is an in-state product. Some Alabama football insiders believe, having even more potential, is 4-Star, Jordan Renaud. Renaud is a tough pull from the state of Texas with the Longhorns, Baylor, Oklahoma, LSU and Arkansas providing stiff competition, but Alabama may be Renaud’s quiet leader. Other options are 4-Stars Edric Hill and Reuben Bain, along with JUCO, Elijah Davis.
Another name rumored to be a flip target is Notre Dame commit, Keon Keely. Keely is more edge rusher than run-stopper, but he has the frame to add some weight and play defensive end.
James Smith keeps quiet about his recruiting thoughts, but he is a higher-ranked 5-Star than Woods. He is the No. 13 player overall based on the 247Sports Composite and the No. 6 player overall in the On3 Consensus.
Alabama Football returning D-Line for 2023
The Crimson Tide could return 10 of its current defensive linemen for the 2023 season. Jamil Burroughs who would be a senior and Tim Smith who would be a redshirt senior could opt for the NFL. But one or both could return to better their later NFL Draft chances.
Though Braylen Ingraham (fifth Tide season in 2023) and Jah-Marien Latham (fourth season) could try the NFL, both would be wise to return.
Current Alabama defensive linemen who could become stars in 2023 are Tim Keenan III, Monkell Goodwine, Damon Payne and Jaheim Oatis. Payne was a 5-Star in the 2021 class and ranked as the No. 27 player overall. Oatis, who needed some body shaping, has drawn rave reviews since being in Tuscaloosa. Both Payne and Oatis have the potential to become a couple of Nick Saban’s best defensive linemen.
In addition, depth could be provided in 2023 by Khurtiss Perry and Anquin Barnes.
Will some in the group of ten transfer out? If any make that decision, Nick Saban will have Portal options to bring in even better players.
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Bottom line – Alabama Football wants to land Peter Woods. But the Tide will be fine if he sticks with Clemson. Best of luck to him whatever happens.