Alabama Football: Could other freshmen make noise on defense?

Alabama Football fans are well aware that true freshman safety Caleb Downs could be an impact contributor in his first season on campus. Downs was a 5-star recruit and was considered by some pundits to be the best player in the 2023 recruiting class, regardless of position.

So far, it appears he has been as good as advertised. Just over midway through his first spring practice, many fans and media members are already speculating that Caleb Downs could start at safety for Alabama Football from day one. He is expected to be a major contributor in a depleted secondary that is looking to reload.

Downs might not be the only incoming freshman making waves on the defensive side of the ball.

Interior defensive lineman James Smith, a product of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, has also been impactful in spring ball. Smith was a 5-star recruit in his own right, ranked as the top player in the state of Alabama and the second-best defensive lineman in the nation.

Early spring practice returns have given rise to the idea that James Smith could be even better than expected, and could be a factor from day one.

Smith would be joining a defensive line rotation that already features two seniors in Justin Eboigbe and Tim Smith, plus a sophomore in Jaheim Oatis who appears to be a rising star. He will also be competing with players like Jamil Burroughs, Jah-Marien Latham, and Damon Payne who gained quality experience last season.

Linebacker Qua Russaw was a high school teammate of Smith’s, and a 5-star recruit as well. He was considered the fifth-best edge rusher in the class, and could potentially compete for playing time in year one. At 240-plus pounds, he is college ready, and the absence of Dallas Turner this spring could lead to additional reps for the freshman.

While Russaw could get extended opportunities this spring, he may eventually be joined by other freshmen in the edge competition.

Two of Alabama’s top commits in the 2023 cycle were 5-star edge rushers Keon Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre. Both are slated to be summer enrollees, meaning they are missing out on those valuable spring reps. However, both are incredibly talented and could push their way into the rotation by the time fall camp rolls around.

The loaded 2023 recruiting class for Alabama Football featured lots of talent on the defensive side of the ball, and that haul could pay dividends as soon as this season.