The biggest point of emphasis for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama this offseason was to bulk up on both lines of scrimmage. While the offensive line drew the majority of the attention, it was equally important to get bigger, tougher, and meaner on the defensive line.
In late-season losses to Georgia in the SEC Championship and Indiana in the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide was manhandled up front on both sides of the ball.
While the offensive line will still take time to gel together, there's been a lot of positive buzz coming out of Tuscaloosa surrounding the defensive line. DeBoer and Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack have both been complimentary of the additions made on the defensive front via the Transfer Portal and the guys they were able to retain from last season's roster.
It should come as no surprise, then, when discussing potential breakout players for Alabama next season, that one of the transfer defensive linemen's names would come up. In an article written by Brad Crawford of CBS Sports detailing 12 potential breakout candidates in the SEC next season, USC transfer Devan Thompkins earned the designation from Crawford/an unnamed Alabama source.
Alabama believes USC transfer Devan Thompkins has first-round pick potential
From Crawford's article, he quotes an unnamed Alabama source as having said this about Thompkins:
"I could see him playing his way into being a first-round draft pick. He's dependable as a human being. He's a pro. He came here, and he got bigger and stronger, and he's the most disruptive interior three-technique to five-technique guys that I've been around in a long time."
Crawford added some words of his own:
"This USC transfer hopes to fast-track his development during his final collegiate season. Thompkins played in 12 games last fall, totaling 31 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and three sacks," Crawford writes. "He possesses traits Alabama has traditionally valued up front: a quick first step, leverage, and disruptive interior versatility.
Thompkins was highly sought-after in the Transfer Portal, with Kirby Smart and Georgia making a strong push for him alongside Alabama. It was a major win for the Crimson Tide, and he joins Oregon's Terrance Green and Mississippi State's Kedrick Bingley-Jones as experienced players on the defensive line who should make immediate impacts.
That trio joins some talented returners in Tuscaloosa to form what should be a pretty formidable defensive line. That has been the one thing holding Wommack's defense back from being one of the top two or three units in the country.
Alabama has the most talented secondary in college football, and the linebacker corps should be strong with the addition of Virginia Tech's Caleb Woodson and some talented youngsters hungry for playing time. If Thompkins and the others can help the defensive line take the step forward that DeBoer and Wommack clearly expect in 2026, then Alabama could field the nation's stoutest defense next season, which would take some pressure off a young offense that could take a few weeks to find its footing.
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