One of the biggest improvements necessary for Alabama's defense to take the next step from really good to truly elite is getting after the quarterback. Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack certainly know that, and they're banking on leaps from players on last season's team to do the trick.
Alabama didn't go to the Transfer Portal this offseason to find anyone else to help rush the passer. They stuck with what they had. Guys like LT Overton at Bandit and Qua Russaw at Wolf LB have the potential to take monster leaps this season, potentially becoming one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in college football.
But those two alone won't be enough. Alabama needs other guys to step up, too. One of those guys who has seemingly made necessary improvements is redshirt sophomore Yhonzae Pierre. Pierre is entering his third year in the program, and while he's not going to start this season, he figures to be a key depth piece for Wommack's defense, one who could be a major factor as a situational pass rusher.
Yhonzae Pierre has had a strong fall camp, according to Kalen DeBoer
Speaking after Saturday's scrimmage about the Alabama pass rush, Kalen DeBoer specifically mentioned Pierre as the first name following the two you would expect in Overton and Russaw.
"Yhonzae over the course of camp, I think, has been consistent," DeBoer said. "You didn’t really get a chance or see him today, really getting home, but he’s around the quarterback."
Pierre was one of the most highly sought-after edge rushers in the 2023 recruiting class. The composite rankings listed him as a Top 75 player in the class and a consensus 4-star prospect. Pierre is from the Eufala area and is a cousin of former Crimson Tide great Courtney Upshaw, who certainly had a knack for wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Pierre took a redshirt in 2023, but played a backup role last season for the Tide, registering six total tackles. He was a key special teams player a year ago, but figures to see an increased role on the defense in 2025.
Pierre is part of a deep crop of Wolf LBs at Wommack's disposal. Russaw is the unquestioned starter and could be one of the biggest breakout players in college football this season. Behind Russaw is probably sixth-year senior Jah-Marien Latham, who gives Alabama a bigger body at the position, particularly against the run.
Pierre likely factors in after that, but Wommack likes to rotate players to keep everyone fresh. He has a chance to get on the field, particularly in sub-packages on third-and-long as an extra pass-rusher, which is where he could do the most damage.
Pierre is having a good camp and seems well on his way to carving out a role on the Alabama defense.