If you were making a list of impact players on Alabama's defense, you'd probably start with the usual suspects: Yhonzae Pierre, Zabien Brown, and Bray Hubbard at the top. You'd probably name quite a few others before you got to veterans Jah-Marien Latham and Kedrick Bingley-Jones.
They are the two oldest players on the roster. Latham, a seventh-year senior and the last remaining player from the Crimson Tide's last National Championship roster in 2020. Bingley-Jones, a transfer from Mississippi State, is a sixth-year player who has played a ton of snaps at the FBS level.
Both are versatile players capable of wearing many hats. The elder statesmen who have been there, done that. They might not get the accolades of their teammates, but they are both slated to play pivotal roles in Kane Wommack's defense in 2026.
Jah-Marien Latham and Kedrick Bingley-Jones are veteran, versatile chess pieces for Kane Wommack's defense
Wommack spoke about both Latham and Bingley-Jones after Wednesday's practice, offering praise to the seasoned vets and giving a clue about the impact each should have for the Crimson Tide in 2026.
“Zebbo’s (Latham) just, he’s a great football player," Wommack said. "And so he’s kind of always been our Swiss army knife. He can do multiple things for us. I think you guys will see him at our boundary Wolf position at the field, Bandit position. He used to play three technique for us as well in a pinch, and even on some of the third-down pass rush situations, he can do that. Good football players just find their way on the field. And Zebbo is just a really good football player.”
Latham suffered a serious neck injury in practice a year ago that knocked him out for the season and threatened to end his playing career. He's back and healthy, ready to fill whatever role Alabama needs him to. He won't start, but he'll provide quality snaps at multiple spots for the Crimson Tide. He can play both Bandit and Wolf, while shifting into the DT spot on obvious passing downs. AS Wommack noted, he's just a football player. There's a lot you can do with guys like that.
As for Bingley-Jones, he's a guy who received little fanfare when Alabama added him in the portal. He committed on the Sunday that Alabama missed out on Cam Coleman and saw Hollywood Smothers flip his commitment to Texas. That led to some early vitriol from fans, but Bingley-Jones is determined to prove himself. He's set himself up to shine in fall camp, positioning himself as a projected starter up front.
Bingley-Jones' experience and craftiness have stood out to Wommack.
“KBJ is just like he is just, again, like a really good football player," Wommack said. "He’s kind of got that crafty old man to him. You know what I mean? A little bit like he’s seen all the tricks of the trade, right? He knows how to disengage and get off a block. I think that’s the thing. I knew we were going to get a really steady football player, but I’ve been impressed with his ability to get off of blocks and make plays in the backfield. And so, he certainly, from what I saw on tape, has taken his game, you know, and improved upon it.”
Bingley-Jones' addition became even more important following the season-ending injury to Jeremiah Beaman. Bingley-Jones has the positional versatility to get snaps at both the three- and zero-technique spots. He might start at the three-technique, but he'll also get snaps at the zero in relief of Oregon transfer Terrance Green.
Latham and Bingley-Jones may never be household names. But they are extremely important players on the Alabama defense. They provide invaluable experience and versatility and will be difference-makers for Wommack and a Crimson Tide defense that should be among the very best in the country.
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