Bama Hammer
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A critical and underrated position battle for Alabama Football

By Zach Breathwaite

Sep 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Quandarrius Robinson (34) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) celebrate after forcing a turnover against the South Florida Bulls in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Quandarrius Robinson (34) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Smith (50) celebrate after forcing a turnover against the South Florida Bulls in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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As was always the case under Nick Saban, Coach Kalen DeBoer will continue to instill a culture of competition in Tuscaloosa. Several position battles are expected to continue into fall camp and maybe even into the season.

Some of the most highlighted competitions include right tackle and cornerback, both very important positions to say the least. Whether or not these spots can ultimately become strengths, or at least be reliable and sufficient, will go a long way towards determining the Tide’s overall success. 

One position battle that hasn’t received as much attention is the Wolf position in Kane Wommack’s defense. While Bama may still trot out two pass rushers on obvious passing downs, this competition is made more critical by the fact that there won’t be two Wolves on the field regularly. 

In the latter years of the Saban era, outside linebacker was arguably the most talented position group on the roster. With 5-star talents like Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Drew Sanders, and more on the roster, Saban liked to have two of these freak athletes on the field at a time. 

The 2024 Wolf room may not have that top-end talent, and it surely doesn’t have as much experience. Still, I view this room as one with a very high floor. Redshirt senior Quandarrius Robinson and redshirt junior Keanu Koht figure to lead the room and should be very solid.

Robinson played with all the aforementioned superstars, and now it’s his turn to take the reins. Koht was impressive in spring practice and has been projected by some to be a breakout candidate this season. 

This duo should make the Wolf position very reliable under Coach Christian Robinson. Several younger players, however, potentially raise the ceiling of the room. Former 5-stars Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre are looming in the shadows and could bring some added pop to the Alabama pass rush. The two redshirt freshmen both hail from the Yellowhammer State and will look to be the next great Crimson Tide edge rushers. Russaw in particular has made a push and could get on the field early this fall.  

This position could ultimately take a committee approach as it has several capable players with different strengths. Look for Q-Rob to be in the lineup to start the season with Koht and Russaw pushing hard throughout the 2024 campaign.

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