TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — For nearly two decades the Nick Saban straw hat was the symbol that stood out at Alabama practices. Now that’s gone. New coach Kalen DeBoer doesn’t have a distinguishing item of clothing, opting for a t-shirt, shorts and a standard Alabama ballcap, but one coach has garnered attention for his attire: defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s full sweatsuit. Yes, a full sweatsuit in near 90-degree weather.
“It just shows how crazy that man is,” outside linebacker Quandarrius Robinson said.
Here at practice for Day ✌🏻 of fall camp for #Alabama
A “chilly” 97 degrees outside… Coach Kane Wommack rocking the full sweatsuit
Coach DeBoer in a t-shirt and shorts lol
More tonight on @CBS_42 pic.twitter.com/DqLOaVUqqM
— Arielle Schafer (@arielle_schafer) August 1, 2024
Wommack said Thursday it’s something he’s done over the last three years as South Alabama’s head coach. He added that he lost about seven pounds during Wednesday’s practice alone. Hydration is as important for him as the players while the Tide defense works on the second installation of the new “SwarmD.” The adjustment affected even the most experienced players, like safety Malachi Moore, who noted some frustration in the spring because he didn’t know the new system as well as Saban’s.
“Coach Saban’s system I was in for four years so I knew all of the nuances and checks,” Moore said. “Coach Wommack’s system was something to get adjusted to, but after the spring and physical reps I could see what I did wrong, I’m starting to know it like Saban’s defense.”
Moore’s position in Alabama’s defense, rover or strong safety, is solidified, as are several others. But there are a few positions of interest that will affect the starting lineup or playing time. After two practices, and the compounded interest from summer, a few players are beginning to grasp Wommack’s defense and make a move in the coaches’ eyes.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
“I didn’t think we started particularly well on defense (in the spring),” Wommack said. “Then we started to hit our stride. We’ve really encouraged our guys to start playing not on their heels but be the aggressor early and that means playing with some instincts. I think we’re seeing that.”
Outside linebackers (Wolves) working with position coach Christian Robinson.
Quandarrius Robinson (34) was very vocal throughout the viewing period, offering extra coaching especially to younger players. pic.twitter.com/CXoOZKqgH8
— Kennington Lloyd Smith III (@SkinnyKenny_) August 1, 2024
Wommack’s defense is predicated on quarterback pressure, which leads to turnovers. His unit at South Alabama ranked 14th nationally in pressure rate (38 percent, according to TruMedia) and 26th in takeaways (22). In that vein, the outside linebacker competition is one of the highest profile in fall camp. Through two days, Robinson continues to lead the group in drills followed by Keanu Koht, Qua Russaw, Yhonzae Pierre and true freshmen Noah Carter and Jayshawn Ross.
“I’ve seen a lot out of that Wolf (outside backer) room right now,” Wommack said. “I think Keanu Koht, Qua Russaw and Quandarrius Robinson are doing some great things. Then you have some younger guys like Yhonzae Pierre that are starting to step up.”
Russaw’s emergence is an interesting early development. Robinson and Koht are expected fixtures in the competition but Russaw has put himself in a position to compete for snaps.
“I’ve told him it’s his time to be a part of what we’re doing and get out in front,” outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson said. “I’m excited to see him do it at a high level this fall.”
Elsewhere at linebacker, Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell are mainstays inside, but senior Justin Jefferson is starting to solidify himself as the third off-ball linebacker. The junior college transfer played all 28 first-team reps in the spring game in place of an injured Campbell and has carried that momentum into camp. Last season, three Alabama inside linebackers (Lawson, Campbell and Trezmen Marshall) each played at least 350 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Jefferson appears to be one of the biggest stock risers thus far.
“I think Justin Jefferson had an unbelievable spring,” Wommack said. “He’s had an even better summer and really going into fall camp I would say Justin is right there with those other two guys. I think we have three starter-type linebackers from that position.
“It’s kind of one of those classic cases … You get a guy from junior college, that first year (2023) sometimes the learning curve is a little bit challenging, and then all of a sudden, a year later they’re showing tremendous production. And obviously he’s a very gifted athlete.”
In the secondary, the two first-team safety spots plus Husky (slot) are being manned by a trio of veterans in Moore, Keon Sabb and DeVonta Smith. The intrigue exists at cornerback where a slew of newcomers are vying for spots. Wommack noted a few players that are leading early on.
“Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown have been really impressive,” Wommack said. “If you look at Jaylen Mbakwe, he’s probably made the greatest strides over the last six months. I would say all three of those freshmen — (Brown, Mbakwe) and then Zavier Mincey — I think are taking steps in the right direction.”
Extended video of #Alabama DB coach Mo Linguist coaching up the cornerbacks. pic.twitter.com/Y5AatjWWmQ
— Kennington Lloyd Smith III (@SkinnyKenny_) August 1, 2024
Brown has generated significant buzz since spring practice when he assumed the entirety of the first-team reps. A lack of experience at cornerback prompted Alabama to seek players via the portal, but the California native continues to perform beyond his age.
“His eyes are in the right place, he knows how to win the pre-snap,” co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist said. “He’s aligned correctly, he eliminates the clutter before the snap. He’s got really good movements and he’s in the right position to make plays. I do think he has natural talent, but what I love about him is his attitude, his effort and his process.”
Additionally, Wake Forest transfer DaShawn Jones has been working with the first team as well. He has improved his conditioning since arriving and is performing like a player with multiple years of Power 5 experience.
“He has really changed his body,” Wommack said. “You think about seniors and guys that are a little bit further down in their career that may not be able to push quite as far as the development of a freshman. But I thought he’s made tremendous strides in eight weeks in terms of changing the makeup of his body. I think he’s playing really fast right now. He seems to be playing with confidence in the first couple of days.”
(Photo of Kane Wommack: Gary Cosby Jr. / USA Today)
