Recruiting Rundown: Should Defensive Line be a Priority in 2024?

While other positions may be stacked, the defensive line could use a little more depth going forward.

Author:
Mason Smith
Updated:
Feb 24, 2023 2:30 PM EST
Original:
Feb 24, 2023

After the haul that Nick Saban and Co. brought in with the 2023 recruiting class, Alabama football is set at virtually every position over the next couple of years.

Some positions are undoubtedly set for the foreseeable future:

There is a legitimate chance the starting quarterback could be a redshirt freshman.

Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams may split the running back duties, but in the chance that both of them have successful seasons and declare for the draft, Justice Haynes and Richard Young are right behind them. Don't forget about Jam Miller, who may just surprise everyone and have a breakout season.

Chris Braswell is projected to be the full-time successor to Will Anderson at the edge rusher position, but Keon Keeley (who is recovering from surgery), Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre are all true freshmen.

But the defensive line isn't as deep as the other positions, which may push it to be a priority in the 2024 recruiting class.

Let's be clear: there is depth across the defensive line. Tim Smith was a starter last year; Justin Eboigbe is returning from a neck injury that ended his season; Jamil Burroughs and Jah-Marien Latham are still here; and James Smith and Jordan Renaud could be the next true freshmen to make an early impact.

It also wouldn't be a surprise if Jaheim Oatis becomes an All-SEC player.

It's the age factor that makes it a position of concern. Of those seven players, four of them are either redshirt juniors or seniors. And unlike the other positions, there isn't a lot of underclassmen depth besides Damon Payne Jr. and Tim Keenan.

Smith and Renaud may step up in 2024, but when you consider the depth behind them, the defensive line may be a priority during the recruiting cycle.

Tide-bits

It's not often a program can have twins on the roster, but 2024 prospects Jacob and Jerod Smith both hold offers from Alabama
As of today, Alabama has the No. 9 class in 2024 according to 247Sports.
2025 4-star offensive tackle Micah DeBose recently picked up an offer from Alabama

Recruits to Remember

Forward Jesse McCulloch (basketball), 6 feet, 9 inches, 190 pounds, Lutheran East (OH), Class of 2024 - McCulloch just named his top eight schools, and Alabama is among them