Chris Braswell raves about Coleman Hutzler, how Alabama pass rush has improved under him

No. 6 Alabama has one of the best pass rush units in the country, anchored by superstar Will Anderson on the edge but also aided by a key offseason acquisition in the coaching ranks: outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler.

Hutzler arrived at Alabama after spending 2021 at Ole Miss.

“Coach Hutzler, he’s a great coach,” edge defender Chris Braswell said. “He brings a lot of different type of pass-rushing elements and he has a lot of energy. He’s always high on energy and bringing energy to practice, to the game, everything like that.”

The Crimson Tide currently rank No. 15 nationally in sacks, having tallied 23 through the first eight games, just under three per game.

Braswell has certainly been one of the beneficiaries, logging 3.0 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this season while spelling the likes of Anderson and fellow pass-rusher Dallas Turner. Anderson has 12.0 tackles for a loss and 6.0 sacks, while Turner has 5.0 and 2.5, respectively.

Braswell pointed to some of the technique work Hutzler has done that has aided the unit.

“I try to take in from everyone and he’s taught us to finish at the top of the rush, use different moves, be more active with your hands,” Braswell said. “If you get to the level of the quarterback throw by or hand swipe or turn your speed into power. Simply just like I said, bending the edge and just mixing up moves and stances what not to keep your pass-rushing fresh.

“He’s done a great, great job with us and I appreciate it.”

Alabama pass rush looking for next gear

The Alabama pass rush is going to have a chance to put up big numbers after this week’s bye, set to take on No. 18 LSU in Baton Rouge, La., with the top spot in the SEC West on the line.

The Tigers’ offensive line has been banged up all year. And porous.

LSU ranks just No. 120 nationally in sacks allowed, with 26 surrendered so far this season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has somehow settled into a groove of late anyway, so containing him will still be key.

But if the Crimson Tide could actually rattle him, it would go a long way toward winning at night in Death Valley.

Daniels has run for 524 yards and nine touchdowns already this season and he’s coming off his best rushing performance of the season, a 23-carry, 121-yard showing against the Ole Miss Rebels in which he scored three times on the ground.

The LSU quarterback has six rushing touchdowns in the last two games.