Nick Saban assesses depth of Alabama defensive line

As Alabama gets into the heart of the SEC schedule, coach Nick Saban knows he’ll need continued contributions from players further down the depth chart on the Alabama defensive line.

The Tide have some outstanding front-line talent but need to be sure it’s bolstered by capable depth behind it so the entire unit can stay fresh. Not just within games, but across the length of the season.

“I think there’s quite a few guys on the defensive line that have made some contributions and continue to make contributions,” Saban said. “I think we have some really good young players at defensive line.”

Some of those young players standing out are Tim Keenan III, Damon Payne Jr., Keanu Koht and Jeremiah Alexander.

All have contributed in varying amounts so far this season. Statistically, Keenan has been the most productive, with nine tackles and four quarterback hurries. Payne has chipped in three tackles and a half tackle for a loss. Koht has two tackles and a tackle for a loss, while Alexander has one tackle.

Getting each of those players fully up to speed remains a goal for Saban and company.

“We need to get those guys to understand what it takes to play at a high level and get game ready in terms of preparation, how to practice, how to really understand the gameplan, understand what the other team’s trying to do,” Saban said.

It’s one thing to see the veterans do it, it’s another to begin mimicking that play yourself as a youngster. Part of the challenge is that it is an all-week process, not just a Saturday thing.

You don’t show up making plays on Saturday without having prepared the right way throughout the week. That’s the emphasis Saban is placing on the development of the young Alabama defensive line contributors.

“I’m encouraged by the progress that they’ve made, but I think that’s the No. 1 thing the young guys need to be working on and focusing on,” Saban said.

As far as Alabama’s defensive line as a whole goes, the production has been pretty good. The group ranks No. 19 nationally in sacks with 13 through the first four games.

The Alabama defensive line also ranks No. 22 nationally in tackles for a loss, generating 7.25 stops behind the line of scrimmage per game. The Crimson Tide also rank 29th against the run, giving up just 102.5 yards per game.