Two lesser-known Alabama DL that could make 'significant' contributions
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Nick Saban expressed the need for more defensive linemen to step up in the preseason. Alabama welcomed back experienced players like Justin Eboigbe, Jaheim Oatis and Tim Smith, but with some key departures, others are needed to provide depth.
Two players who have seemingly accepted the challenge are redshirt junior Jah-Marien Latham and redshirt sophomore Tim Keenan. Saban has spoken highly of both defenders ahead of the Crimson Tide’s 2023 season, most recently discussing Latham’s progress.
“He’s done a really good job,” Saban said on Monday. “He’s been hurt a little bit on and off since he’s been here. He’s gotten a little bigger, he’s gotten a little stronger. He’s very good athlete. I think he’s more confident in terms of learning the defense, making less mental errors. I think it’s important to him.
“I think he’s showing a lot of maturity in the way he’s developed and progressed, so I think he’s a guy that can make a significant contribution for us up front.”
Latham is the more experienced of the two, having been on campus for four years. In 2022, the Reform, Ala., native saw his role in Alabama’s defensive line rotation expand, playing in 12 contests, as opposed to four in 2021, and recording four tackles and two hurries.
Keenan hasn’t appeared in as many games, only seeing the field in a pair of contests last year, but the third-year defensive lineman received some first-team reps during fall camp. In the final scrimmage of the preseason, Keenan was the first nose guard on the field with the ones and is among the list of standouts for the Tide as it gets set for a new season.
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Of note, Keenan also transformed his body, dropping 28 pounds between Years 2 and 3.
“Tim’s done a really good job,” Saban said last week. “He lost weight. He got in much better shape. He’s moving a lot better. He’s a lot quicker. He’s always had a lot of explosive power. He’s been a really pleasant surprise in this camp. A guy that’s playing like a starter, actually.”
Saban provided encouraging words for Keenan and Latham, but their Alabama teammates have also been impressed by the way the duo has played leading up to the 2023 season.
“Starting with Tim, he’s definitely made a lot of growth, and he’s cut some weight so he’s able to move and in ways I haven’t seen yet,” linebacker Deontae Lawson said Monday. “And Jah-Marien Latham, he’s always been working hard, and I’m just ready to have those guys take on the double teams for me.”
Added linebacker Chris Braswell on Tuesday, “They’ve done a tremendous job. They’ve learned to the playbook. They’re stepping up as leaders on the field. They’re doing all the little things right as Coach always talks about. They’re great guys, and they’re gonna make a great impact this year.”
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