Who's next? Here’s how Alabama football’s defensive ends shape up heading into fall camp

With Justin Eboigbe, Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell off to the NFL, Alabama football is now in need of some speed off the edge.

Under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and his "Swarm" 4-2-5 defensive scheme, the Crimson Tide 's edge rushing position is now made up of what Wommack calls his Bandit and Wolf. The Bandit is a defensive end but one generally the edge on the weak side, while the Wolf is more of an outside linebacker lined up opposite of the Bandit. The Bandit will have his hand in the dirt like a traditional lineman, while the Wolf has the ability to perform outside of the line of scrimmage.

Under coach Nick Saban, Alabama's defense had a 3-4 base and used its Sam and Jack linebackers as edge rushers. While the terminology differs this year, think Justin Eboigbe as the Bandit with Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner as Wolfs.

Despite the staff turnover through the coaching change, defensive line coach Freddie Roach remained, further helping the Crimson Tide players in the transition.

Here is how Alabama’s defensive end room looks heading into fall camp. Every scholarship player and any notable walk-on is mentioned:

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The options for Alabama football at defensive end

Projected starter: Jah-Marien Latham, r-sr. (Bandit) , Quandarrius Robinson (Wolf)

Reserves: LT Overton, jr;, Keon Keeley, r-fr., Jordan Renaud, r-fr.; Noah Carter, fr.; Jayshawn Ross, fr.; Keanu Koht, r-jr.; Yhonzae Pierre r-fr.; Qua Russaw r-fr.

It will likely be Latham, Overton, Keeley and Renaud in the Bandit position with Robinson, Carter, Ross, Koht, Pierre and Russaw in the Wolf.

Latham is redshirt senior, so he's a veteran guy with some in-game experience. Latham saw time in all 14 of Alabama's games in 2023 and recorded eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and one pass breakup.

Overton originally hails from Milton, Georgia but spent the last two seasons at Texas A&M. With the Aggies , Overton played in 23 games and recorded 48 total tackles, three for loss, along with one sack. He was the first player Alabama gained in the transfer portal for the 2024 cycle.

Keeley did not see any time on the field in 2023 but came to Alabama as a five-star prospect out of Berkley Prep in Tampa, Florida. Renaud saw time in two games for Alabama in 2023, totaling four tackles, including half a tackle for loss.

Robinson saw time in all 14 of Alabama's games in 2023 and totaled 24 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries while also contributing a fumble recovery on special teams.

Carter and Ross both come to Alabama as true freshman while Pierre and Russaw did not see any action in 2023. Koht, a redshirt junior, struggled with injuries his first two seasons at UA, but was able to get onto the field last fall where he totaled four tackles,1.5 for loss, in three games.

The upside

It will be a new system for Alabama players, but one that they have been praising.

When speaking to the media during spring practice, Latham said the bandit position is essentially what's he used to doing, just with more freedom.

"I still do the same thing, I still play the same position, but it's like now I have more freedom," Latham said. "I have more freedom to showcase that I got speed off the edge, I got power off the edge, I can win inside, I can drop into coverage. It's just allowing me to show everything that I have in the bag."

Further helping himself prepare for his new role, the 6-foot-3 Latham revealed he dropped about 10-pounds in the offseason, with his weight being listed as 275-pounds on the UA websit e.

One question or concern

As this is a new defensive scheme for Alabama and one the players are not used to, it will be interesting to see its transition onto the field.

However, with spring and fall camps under their belt by Aug. 31 when Alabama hosts Western Kentucky, Alabama players will have had plenty of time to practice in their new role and within the new defensive scheme.

Latham spoke in March regarding the new system, giving Praise to Wommack and his Swarm defense.

"I really love this new system," Latham said . "It gives everybody on the defense a chance to really showcase their talent, especially on the defensive line. We have more freedom to rush now. It really gives us an ability to show what type of athlete we really are."

Breakout candidate

Latham expanded his role on Alabama's defense last season and now has the opportunity to do even more this season.

Latham is a redshirt senior who served as a backup last season, expect him to be undoubtedly ready for the opportunity.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Who's next? Here’s how Alabama football’s defensive ends shape up heading into fall camp