Alabama’s interior defensive line is what Nick Saban wants to improve in spring practice.
The Crimson Tide did not have a consistent pass rush inside after Phidarian Mathis in 2021.
Mathis led all linemen in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (nine), but he’s headed to the NFL Draft. Alabama returns DJ Dale and Byron Young, but both combined for four sacks (two apiece) last season. Young posted 9.5 tackles for loss while Dale had four stops for loss. Jamil Burroughs, Jah-Marien Latham, Braylen Ingraham, Tim Smith, Damon Payne, Tim Kennan III, and Anquin Barnes all return with experience in the system.