Where Kalen DeBoer Wants to See Alabama Defense Improve

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama's offense had big performances during the Crimson Tide's A-Day scrimmage, partially due to quarterbacks wearing black non-contact jerseys. However, several Crimson Tide defenders had good days, including defensive lineman Terrance Green, linebacker Justin Hill, and freshman cornerback Jorden Edmonds.

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Alabama's offense still had a big day, though, with the Crimson Tide's quarterbacks combining for 10 scoring drives, including four touchdowns from Keelon Russell. The Tide's defense got good pressure, but obviously was not allowed to hit the quarterback due to the non-contact jerseys. Where does Kalen DeBoer want to see his defense improve after the Tide's third scrimmage of spring practice?

"I think we just have to continue to execute. When we have pressures and things like that, we have gotten a lot better. That was something we kind of slotted that as an area we could improve on from last season," Kalen DeBoer said. "We know the different variations of things that we can do with our defense. There is a lot that we put in. Up front, I think it's continuing to build and grow and see how far those guys can go. We have a pretty good idea with the secondary and what they are capable of. You're always going to work on tackling. You're always going to work on pursuit. The effort stuff has to happen. That has got to be a must. I don't think we have ever really had issues with that. Our guys are accountable to it, so now it's about execution on the blitz pattern. The execution on base stuff. We want Coach Wommack to have everything at his fingertips that he needs to be successful. We are taking those steps daily to do that."

Alabama's defensive front put up a strong performance, with Oregon transfer defensive lineman Terrance Green swatting a pass on the goal line, linebackers Luke Metz and Justin Hill making a handful of plays in the backfield, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. forcing two big plays, including an interception, during Saturday's scrimmage.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.