Who Will Step Up in Latham’s Absence for Alabama?

Alabama linebacker Jah-Marien Latham suffered a neck injury during Tuesday's preparation for Alabama's matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs and will not play this week, according to the SEC availability report.

Get our free mobile app

Latham got the start for the Crimson Tide in Alabama's 31-17 loss to Florida State in week one, but was banged up and missed the next two matchups. The neck injury he suffered on Tuesday will keep him out of game action for at least this week against the Bulldogs.

Behind him, Alabama has rotated significantly this season, and those players will be asked to carry an increased workload with Latham's absence now. Who are the next men up for the Crimson Tide?

Qua Russaw - Redshirt Sophomore

Russaw, a 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore from Montgomery, Alabama, started both victories over ULM and Wisconsin in weeks two and three after starting six games for the Crimson Tide in 2024. Last season, Russaw totaled 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two quarterback hurries, one sack, and one forced fumble. So far in 2025, Russaw has totaled four tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack.

Yhonzae Pierre - Redshirt Sophomore

Pierre, a 6-foot-3 redshirt sophomore from Eufaula, Alabama, has consistently been in Alabama Wolf rotation as a defender of the last two seasons. In 2024, he totaled six tackles, two pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, and 0.5 tackles for loss. He appeared in 11 games for the Crimson Tide a season ago and has already appeared in all three games for Alabama so far this season.

Through the first three games of 2025, Pierre has accumulated seven tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and three quarterback hurries.

Kalen DeBoer mentioned Pierre and Russaw specifically when asked about who will step up in the wolf linebacker room during Wednesday's coaches call.

"Those guys are heavily involved already," DeBoer said. "Just being on the football field, the number of reps become more clear to them. They always practice hard, expect that to continue to be the case. Just gotta continue to make sure we build that depth - and not just that room - but all the spots that Jah-Marien plays. It's unfortunate, but it's an opportunity for these guys to step up and continue to improve themselves and our football team."

Alabama will take on Georgia this Saturday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. CT.

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_.