The Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense has been the program’s cornerstone for quite some time, but now, under head coach Kalen DeBoer and DC Kane Wommack, the unit has slipped a little.
While Wommack remains excited about his returners, his veterans, and potential breakout stars, there is no denying that there are questions about the unit’s depth heading into next season. But who will be an X-factor for ‘Bama in 2025?
Edric Hill Might Be The Underdog Story Alabama’s Defense Needs
Defensive lineman Edric Hill has not exactly been a name spoken about when it comes to Alabama’s defense. Clint Lamb, an Alabama football analyst, however, has brought up the name on the “Cover Crimson” podcast and spoken about him at length.
Hill, after all, is a former four-star recruit. During the 2024 season, Hill played nine games. While there were no monster stats, he made three impactful tackles across the season.
In 2025, the world will see a bulked-up Hill, who now weighs 282 pounds and might bring a disruptive presence to the interior.
As Clint Lamb puts it, “He’s a very disruptive, penetrative type of interior defensive lineman.”
Undoubtedly, that is exactly what Alabama’s defensive line needs. The Crimson Tide has edge rushers like LT Overton, Jordan Renaud, and Keon Keeley, who can bring the pressure. Hill, who is an interior force, could be the missing piece in Wommack’s plan.
Additionally, Hill can create chaos on passing downs.
“If I had to guess, I’d say his biggest step forward is going to be as an interior pass rusher,” Lamb said.
As of now, the Crimson Tide needs more sacks and more tackles-for-loss. And Hill might just be the person who can make that happen.
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However, analysts like Lamb are not the only ones who have noticed Hill. Wommack and Tim Keenan III have both mentioned Hill when discussing the team’s defensive potential, and that is definitely not an accident.
Having a defensive front on third-and-long with Overton on one side, a speed rusher like Yonze Pierre or Kway Russo on the other, and Hill disrupting things in the middle. Now, that is the kind of defensive line that can absolutely wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Many questions about Alabama’s defensive line remain unanswered. One thing is certain, though: Edric Hill is definitely on everybody’s radar.
If he keeps trending upward, he just might turn into the most important part of Alabama’s defense in 2025.
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