James Smith injury update: Kane Wommack reveals latest on Alabama DL

Alabama defensive lineman James Smith was back at practice Tuesday after previously missing time due to an undisclosed injury. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack offered an update Wednesday on how Smith looked in his first time back on the field.

“James is doing a really nice job,” Wommack said. “Was dinged up there for a couple of days and has come back nicely. Has kind of hit all the markers he needed to hit. We got him back out on the field the other day and he looked fresh. Fresh legs.”

James Smith is expected to be a key piece on the defensive line for Alabama this season. The former five-star recruit is getting ready to enter his third season in Tuscaloosa, primed for a breakout year in a potentially expanded role.

In addition to the injury update, Wommack also had a glowing review of Smith’s game overall. He believes the lineman will be a disruptive force in causing chaos for opposing offenses.

“He’s such a havoc-style player,” Wommack said. “He can create and generate a lot of havoc in the backfield, which is something I’m excited about in how we’re gonna utilize him in that role.”

This past season, Smith 20 tackles, five QB hurries and two passes defended in 13 games. But with more reps expected, he could surpass those numbers this season.

The Crimson Tide will certainly be counting on him to help hold up their reputation as one of the top defenses in the SEC. Based on the recent injury news, he should be ready to go for the season opener against Florida State on Aug. 30 in Tallahassee.

Kane Wommack impressed with Alabama interior defensive line

Overall, Wommack believes he should have a strong group of defensive linemen on the inside heading into next season. In addition to Smith, Wommack also highlighted players such as Tim Keenan and Zabien Brown as being players who should contribute there.

“Obviously having TK back for another year’s huge,” the defensive coordinator said. “Not just physically and who he is as a football player, but the accountability he has in that room for a bunch of other younger players. I think he does a great job of holding that room accountable, of pushing the standard in that room. (Jeremiah) Beaman is a great example of a guy who grew up fast. Where he was a year ago as a true freshman at the beginning of the season to the role that he played for us in the bowl game, and played it well, to where he was in the spring time, to now, this dude has made great strides.

“…I think Freddie and Jamie Mosley, I think those guys are doing a great job of pushing that group from a physicality standpoint. These are the dog days of fall camp where you kind of got to push through. Big guys, they have to be pushed now. They don’t naturally want to run around the field for 60 snaps, or whatever it may be including individual. Like the direction of the group, but certainly their maturity and development is going to be a huge indicator to our success.”