Kane Wommack said these young pass-rushers are making huge progress in Alabama camp: Qua Russaw is expected to be Alabama football’s top contributor at the edge-rusher position Kane Wommack calls the “wolf.” However, he won’t be the only player ready to chip in at that position, and some of the next men up have impressed Wommack so far through camp.
Noah Carter, who redshirted his true freshman season last year for the Crimson Tide, has caught Wommack’s eye early in camp. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder has added size and strength in the offseason and is now showing flashes of the explosiveness and discipline needed to contribute on Saturdays. “He’s really starting to come into his own,” Wommack said. “You can tell he’s been studying the system. He’s playing faster, more confident, and we’re excited about his upside.”
Another name Wommack mentioned is Keon Keeley — the former five-star prospect and one of the most hyped recruits in Alabama’s 2023 class. Keeley has been steadily climbing the depth chart, showing a mix of raw athleticism and natural pass-rushing instincts. “Keon has all the tools,” Wommack said. “It’s about refining his technique and consistency, but his motor and physical gifts are undeniable.”
The coaching staff is also high on sophomore Yhonzae Pierre, who’s been rotating in with the second unit. While Pierre still needs more polish, he’s shown a knack for getting into the backfield and disrupting plays.
With a new-look defense under Wommack, Alabama’s edge group is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most aggressive in recent memory. While Russaw may be the face of the unit, the collective effort of young, hungry talents like Carter, Keeley, and Pierre ensures the Tide will have no shortage of pressure coming off the edge.
“Competition brings out the best in everyone,” Wommack added. “And right now, that room is competing every single rep.”
