Who is Alabama's Second Best pass Rusher?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It's obvious who Alabama's primary pass rusher is, as fourth-year linebacker Yhonzae Pierre returned to the Crimson Tide after leading the team in sacks last season with 8.0.

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Behind Yhonzae Pierre, though, it's much murkier; the Tide's next highest returner in sacks is Bray Hubbard with two. Alabama will need pass rush production from someone other than Pierre if the Tide hopes to affect the quarterback at a high clip this season, and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack mentioned three newcomers as players who can step up in that position for the Tide.

"I think we've got a number of guys that I'm excited about. You know, obviously, Yhonzae is kind of the most experienced guy in the room, and I think he's taking his game to another level, so I'm excited to see that in real time on game day," Wommack said.

"But I think Devan Thompkins does a really good job. I think Desmond Zulu brings a lot to the table there. Excited about a young guy in Xavier Griffin and what he brings to the table, similar to, we used Jihaad in a number of different ways, and I think he kind of has that similar skill set in outside linebacker background with being able to play the inside linebacker position as well. And thenthere's a couple of guys in Kevonte Henry and Justin Hill that bring different varieties to the table. So, I mean, you kind of got to see who's the hot hand, right? Who's the guy that, when the bullets are flying, are gonna step up? But certainly, if you look at Devan's career, you look at Des Zulu, and, and then, obviously, Yhonzae, those guys are the most experienced to this point."

Devan Thompkins posted three sacks last season at USC, the most in a single season in his career, but played on the interior of USC's defense. For Alabama, he'll likely play most of his snaps on the edge as the Bandit defensive end, lined up on the field side, and kick inside at 3-technique in certain situations.

Desmond Umeozulu spent three seasons at South Carolina behind All-SEC and All-American edge rusher Dylan Stewart, but posted 19 tackles and one sack in his final season with the Gamecocks. Umeozulu may not unseat Pierre at wolf linebacker, but the 6-foot-6, 253-pound edge can provide valuable reps when Pierre comes off the field.

Xavier Griffin could be a chess piece for the Crimson Tide defense, used in a similar format as Jihaad Campbell a couple of seasons ago. Griffin has a background as an edge rusher as a five-star from Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Georgia, posting 96 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hurries, and four sacks.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Thursday, August 27, for the 18th practice of fall camp 2026. Alabama is scheduled to open the 2026 season at home against East Carolina on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

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_.