When Alabama’s offense has had trouble holding up in camp, Ryan Grubb has usually seen the same kind of problems: a defense that keeps finding ways to get home.
The Crimson Tide opened fall camp last week, and the early emphasis has been on improving run blocking. But Grubb made it clear that pass protection matters just as much, especially with Alabama working through inexperienced quarterbacks. Two defenders have stood out most in creating that pressure: Southern Cal transfer Devan Thompkins and returning edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre.
“DT's been phenomenal as a player. He played out on the edge, he'll play in the B-gap on you.
He's a really tough player, and versatile,” Grubb said. “Yhonzae, I think the world of him.
I think early in camp, I've seen Yhonzae take it to another level.”
Pierre’s production last season already gave Alabama a clear sense of what he can do. He finished with eight sacks, and seven of those came against some of the Crimson Tide’s toughest competition.
He is expected to rank among the SEC’s top pass rushers this season. Thompkins, meanwhile, brings a more athletic presence inside and is likely to stay on the field on third downs.
Grubb also pointed to a pair of veteran defensive backs who have made life difficult for the offense as blitzers.
“Red Morgan, I think is fantastic off the edge as a nickel. He's one of the most slippery guys I've seen out there, and obviously (Bray) Hubbard, when he pressures, he's really tough to block as well,” Grubb added.
Alabama opens the season Sept. 5 at home against East Carolina.
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