‘Locking in on Details’: Alabama Defense’s Second Year Under Kane Wommack

When Alabama hired Kane Wommack as defensive coordinator, the Crimson Tide were not merely searching for schematic adjustments or flashy play calls—they were chasing a recalibration of defensive identity. One year into Wommack’s tenure, the results were a mixed bag. There were moments of elite execution and physical dominance, offset by lapses in communication, breakdowns in the secondary, and an occasional softness against the run that belied Alabama’s historic defensive standards. But heading into Year 2, the message from players and coaches is unanimous: the Tide are locking in on the details, and the results are beginning to show.

Wommack, the former head coach at South Alabama and architect of the “Swarm” defense that gave opposing Sun Belt offenses nightmares, came into Tuscaloosa with a clear philosophy—fast, physical, and fundamentally sound football. And while the Crimson Tide boasted the talent to implement his scheme from day one, mastering the nuances of alignment, communication, and execution took time.

Now, after a full offseason immersed in Wommack’s system and mindset, Alabama’s defenders say the difference is night and day.

“We Know What’s Expected Now”

Senior linebacker Deontae Lawson, one of the unquestioned leaders of the defense, said it best during a recent spring availability.

“Last year we were learning everything on the fly,” Lawson said. “This year, we know the standard, we know what Coach Wommack expects from us every snap. It’s not just about doing your job—it’s about doing it with intensity and precision. That’s the Alabama way, and it’s coming back.”

Lawson’s comment echoes what many around the program have said: that Wommack’s system was never about revolutionizing the playbook, but rather refining Alabama’s historic defensive DNA. Under Nick Saban, the Tide were always built around suffocating defense, detailed game planning, and executing at the highest level. Wommack’s job has been to rekindle that fire and teach a generation of players—most of whom were recruited during the offensive evolution of college football—how to dominate with discipline.

Emphasis on Fundamentals and Eye Discipline

One of the most significant changes Wommack implemented in his first season was reemphasizing eye discipline—something former Alabama players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and C.J. Mosley used to obsess over under Saban’s direction.

“There’s been a major shift in how we approach film study and practice,” said sophomore cornerback Jahlil Hurley. “Coach Wommack breaks everything down to the smallest detail. Where your eyes go pre-snap, how you read the quarterback’s shoulders, how you disguise coverage—those little things are winning us reps in practice.”

Wommack’s defense thrives on creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks while maintaining structural integrity on the back end. It’s a delicate balance, one that requires a secondary to operate like a unit with military precision. The players admit that wasn’t always the case last year, especially in key moments.

“We gave up too many big plays because we weren’t on the same page,” Hurley added. “This year, it’s about communication and trust. We’re all speaking the same language now.”

Defensive Line Showing Maturity

Perhaps the most significant growth has come along the defensive line, where Alabama returns a group hungry to reestablish itself as a force in the SEC. Junior defensive tackle Tim Keenan III has taken on a leadership role, both on and off the field.

“Kane Wommack challenges us every day,” Keenan said. “Not just to play hard, but to play smart. We’re learning how to read formations better, anticipate blocks, and recognize play-action before it happens. That’s the detail we were missing last year.”

With Keenan anchoring the middle, Alabama is also seeing promising development from edge rushers like Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw, both of whom flashed during spring practices. Russaw, in particular, has impressed Wommack with his explosiveness and growing comfort within the system.

“Qua’s understanding of leverage, when to bend, when to engage versus redirect—those are things you have to rep out over time,” Wommack said. “Now that he’s not thinking as much, you’re starting to see his natural ability shine.”

Inside the Meeting Rooms

One underrated shift in Year 2 has been the way meetings are run. Wommack has encouraged position coaches to give players more ownership of film sessions, even assigning individual players to lead breakdowns of practice film.

“It forces you to understand the why behind every call,” said safety Malachi Moore, who opted to return for a final season. “If I’m explaining to the room what we did wrong on third-and-6, I better know the coverage responsibilities of the linebacker and the corner. It’s not just about what I did—it’s about what we did.”

That collective accountability is something Wommack has emphasized from day one. He calls it “unit integrity,” a phrase borrowed from his days coordinating Indiana’s top-tier defense in 2020.

“I don’t want 11 guys just doing their own job—I want them knowing each other’s jobs so well that they help each other do them,” Wommack said.

Linebacker Play: Fast and Free

Lawson’s return at inside linebacker gives Alabama both leadership and stability, but the emergence of sophomores Justin Jefferson and Jeremiah Alexander has added much-needed depth. Jefferson, a junior college transfer last year, appears more comfortable calling the defense and has been praised for his speed in coverage.

“Coach Wommack simplified things for me,” Jefferson said. “He’s big on concepts. Once I understood the concept of the defense, I stopped overthinking and started reacting. That’s when I started making plays.”

Alexander, meanwhile, has added weight and refined his tackling angles, making him a potential breakout player this fall.

“Jeremiah’s got the tools,” Wommack said. “Now he’s learning how to play within the framework of the defense instead of just relying on athleticism. That’s when it becomes dangerous for the offense.”

Saban’s Influence Still Present

While Wommack has put his stamp on the defense, players and coaches alike acknowledge that Nick Saban’s influence hasn’t disappeared. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has been intentional about preserving the core values that built the Alabama dynasty—discipline, preparation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Coach DeBoer trusts Coach Wommack to run the defense, but the standards haven’t changed,” Moore said. “It’s still Alabama. The expectations are still championship-level.”

That blend of continuity and fresh perspective is something several players credit for the smooth transition. Instead of wholesale changes, there’s been a sharpening of focus—a return to attention to detail that some believe had waned in recent years.

“Alabama didn’t fall off,” said Keenan. “But we weren’t ourselves either. This year, we’re taking that personally.”

Spring Scrimmage Takeaways

During Alabama’s first full-pads scrimmage of spring camp, Wommack’s defense made a statement. The front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing multiple three-and-outs and bottling up the run game. The secondary, led by Moore and Hurley, recorded two interceptions and didn’t allow a single deep ball over 25 yards.

“It wasn’t perfect,” Wommack said. “But the communication was clean. We were aligned, we were attacking downhill, and we were finishing plays. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Multiple offensive players confirmed that the defense “won the day,” with quarterback Jalen Milroe noting how fast and disciplined the unit looked.

“They were flying around,” Milroe said. “Every time I checked into something, they had a counter. You can tell they’re dialed in.”

Looking Ahead to the Fall

With the SEC expanding and Alabama’s schedule featuring multiple top-10 opponents, there’s no room for slow starts. Wommack understands the pressure that comes with the job, but he also sees opportunity.

“I didn’t come here just to call plays—I came here to restore an elite defense,” he said. “That takes more than talent. It takes trust, repetition, and details. And this spring, we’ve taken huge steps in all three.”

As the summer approaches, Alabama’s defense will look to build on this momentum. Optional workouts, 7-on-7 drills, and film study sessions will be critical in continuing to refine the edges of what could be one of the SEC’s top defenses in 2025.

For players like Moore, Lawson, and Keenan, this season represents a chance to leave behind a legacy of toughness, accountability, and execution.

“We’re not just trying to be good—we’re trying to be feared again,” Moore said. “And that starts with locking in on every little detail.”

Year 2 under Kane Wommack is about more than just a schematic refresh. It’s about recapturing the discipline, pride, and unity that defined Alabama’s championship defenses for over a decade. The personnel is there. The leadership is emerging. And the coach in charge is building something rooted in both tradition and innovation.

If the defense continues to trend in the direction it has this spring, Alabama could be right back where its fans expect them to be—on top of the college football mountain, led by a defense that doesn’t just stop you, but breaks your will.