The Alabama defense returns eight starters from last season. That level of continuity has created high expectations for Kane Wommack’s unit in his second year on the job, but a big injury question mark has been looming over one of his new projected starters ahead of the Crimson Tide’s Week 1 matchup with Florida State in Tallahassee.
James Smith has missed both of Alabama’s fall camp scrimmages with a minor injury that has been threatening his status for Week 1. Kalen DeBoer provided some clarity on Saturday, saying, “Feel good about the progress he’s had in the week of practice with it being live.