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What we saw from Bandits, defensive line at Alabama football practice

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What we saw from Bandits, defensive line at Alabama football practice


Consistency has been the word of Alabama football’s preseason camp. If you ask coach Kalen DeBoer, nobody embodied it better early than the defensive line.

“I think that position group has been the most consistent,” DeBoer said Sunday. “I like where they’re at.”

He saw it defend the run well and put pressure on the quarterback consistently.

“They’re just around, making the quarterback back there have to move around and make some plays,” DeBoer said.

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AL.com wanted to go take a look at what DeBoer was talking about. So, at the latest media practice viewing, we watched the defensive line for about 25 minutes of individual position drills. Here’s what we saw on Tuesday.

Alabama football practice observations: Defensive line

  • Watching some positions go through drills can provide an indication of the pecking order. That was only somewhat the case with the defensive line. Veterans who figure to be leaders in the rotation such as Tim Keenan III and Jah-Marien Latham often took their reps early in drills. But there really didn’t seem to be an exact order. It changed from one drill to the next.
  • Speaking of Keenan, it’s clear he’s a leader at the position. He frequently went first through drills. And there’s a reason for it. He explained after practice: “It’s easy to fuss at a guy if he doesn’t know,” Keenan said. “But if you (are) fussing at him and I went first, I always like to lead by example, especially if a guy doesn’t know. Yeah you can have a motor and go and everything but you have to have the right technique, you have to know the right information, you have to have the right steps and what not. Me being the older guy, just stepping up and being that example.”
  • Keenan was a starter on the defensive line in 2023 and he figures to be one again this season at defensive tackle. Here’s what Freddie Roach, the defensive line coach, said about Keenan: “He’s been remarkable. Ever since last year. The kid comes to work, he tries to lead. He does what he’s asking other people to do. He’s one of the best guys we’ve got on this team as well.”
  • Keenan had a nice rep on one of the last drills reporters saw; he swatted down a dummy like he was rushing the passer, and one coach yelled an emphatic “yes!” as Keenan completed the drill.
  • LT Overton and Latham seemed to give Roach a few reps he liked; In a drill where two teammates locked up and one pushed the other back then ripped through, Roach said “good reps.”
  • Overton and Latham are two of the top options at Bandit, a new term in defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s defense. It’s essentially a hybrid defensive lineman/edge rusher.
  • Keon Keeley is another Bandit option on the roster. The coaching staff moved him from outside linebacker to Bandit in the spring because “as you see what Keon is developing into and may develop into at the next level, that’s more of a better fit for him,” Wommack said Tuesday.
  • It’s been a process for Keeley to move to Bandit. That process could be seen through the individual drills. Several moments throughout the viewing period, Roach took a moment to instruct and coach up Keeley on technique.
  • Roach on Keeley: “Like I told him, ‘You just focus on what it’s going to take you to be successful, alright?’ And at that point it’s his eyes, his hand placement, his footwork, ‘What do I have on assignments?’ And that’s every guy in the room, not just Keon.”
  • It’s clear the potential is there for Keeley, the former five-star recruit in the 2023 class. He was the No. 2 prospect in the entire class, per the 247Sports Composite. Roach will just need to continue helping Keeley develop and become more comfortable in his new position.
  • Roach is a teacher, plain and simple. He’s constantly instructing and providing feedback. He brings serious energy to his coaching.
  • Roach looks like he could still play, even though it’s been almost 20 years since he was a four-year letterman at linebacker at Alabama.
  • “Pad level!” became a frequent refrain for Roach as he demanded his players stay low out of their stances.
  • It wasn’t easy for the big men to stay low with it almost 90 degrees at only about 9:30 a.m., but Roach harped on it nonetheless.
  • Nearby, training staff members stood at the ready with water bottles, cold towels and more. Several linemen took full advantage, grabbing the towels in the black cart filled with ice water.
  • Roach: “Look, I know it’s hot, they’re tired, and I get it. But the habits you create throughout the week is what’s going to come up on Saturdays when you play.”
  • It’s clear there’s good experienced depth on the defensive line. There will likely be a handful of “or” starters in the rotation with the likes of Latham, Overton, Keenan, Jehiem Oatis, Tim Smith and James Smith some of the top contenders for playing time.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.





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Alabama NAACP Releases 2026 Selma Jubilee Weekend Schedule

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Alabama NAACP Releases 2026 Selma Jubilee Weekend Schedule


The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP has announced its official schedule for the 2026 NAACP-sponsored Selma Jubilee Bridge Crossing Weekend, set for March 6–8 in Montgomery and Selma.

Held under the theme “A Time for Standing,” the annual commemoration honors the Foot Soldiers of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and recognizes the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and Rev. Jesse Jackson for their roles in advancing civil rights and voting access.

The three-day event will bring together national, state and local leaders, along with youth and college chapters, faith partners and community members for activities focused on reflection, education and civic engagement.

Scheduled events include a civic discussion titled “The New Civic Path” on March 6 at the Montgomery Interpretive Center at Alabama State University, followed by a Jubilee Gala that evening at Embassy Suites in Montgomery. On March 7, the Birmingham Metro Branch will host a bus trip to Selma, while a statewide civic engagement training will take place in Montgomery.

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SEE ALSO: Bridge Crossing Jubilee to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy in Selma
SEE ALSO: 16th Street Baptist Church: Keeping a Legacy Alive 63 Years Later

On March 8, participants will take part in the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Parade, voter activation efforts, worship services at Brown Chapel AME Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church, and the traditional bridge crossing at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Organizers say the weekend will emphasize continued civic participation and community engagement across Alabama.

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March 6 — Alabama NAACP Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Gala 5:30PM Embassy Suites by Hilton, 300 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104

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March 7 — NAACP Birmingham Metro Branch Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Bus Trip 8AM–5PM Broad Street and Water Avenue in Selma Alabama

March 7 — Alabama State NAACP Statewide Civic Engagement Training 8–4:15PM Homewood Suites, 7800 EastChase Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36117

March 8 — Alabama State NAACP in the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Parade 8AM–10AM Begins at 1722 Broad St and concludes at the National Voting Rights Museum

March 8 — Alabama NAACP Statewide Bridge Crossing Jubilee Bus Trip 8AM–5PM Alabama State University, Untenese and Mobile Branch and University of Alabama, Oakwood University, Broad Street and Water Avenue, Selma

March 8 — Alabama NAACP Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee Participation in Worship Services 10AM–2PM Brown Chapel AME Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Selma

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March 8 — Alabama NAACP Youth and College Civic Engagement Voter Activation 8AM–2PM Broad Street and Water Ave, Selma

March 8 — Alabama NAACP Statewide Bridge Crossing 11:15PM – Line up Alabama NAACP Tent on Waters Ave or at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma



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3 Alabama players who helped their draft stock at 2026 NFL combine

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3 Alabama players who helped their draft stock at 2026 NFL combine



Each player had a pivotal role on the Crimson Tide in 2025.

Alabama had a multitude of former players who performed at an elite level at the NFL combine this past weekend.

Former Alabama star quarterback Ty Simpson was among those who put his talents on full display in Indianapolis, as Simpson continues to emerge as a top quarterback prospect available in April’s draft.

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Numerous Crimson Tide stars on both sides of the football were able to have an excellent showing at the combine as well, with each playmaker a vital component to the Tide’s success in 2025.

Here are three Alabama players who helped their draft stock rise at the NFL combine.

Ty Simpson, Quarterback

Simpson is widely regarded as the best quarterback prospect available outside of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The talented redshirt junior put on an absolute show at the NFL combine, as Simpson delivered multiple perfect throws and put his talents on full display throughout Saturday’s events.

The former Alabama star is a candidate to potentially shine day one in his campaign in the NFL, as Simpson’s draft stock continues to rise prior to April.

Jam Miller, Running Back

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Miller is an extremely fast and athletic running back, despite struggling in the Tide’s backfield last season. The star running back recorded an impressive 4.43u 40-yard dash time, as Miller could very easily shine in the NFL next season with consistent playing time.

Miller was nothing short of elite throughout his entire performance at the combine in Indianapolis, as the former Tide running back continues to rise in a multitude of draft rankings around the football world.

Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Tackle

Proctor played a crucial role on Alabama’s offensive line last season. The star lineman reportedly slimmed down prior to the NFL combine, as Proctor displayed elite speed and athleticism throughout Sunday’s combine in Indianapolis.

Proctor is widely expected to be a mid-to-late first round selection in April, as the talented lineman’s efforts during the combine could quickly begin to work in Proctor’s favor during next month’s draft.

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The 2026 NFL draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania starting on April 23, as each Crimson Tide star will look to shine throughout their rookie campaign in the NFL.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.





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Husband, 19, fatally shot wife, 24, himself at Alabama hospital moments after welcoming their first child

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Husband, 19, fatally shot wife, 24, himself at Alabama hospital moments after welcoming their first child


A husband fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself at an Alabama hospital just moments after they welcomed their first child on Sunday.

Kynath Terry Jr., 19, gunned down 24-year-old Precious Johnson before fatally shooting himself inside the Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night, WTVM 13 reported.

Johnson delivered a healthy baby just before she was murdered. It’s not immediately clear if the baby was present during the shooting, but police said that Terry and Johnson were the only ones injured.

Kynath Terry Jr., 19, shot 24-year-old Precious Johnson at an Alabama hospital after she gave birth to their child. WVTM

Terry’s mother told the outlet that the couple were having some marital issues leading up to Johnson’s due date, but nothing that made her fear her son would become violent.

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She told the outlet that Terry completed Army National Guard training before tying the knot with Johnson.

She noted that Johnson didn’t want Terry’s side of the family at the hospital for her child’s birth, but it’s unclear if anyone from the mother-to-be’s own family was there.

The hospital was plunged into a lockdown “out of an abundance of caution” while police investigated reports of a shooting. It wasn’t lifted until hours later when they determined there was “no active threat to patients, team members or the public,” the outlet reported.

The Homewood Police Department described the tragedy as “an apparent murder-suicide and is domestic in nature.”

Terry completed Army National Guard training before marrying Johnson. WVTM
The shooting sent Brookwood Baptist Medical Center into an hours-long lockdown. Google Maps

Danne Howard, the president of the Alabama Hospital Association, told the outlet that the chilling attack “was an isolated incident” unlike anything she’d encountered during her three decades working in the state.

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Howard said, in the wake of the tragedy, the Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital would undergo a security overhaul implementing “lessons learned” from a mandated after-action report.

Just three months ago, in a town six miles outside of Homewood, a beloved sports reporter was fatally shot by her husband before taking his own life. Their 3-year-old son, who was unharmed, led his grandfather to his parents’ bodies.



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