• Defensive line ready to ‘bring the energy’ in 2023 •

• 2023 Bama Football 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL Alabama football’s defensive line has the potential to be one of the team’s better units during the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide lost talent throughout the defense after the 2022 campaign, from linebacker Will Anderson to safety Jordan Battle.The line wasn’t an exception, with DJ Dale and Byron Young both gone. Still, the Crimson Tide return two starters in Tim Smith and Jaheim Oatis, and Justin Eboigbe is back after suffering a neck injury last year. On Friday, Eboigbe explained the line’s mentality before the second day of preseason camp practice. Eboigbe was on the Outland Trophy watch list last season before his injury. Smith started seven games and appeared in all 13, tallying 20 tackles with two sacks. Oatis could have a huge season and has continued to grind after losing around 100 pounds during his time at Alabama. Eboigbe praised the sophomore, who now is listed at 328 pounds. Nick Saban and company also stocked up on young defensive line talent. The 2023 recruiting class included 247Sports composite five-star James Smith, along with four-stars Hunter Osborne and Edric Hill. Alabama is scheduled to continue camp through Aug. 26. The Crimson Tide opens the season against Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 2 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. • ROLLING WITH THE TIDE ON AL.com•