The Alabama Crimson Tide are under the microscope heading into the 2025 college football season, with new leadership under head coach Kalen DeBoer and a retooled roster generating buzz. While many headlines have focused on high-profile names and key returners, several players remain underappreciated despite having the potential to make major impacts. Here are five Alabama players who deserve more attention as the season approaches.
1. CB DaShawn Jones
DaShawn Jones quietly carved out a role in Alabama’s secondary after transferring from Wake Forest last offseason. The Maryland native saw action in 13 games in 2024, including one start at the Husky position, and earned increasing reps as the year progressed. Now poised to battle for a starting spot in Kane Wommack’s aggressive SWARM defense, Jones brings valuable experience and versatility to the back end. Though a spring injury limited his participation, he is expected to be fully healthy by the fall and could be a key defensive weapon for the Tide.
2. LB Nikhai Hill-Green
Another Maryland product, Nikhai Hill-Green is a seasoned linebacker who arrived in Tuscaloosa via the transfer portal. A fifth-year senior, Hill-Green boasts 204 career tackles and four sacks, making him one of the most experienced defenders on the roster. With Alabama returning its two primary linebackers from last season, Hill-Green’s name hasn’t been mentioned much this offseason. Still, his tackling ability and leadership make him a strong candidate to earn rotational snaps or even push for a larger role in a stacked front-seven.
3. TE Danny Lewis Jr.
Redshirt junior Danny Lewis Jr. briefly entered the transfer portal this offseason before deciding to return to the Tide. The Louisiana native has waited patiently for his chance to start and now appears in line to do just that. Although he missed spring practices due to injury, Lewis is a powerful blocker with upside as a pass-catcher. With the spotlight on other tight ends during the spring, his return could bolster Alabama’s offensive versatility in 2025.
4. DL Edric Hill
Redshirt sophomore Edric Hill logged appearances in nine games last season but has flown largely under the radar in media coverage. The Missouri native is expected to back up James Smith on the interior defensive line but has the tools to contribute significantly. With another year of development, Hill could be an integral part of Alabama’s defensive rotation, especially against physical SEC opponents.
5. DL Jordan Renaud
Jordan Renaud is another overlooked defensive lineman with the ability to make waves this fall. A redshirt sophomore from Florida, Renaud tallied 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss across 12 games last season. While the emergence of LT Overton may limit his path to a starting role, Renaud’s versatility and “positionless” skill set align perfectly with Wommack’s defensive philosophy. Expect him to rotate at multiple positions and provide meaningful snaps throughout the season.
As Alabama prepares for a new era, these five players are quietly positioning themselves to make major contributions in 2025. Keep a close eye on them as the season unfolds.
