alabama football He is quite skilled in the rogue position. A fiber Kane Wommack The defensive back system, regularly filled by LT Overton and Jah-Marien Latham, resembles the traditional defensive end position.

These two players are getting most of the reps for the Crimson Tide. However, against Missouri, redshirt freshman Jordan Renaud was able to get on the field more.

Renaud played 22 snaps in the Tigers shutout. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised his improvement throughout the season.

“Jordan continues to grow on our defense and understanding what he needs to do,” Wommack said Monday as the Crimson Tide began preparing for LSU. “That’s what we’re talking about, right? Knowing when to take chances, when to take risks, everything that’s going on behind the scenes is at the forefront. And then you’ll continue to do your job at a level that’s maybe more consistent than you were at the beginning of the season.”

Renaud played in two games last season while redshirting with the Crimson Tide. Despite the presence of Latham and Overton on the roster, Nick Saban chose to stick around when he retired.

He had four tackles in Saturday’s game against Missouri and nine tackles so far this season, plus half a sack. His progress in recent weeks has impressed his Alabama teammates.

“He shows a lot,” Latham said of Renaud on Tuesday. “He’s improved a lot. He’s getting a lot of playing time, he’s creating production for himself. Everything’s going well, you just have to keep working.”

Latham and Renaud’s teammate, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, agreed.

“He’s made great progress,” Campbell said. “Coaches and players trust him to come into the game and make a play when his name is called.”

Alabama will face LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday. Because of the huge stakes of the College Football Playoff, it’s probably not as good an opportunity to get experience for young players, at least compared to Missouri’s opt-out.

Still, Wommack was optimistic about Renaud’s future.

“Trust him,” said Wommack. “We’ve got two players in Jah-Marien Latham and LT Overton who are playing good football right now. So for him to be in the conversation improving his game and finding ways for us to find ways to get him on the field, I think it speaks to who he is and the work he puts in. But just the same “At the same time, I think my friend has a really bright future.”

Alabama and LSU are scheduled to kick off Saturday in Baton Rouge at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ABC.