Alabama football has big holes to fill on the edge this season. Between Will Anderson, Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, among others, the position was one of strength for the Crimson Tide over the past several seasons.

Anderson left for the NFL after the 2022 season. Turner and Braswell joined him in the 2024 draft.

With an entirely new defense under new coordinator Kane Wommack, outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson’s group has plenty to live up to. However, Robinson said the group isn’t feeling pressure entering the season.

“I think they’re just ready to turn it loose,” Robinson said Tuesday after Alabama’s 16th preseason camp practice. “We had the players over to the house and my wife was asking, ‘Hey, are you guys excited? Are you guys ready to roll?’ And they’re like ‘I’m ready to just go cut it loose and play.’

And I feel that and I understand that. I’ve been in that situation. You just want to show everybody what you’ve been working on and what you’re capable of, and they’re highly capable. Highly driven.”

Que Robinson and Keanu Koht are taking over as the leaders in the room with Turner and Braswell gone. Robinson is a redshirt senior who was a contributor on special teams and a key depth piece on defense, while Koht is a redshirt junior who had four tackles last season.

They’re all learning the position defensive coordinator Kane Wommack calls the “wolf,” essentially an edge-rusher that can drop into coverage. According to Christian Robinson, the two older players were doing an excellent job adapting themselves, as well as helping bring some younger players along.

The coach also named two younger players who he said could make major contributions for Alabama this season.

“I see Qua Russaw as a guy that’s going to contribute a lot this year,” Robinson said. “And then Yhonzae Pierre has done a great job to put himself in a position where he can be counted on.”

According to Robinson and Wommack, Alabama is beginning to transition into more game prep as camp nears its end. The new-look Alabama defense will debut Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky in Tuscaloosa.