Alabama football wrapped up its fourth preseason practice on Sunday. Plenty more will occur, including two scrimmages, but one group has already impressed coach Kalen DeBoer.

The new Crimson Tide coach was asked Sunday which position group has had the best start to camp. His answer? The defensive line.

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

He especially liked what the defensive line did Sunday. To answer the question, DeBoer said you have to look at where a position group is now. So that’s w

“I thought the d-line did a nice job,” DeBoer said. “Very active early on just with the schemes we were putting in. A couple runs where there were some nice creases, the offensive line, credit them. But quickly adapted, adjusted for the last three quarters, 80% of the practice. Did a good job against the run. Continue to do a good job putting pressure on the quarterback consistently. They’re just around, making the quarterback back there have to move around and make some plays.”

Freddie Roach coaches the position, and he’s one of the few holdovers on the staff from Nick Saban’s tenure. The defensive line features a variety of veteran players such as Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Smith, Jehiem Oatis and Tim Keenan III. Other contenders for playing time include the likes of Texas A&M transfer LT Overton, James Smith, Damon Payne and others.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.