David Leong – Imagn Images
Freddie Roach can only hope his next nose tackle on the defensive line for Alabama football will develop the way his latest National Football League Draft pick did.
Who does Alabama lean on to replace LT Overton at ‘Bandit?’
Tim Keenan III, a Birmingham (Ala.) native, battled injuries at Ramsay High School, but he continued to have confidence in himself. He had an incredible body transformation at the University of Alabama, which propelled him to become a starter in Nick Saban’s final coaching season in 2023. Keenan arrived as a four-star in 2021, earning two Southeastern Conference Championship rings (2021, 2023). The 6-foot-1, 327-pounder had a dominant showing in 2024 during Kalen DeBoer’s first season as head coach. He collected 40 total tackles – including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks – two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96) celebrates after blocking a punt during a first-round College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Alabama won 34-24.
Keenan missed some time last season because of an injury, yet he recorded 16 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, a quarterback hurry, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick/punt in 12 matchups.
He is back with Ty Simpson in Los Angeles as the Rams took him in the seventh round.
Who does Alabama lean on to replace Justin Jefferson at ILB?
Keenan is gone, but who does the Crimson Tide lean on to replace him?
London Simmons
London Simmons had a very impressive freshman season as a former three-star prospect from Jackson, Miss.
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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama.
He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.
