Alabama Football: 3 breakout candidates for 2021 season

Tim Smith was one of the top recruits in the country in the 2020 class and he played a small role on Alabama’s national title defense last year but he should be a prominent figure on the defensive line in 2021.

The 6-4, 320-pounder was the No. 8 defensive tackle in the 2020 class and had 14 total tackles and a sack last season which showed promise. He also had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries and if he can be that productive as a backup, imagine what he can do in a more prominent role. He may still be a backup, but he could push DJ Dale at the nose guard spot.

Smith has great size and plenty of athleticism to have a major impact on the defensive line this season and there should be a direct path to the field because Dale doesn’t exactly have a ton of experience through two years.

Pete Golding has some talented pieces to work with on Alabama’s two-deep this season and Smith might just be one of those guys who climbs into a starting role and stars.

Even 247Sports national writer Charles Power says he has future first-round potential and compared him to Akiem Hicks.