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Transfer edge rusher giving new Alabama starting OL a challenge

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 11:32 PM ET

The work to become a top three to top five defense across the board in college football for the University of Alabama starts in spring practice.

Kalen DeBoer returned experience – especially in the secondary – but his coaching staff also grabbed much needed players from the NCAA transfer portal. One of those athletes looks to develop his name into a marquee edge rusher.

Desmond Umeozulu, a transfer from South Carolina, means a lot to Kane Wommack. The Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator spoke highly of the Maryland native early in practice. He called Umeozulu a ‘big win’ for Alabama out the portal.

Image | Source: Touchdown Alabama

Alabama Linebacker Desmond Umeozulu (9) in action during the Scrimmage at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, Mar 27, 2026.

“It was really fortunate for us to get Desmond Umeozulu,” Wommack said.

The 6-foot-6, 253-pounder has worked at the ‘Wolf’ position in practice.

He looks to emerge as a second edge rusher to help Yhonzae Pierre. Umeozulu has been giving the first-team offensive line a challenge. Jackson Lloyd, a redshirt freshman, has taken notice of the talented transfer.

“I have been going against them all for a while,” Lloyd said Monday about the challenge of facing Alabama’s pass rushers in practice. “They are all great pass rushers. Dez [Umeozulu] coming in … He has been good. He’s giving me a good look.”

Umeozulu totaled 30 tackles across 36 career games at South Carolina.

He also had 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in three years of developing behind names such as Bryan Thomas Jr. and Dylan Stewart. Umeozulu is part of iron sharpening iron for the Tide.

It will be interesting to watch him perform on A-Day.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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