Alabama’s defense has been making waves this season, particularly for its ability to break up passes, and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has shed light on why.
During an interview, Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson admitted that he prefers Wommack’s defensive scheme to the one employed by head coach Nick Saban over the past few years.
Lawson explained:
“With Coach Saban’s scheme, it was more like match coverage. So you would eventually have a man throughout the play. And with Coach Wommack’s defense, it’s more vision coverage and zone. It allows you to have vision on the quarterback and react off him. I think for me being a linebacker for this defense, it’s just a defense for me to make plays in, and I like that a lot.”
Alabama’s defense recorded nine pass breakups in their win against Georgia, bringing their total to 30 for the season, leading the nation in this category.
Wommack attributes the team’s success to their use of “vision-style coverage,” a concept he adopted from his father, Dave Wommack, who had learned it from Monte Kiffin.
This scheme allows defenders to keep their eyes on the quarterback, making it easier to anticipate and react to passes.
Alabama safety Keon Sabb, who leads the team with two interceptions, echoed this sentiment.
“We really harp on getting the ball,” Sabb said. “We try to get the interception, but if not, break it up.”
Despite their success, Alabama aims for more interceptions in the future as they prepare for their next challenge against Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Diego Pavia, this weekend.
