Alabama edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre joined former Alabama and Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Miller on The Millers’ Edge show on Friday, giving fans insight into the development and status of many Crimson Tide players.
As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Pierre emerged as a defensive leader for the Crimson Tide, tallying 52 total tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass deflection, also making huge plays when they mattered the most.
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With the departure of many veterans on the Tide’s defense, it’s now Pierre’s time to become a leader and mentor for the new additions in the locker room. One of those new additions is Griffin, a five-star and one of the best linebackers in the class of 2026.
The Crimson Tide made a huge push for the linebacker, ultimately beating out teams like USC and Texas for his commitment, which was one of the biggest and most valuable for head coach Kalen DeBoer and the staff.
With spring practice starting up soon, Pierre talked about what he’s seen from the freshman over his first few months on campus.
“Xavier Griffin, I like that guy; he’s been working his butt off,” Pierre said. “I had a little interview with him yesterday. I mean, he’s going to be one of the ones, he’s going to step up and be a good player for us.”
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, the Georgia native has all the traits he needs to become a key contributor for the Tide early on, with the ability to play wherever the staff needs him to, whether that be at more of a pass rusher role or a true linebacker position.
After finishing with 78 tackles, 12 of which were for a loss and four sacks as a senior at Gainesville High School, Griffin will look to make an immediate impact through spring practice and eventually translate his skills in-game in September.
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