Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Yhonzae Pierre (0) intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
David Leong-Imagn Images
Yhonzae Pierre is garnering significant NFL Draft attention following his season debut performance in the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide's blowout win over the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday afternoon.
Pierre is going through the senior campaign of his collegiate career at Alabama. Since joining in 2023, the linebacker made his way up the ranks before embracing his star role in the defense. He blossomed into the Tide's top pass-rusher in 2025, recording 52 tackles, including a team-high 14.5 for a total loss of 102 yards and eight sacks.
Pierre shined on defense once again in the season opener. He recorded three tackles and a sack while getting an interception that he returned for a 27-yard touchdown. This resulted in football reporter Rob Paul to give the linebacker his props and prospects of being a high selection in the 2027 draft.
“Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre is a potential Top 10 pick this April for what he can do rushing the QB, but it turns out he’s just as dangerous faking the rush and dropping. Pierre was sixth in the SEC in pressures last season (45),” Paul wrote.
Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre is a potential Top 10 pick this April for what he can do rushing the QB, but it turns out he’s just as dangerous faking the rush and dropping.
Pierre was sixth in the SEC in pressures last season (45). pic.twitter.com/9C0FpJ4sEs
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 5, 2026
Article Continues Below
How Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama played against East Carolina
Yhonzae Pierre and the Alabama Crimson Tide easily outmatched East Carolina, lighting up the Pirates in a 48-10 blowout at home.
Alabama overwhelmed the Pirates' defense in the first half, doing most of its damage there. They scored 38 points in the opening 30 minutes, proving to be too much for the visiting opponents to handle as they never recovered in the second half.
Keelon Russell was active in the air and on the ground. He completed 18 out of 30 passes for 256 yards while racking up 13 rushes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Hill, EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown following with four rushing scores combined. Meanwhile, Ryan Coleman-Williams caught five passes for 130 yards.
The No. 13 Crimson Tide will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 2 on Sept. 12.