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Alabama Linebacker Ranked Among Best Pass Rushers in Nation
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. There's a long history of talented pass rushers coming out of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and a prominent NFL draft analyst has identified the linebacker who might be next.
Asked to rank the best pass rushing prospects in the country, Todd McShay ranked Yhonzae Pierre at No. 3 on his list, behind only Dylan Stewart of South Carolina and Colin Simmons of Texas.
Pierre's sophomore season in 2025 was a breakthrough for the 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker.
He had 14.5 tackles for loss, including eight sacks, and he also forced three fumbles and had 45 quarterback pressures.
Three of those sacks came in one game, the rivalry matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers on the Third Saturday in October.
Speaking with Nick Kelly of AL.com ahead of the 2026 Rose Bowl, Alabama outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson said he's challenged Pierre to get even better, and he is responding.
“He’s done the work and he’ll tell you he’s still got room to improve, which is one of the best things that I’m excited about is attitude right now," he said.
Robinson added that he believes Pierre has incredible potential.
“The sky’s the limit for him,” Robinson said, “and I’m excited to see when he’s done here, what that looks like.”
It could look like a first-round draft pick, something he told Alex Scarborough of Bama 247 is his goal.
"Just working hard day in and day out, getting the extra to work and bringing people along with me, going to the top," he said.
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