Many knew the skill and the talent that Yhonzae Pierre had. No one expected it to come out this early.

Alabama’s sophomore linebacker is quickly becoming one of the Crimson Tide’s most important players on the defensive end, and the hope is that he can keep it up once SEC play kicks up in two weeks.

Pierre was a former five-star recruit out of Eufaula, AL and he was able to get a taste of what the college game was like once Que Robinson went down with a season-ending injury in 2024.

He was solid for the most part, but he wasn’t a name you’d hear throughout the broadcast. Once Robinson went down in the middle of the LSU game, Pierre finished off the season with six tackles, one QB hurry, and a pass deflection.

Once training camp kicked off, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack anticipated Pierre to be a vital contributor to the defense, acting as the Wolf linebacker in his 4-2-5 scheme. 

The Wolf is another term for an edge rusher who “hunts” the quarterback but has the athleticism to hang in short distance coverage.

The hype was there internally, but it didn’t seem like many outside the facility were expecting him to be a key factor.

Just Google his name, you’ll find his recruiting profile and his Alabama page, but for the most part, Pierre has continued to fly under the radar.

Veteran linebacker and potential first-round draft pick Deonte Lawson told everyone during SEC Media Day that Pierre was a player that everyone needs to look out for.

“Yhonzae, he’s grown into that edge rusher that you want,” Lawson said. “He’s gaining weight. I think about 250 now or something like that. He’s working hard every day. I think he’s establishing himself a role, and I think that’s good because once you find that role, you just attack it full steam, and you’re ready to go.”

Lawson was hardly wrong.

In the first three games, Pierre led the team in pressures generated, and he led the charge against Wisconsin with five pressures to Danny O’Neil.

Not only that, he recorded his first sack of the season.

In a defensive line filled with thumpers like James Smith, LT Overton, and soon-to-be Tim Keenan III, Pierre brings an impressive athleticism and a burst on the line that can take advantage of the disruption in the trenches and find a way to the quarterback.

It’s not a name you may have heard, but fear not, Yhonzae Pierre may be here to stay, and has shown that he can be a difference maker for Alabama’s defense.