Around the figurative water cooler, anyone can discuss Ryan Williams. Deontae Lawson. Ty Simpson. Jam Miller. Even Kadyn Proctor.
Those are some of Alabama’s biggest names and brightest stars heading into the 2025 season.
But if you really want to impress folks and show you know ball, here are some of the Alabama football names not being talked about enough right now. Here are five players who are either underrated or on track to break out this season.
Germie Bernard, wide receiver
He’s not on the cover of the EA Sports College Football 26 video game like Williams. He’s also not the exciting new transfer receiver like Isaiah Horton. Bernard, however, is dependable and makes plays.
In fact, he was more productive down the stretch in 2024 than Williams was.
Post-Georgia, Bernard caught 37 passes for 644 yards and one touchdown. Williams caught 32 passes for 403 yards and three touchdowns.
Bernard also had two more receptions in 2024 than Williams.
This isn’t to say Bernard is a better receiver than Williams or that he’s going to have a better season in 2025. Just don’t let Williams’ celebrity overshadow Bernard and what he will bring to the offense.
Yhonzae Pierre, outside linebacker
Don’t be surprised if Pierre breaks out this season. The 6-3, 223-pound edge rusher from Eufaula hasn’t had a significant role on the defense his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide, but that could be in line to change in 2025.
He brings speed off the edge, something that will pair well with power rushers such as Qua Russaw and Jah-Marien Latham. Russaw figures to get the first crack at starting, but Pierre will likely be in the mix for notable snaps.
Don’t forget Pierre was a five-star recruit and the No. 25 player overall in the 2023 recruiting class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. So this isn’t a former walk-on trying to rise up the ranks.
Pierre is a blue-chip player who might finally have his moment in his third season of college football.
Dijon Lee Jr., cornerback
The room at his position is crowded, but they don’t make many cornerbacks like Lee. The five-star recruit is a true freshman, but he’s got a chance to help this defense this season.
Just ask the freshman whom Alabama started at cornerback in 2024.
“He has progressed tremendously in his ability to sustain throughout practice,” Zabien Brown said. “He’s extremely physical. A long guy like that, he makes a lot of plays on the ball.”
Lee is listed at 6-foot-4, 202 pounds. That’s a unique chess piece for defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to have at his disposal.
Justin Jefferson, linebacker
Lawson garners much of the attention in the middle of the defense, and rightfully so. He’s the returning captain, represented Alabama at SEC Media Days, etc. But don’t forget about Jefferson.
