Last season, Alabama’s defense flexed its pass-rushing muscles with a nation-leading 52 sacks during its march to a 16th national championship. That number was 21 more than the Crimson Tide’s sack total in 2014-15.

And that attack-the-quarterback mentality carried over to the spring season as the Crimson (11) and White (3) defenses combined for 14 sacks in the A-Day spring game. One redshirt sophomore registered his second strong spring outing with three sacks in the scrimmage and could see his playing time increase in Alabama’s upcoming 2016 campaign.

Outside linebacker Christian Miller is entering his third season in Tuscaloosa, and with a couple of veterans in Dillon Lee and Denzel Devall running out of eligibility, the South Carolina native has a clearer path to seeing the field. Although he only saw the field as a reserve a season ago, Miller will be ready for whenever his number is called this fall.

“It’s been good,” Miller told BamaOnLine of his 2015-16 experience in January before the CFP National Championship Game. “Contributed a little bit on special teams, some reserve time, but other than that I’ve been learning from all the older guys and just trying to develop as a player so when it’s my turn, I’m ready to go.”

(What's next for the Tide? Make sure you're in the loop by signing up for our FREE Alabama newsletter!)

Miller has been a first-hand witness of how much outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi has changed the position he teaches -- both in its pass-rushing philosophy and in trying to mold his players into complete linebackers.

The former four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite, watched as both Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson blossomed off the edge. The duo combined for 16.5 sacks last year in Lupoi’s first on-field season.

“I can already tell with his techniques that I’ve been using this year, I myself, my pass rushing is getting way better,” Miller said in Phoenix. “I just can’t wait until when I get out there. Hopefully I can have the same success as Tim and Ryan because, like I said, his techniques, they work as long as you take the coaching. I’m excited.”

With the offseason in full swing, Miller and his Crimson Tide teammates are diligently working to improve their craft. For the rising redshirt sophomore, he, like Williams and Anderson, is trying to become an every-down player.

“I came in as a pass-rush specialist, so I’ve really been focusing on playing the run a little bit better,” Miller said, “getting bigger and stronger and really just being more of a complete player.”

Miller said he had gained 25 pounds in January and was up to 231 ahead of the national championship game against Clemson. He wanted to add 10-15 more pounds and be in the 240-245 range before the 2016-17 season.

But added weight or not, Miller and Anfernee Jennings (three sacks) both proved Alabama has solid depth at the outside 'backer position with their play this spring, and both players will likely see increased roles this fall.

“They’re our young bulls, right there,” Williams said. “They’re hungry, man. Those guys work hard, especially Christian Miller. He’s been here longer than Anfernee. But both of those guys, they’ve improved so much.”