A transfer from Texas A&M, Overton has reshaped his physique to excel in a more suited position now that he’s in Tuscaloosa.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When Alabama signed transfer LT Overton during the offseason, the team envisioned him in a much different role than what he played during his first two years at Texas A&M.
At College Station, Overton was leaner, weighing around 250 pounds as a defensive end who sometimes dropped into coverage. Now in Tuscaloosa, he’s transitioning to a role that he believes suits him better: the ‘bandit’ position under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
“I love it,” Overton said after Alabama’s practice on Tuesday. “I feel like it gives me more of an opportunity to rush freely and play the game I enjoy. It’s all about being explosive off the ball. I felt I wasn’t utilized to my full potential at A&M, especially with all the dropping and other responsibilities. Here, I can use my skills to the fullest.”
At Texas A&M, Overton lost about 30 pounds and played on the edge of the defensive line. However, Wommack—and even Saban before his retirement—had a different vision for him. Overton has since regained weight to fit into a more versatile role along the defensive front.
“I started at A&M around 280 pounds, then dropped to about 245 or 250. Now, I’m back up to 284,” Overton said. “In Wommack’s defense, or even Saban’s, the bandit position requires a bit more bulk. You need to be able to shift between a 5-technique, a 9-technique, and even a 3 or 2i. Being 245 pounds wouldn’t be ideal for playing a 3 or a 2i.”
“I feel like my pass-rushing game has improved significantly since I came here because I’m now more focused on a hand-down, man-down position. I have the chance to really rush the passer, rather than doing 50/50 drops every now and then,” Overton said.
Wommack agrees that Overton’s pass-rushing is his standout feature and believes he has unique qualities that make him an elite pass rusher.
“LT has a fantastic skill set and has really developed his pass-rush abilities,” Wommack noted. “He has effective counters to his initial move and is a great speed-to-power rusher. He can sense whether an offensive lineman is on his top or bottom hip and adjust his counter moves accordingly. He’s excellent at staying on-body and adjusting quickly.”
Defensive line coach Freddie Roach, who has been following Overton since high school and was recruiting him to Alabama before his stint at Texas A&M, has also praised his progress.
“Special player, special kid. Great work ethic, and that’s a credit to him and the other players in that room,” Roach said. “They all inspire each other. It’s fantastic to have him here. I always thought he was an outstanding player in high school, and having the chance to bring him to Alabama has been a pleasure. I’m excited to see him play over the next couple of years.”
Overton and Roach quickly built a strong relationship after Overton entered the transfer portal. Roach’s continued presence on the staff, even after Nick Saban’s retirement, played a significant role in Overton’s decision to stay with Alabama.
“I feel like I connect with a place based on family, and Roach made that connection strong,” Overton said. “When I came here, I felt a real bond with him and my teammates. I knew that as long as Roach stayed, I would be okay. He’s a family man who treats all his players like his own sons.”
Overton missed the first few practices of fall camp but has since adapted well and made significant strides in adjusting to the new system and defense, as evidenced by his strong performance in last weekend’s scrimmage.
“I’m much more comfortable now,” Overton said. “Those first two or three days are always challenging. It’s a mental game, but once you push through and hit days eight and nine, you get a handle on your plan and know what you need to do each day.”
Alabama’s defensive line is deep and talented, with notable players like Jehiem Oatis, Tim Smith, Tim Keenan, and Jah-Merian Latham. Despite the competition, Overton will have ample opportunities to showcase why Alabama is the right fit for him this season.