Alabama Football player to watch this week: Keith Holcombe
By Mike Parham
This is a weekly article series examining the development of one Alabama Football player. Last week, we went a different route and chose a unit, the Defensive Line. This week we’re back on track and the player to watch is junior linebacker, Keith Holcombe.
Once considered one of the strongest units for Alabama football, linebacker depth has been depleted due to injuries all season. Due to recent injuries to Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson, Alabama football will need more linebackers to step up.
That’s where redshirt junior linebacker Keith Holcombe comes into the picture. Holcombe, a Tuscaloosa native, is looking forward to making the most out of this opportunity.
Holcombe knows that he must step up but also wants all Tide players to keep the next man up mentality.
"“Like we’ve always said about the entire season, because injuries have been happening, it’s the next man up. If that’s me or some younger guys or anybody on our defense, we just have to step up, get comfortable and do our job.”"
Holcombe is no stranger to stepping up on the big stage. When Rashaan Evans went down against Florida State, Holcombe replaced him at the Will position and performed well.
Holcombe isn’t just a player that you plug in and hope for the best, he actually produces. In his first career start against Fresno State, he recorded a career-high seven tackles and one pass defended.
Against Colorado State, he was even better, recording another career-high nine tackles and one pass defended.
Holcombe a blue-collar player
Holcombe is best described as a blue-collar player who does the little things and embraces the process. That’s definitely a trait that hasn’t gone unnoticed from head coach Nick Saban:
"“Keith has been in the system for a long time, and we have a lot of confidence in him. He really understands the system and knows what to do. He can be a signal caller out there for us… The playing time he got early in the season provided experience that is obviously invaluable.”"
Starting against and getting a win at Mississippi State would be huge for Holcombe. He was once a MSU commit but instead chose the Tide. So far, Holcombe has 30 tackles and one sack this season. Look for him to take advantage of being the starter once again.
Next: Collin Sexton will become eligible to play after one-game suspension
Next week, we will examine the development of another Alabama football player on their path to becoming a routine contributor and/or better overall player for the Tide. Connect with us on Facebook and share your thoughts on which player’s development is vital for the 2017 Alabama football team.