One of the most intriguing positional battles for Alabama during spring practice this year will be the off-ball LB group. It may not carry the same intrigue as the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, but it might prove every bit as vital to the Crimson Tide's ability to be a playoff team for the second year in a row.
Alabama lost its top three players at the position in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green. Kalen DeBoer and company added a veteran to the room in Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson, though he may have his work cut out for him to earn a starting spot with a lot of intriguing young talent ready to push for playing time.
One of those young players primed to earn a spot is rising redshirt sophomore QB Reese, who was one of the Crimson Tide's top reserves in 2025 and a key special teams contributor. Reese earned praise from former Alabama captain Deontae Lawson this week at the NFL Combine.
“He wasn’t even traveling to the games, but he’s showing up to every meeting and just being present no matter what the situation was,” Lawson said about Reese, via Touchdown Alabama Magazine. “His role couldn’t grow that much last year, but he still took advantage. I’m definitely excited for him and the rest of the inside backers.”
QB Reese could be the next man up for Alabama at inside linebacker
Reese will face stiff competition in the spring, summer, and into the fall for one of Alabama's two starting spots at inside linebacker. Woodson has a significant experience edge over everyone else in the room, and other talented young players like Cayden Jones, Luke Metz, and incoming 5-star Xavier Griffin, among others, will compete for the jobs.
Reese has an edge going into his third season in the program. He has a better understanding of Kane Wommack's defensive scheme than the others, which means he should open spring practice with a leg up on his competition.
But no positions will be given; they'll have to be earned. And based on Lawson's comments about Reese's work ethic and eagerness to learn, you can bet that Reese will do what it takes to carve himself out a role on Alabama's 2026 defense.