Two best Alabama Football Fall Camp surprises are the 'gazelle' and the 'ass-kicker'

To be more specific, Alabama Football has a throng of 'ass-kickers'. The new Crimson Tide 'Swarm' defense is aptly named for a defensive roster blessed with speed and power.

After Tuesday's practice, Alabama Defensive Coordinator, Kane Wommack met with reporters and was asked about LT Overton at the Bandit position. Wommack's response was "I think him and Jah-Marien Latham are really the frame, that's the ideal person ... I'm impressed with their athleticism, those guys can really move for guys to be that big. I would say from a prototype bandit position it makes things really challenging to establish runs when you have a 280-pound ass kicker over there." 

The surprise 'ass-kicker' is Overton. The former 5-star played two seasons at Texas A&M, starting just four games while underutilizing his pass-rushing ability. The Aggies chose for Overton to slim down so he could drop into coverages. Alabama has done the opposite, with Overton putting weight back on to 280 lbs.

In the interview below, Overton discusses how he was used by Texas A&M and the differences Freddie Roach and Wommack have implemented.

Latham has drawn praise during spring, summer, and fall camp and Overton is not expected to overtake Latham's first-unit role. The pair offers a one-two-punch rotational role that can wear down opposing tackles. Bandit will be one of the Crimson Tide's strengths with Jordan Renaud and Keon Keeley providing depth with high upside potential. The description ass-kicker fits all four of them.

The player referred to as a 'gazelle' for his speed and poise is not a surprise talent. Wide receiver Ryan Williams was one of the most anticipated Crimson Tide signees in several seasons. The surprising part is Williams is a 12th-grader age-wise competing with more physically mature young men. Williams is doing better than holding his own. He has so impressed teammates and coaches that the 17-year-old is expected to have a key role this fall. He is too good to leave on the bench.

On Tuesday, Crimson Tide defensive leader, Deontae Lawson when asked about Williams, "Ryan's a playmaker. You can see that., it's clear as day. You know he is a deep threat, his route running is elite. For a guy to be that young and come in here and understand the scheme, understand zone, man, it's a pleasure to see."

Williams has speed, great hands, is a good route-runner, and has quickly grasped Kalen DeBoer's offense. He played at 160 lbs. during his final high school season, but after joining Alabama in June, is already up to 175 lbs. Crimson Tide fans expect Williams to rotate in, frequently at wideout and possibly earn the starting punt returner role.