Former Alabama safety Landon Collins got the last laugh against LSU in 2014.
A native of New Orleans, La., Collins was ridiculed by friends and some family members in his decision of committing to Alabama over LSU in 2011. Regardless of their outbursts, Collins ended his career 3-0 against the Tigers and smiled the brightest after a 20-13 win last season.
Saturday’s game at Bryant-Denny Stadium will not be pretty, but it is one that outside linebackers Denzel Devall and Tim Williams have circled. Both players hail from Louisiana and have made solid contributions to this year’s team.
Devall, a senior, comes from Bastrop, La.
He remains a steady force on Alabama’s defensive front, despite nursing injuries early on.
Devall has played in all eight games, accounting for 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, two pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. He sets the tone for this group of outside ‘backers.’
Listed below are videos of Devall leading drills, courtesy of Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8yRtEHPqpE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGNF6m5hkdQ
Williams, a junior, hails from Baton Rouge, La.
He is finally starting to come into his own at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. Encouragement from outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi has caused Williams to blossom as of late. He is second on the team in sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss with five. Speed on the edge has never been an issue for him, but he now has the motivation.
Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen had a lot of praise for Williams in Wednesday’s press conference. He said the junior has much versatility coming off the edge.
“I love playing with Tim,” Allen said. “He has great speed and great power. A definite asset to have on this team. I am happy to play beside him.”
Speed for both players has stemmed from phrases said by Lupoi in practice.
Alabama leads the Southeastern Conference in sacks with 27. It has an opportunity to limit Tigers’ running back Leonard Fournette; however, sacking quarterback Brandon Harris multiple times will take the ball out of his hands.
A win for Devall would allow him to go out undefeated against LSU, while a victory for Williams should continue to build his confidence as a player.
A mixture of rain and two physical football teams is the recipe for a good day.
This could be the match-up that Devall and Williams shine the brightest.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
