Alabama reserve linebacker Keith Holcombe saw an increased role this season, after redshirting his freshman year in 2014.
The Tuscaloosa native was a standout on special teams with nine total tackles. His shining moment came against Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game, where he blocked a punt out the back of the end zone for a safety in the second quarter. A former four-star recruit, Holcombe will join the likes of other Crimson Tide players that are two-sport athletes, including redshirt freshman Marlon Humphrey.
He will try his luck on the diamond this spring, as Holcombe plans to play baseball. Charlie Potter, reporter for BamaOnline, broke the Thursday afternoon via Twitter.
Alabama LB Keith Holcombe will play a second sport this spring: https://t.co/pPPLVwfn1S via @247Sports pic.twitter.com/cJNEAOpWTs
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 21, 2016
The Crimson Tide will have a three-game home stand against Maryland starting on Friday, Feb. 19. Holcombe has spoken to football head coach Nick Saban, who granted him permission to play baseball as long as it does not interfere with football and school. Alabama baseball coach Mitch Gaspard will have the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Holcombe wearing No.7 and playing in the outfield.
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.
