He did not play much versus Western Kentucky, but the native Floridian has a chance at more reps against South Florida.
Keanu Koht was a talented edge rusher in the 2021 class for the University of Alabama from Vero Beach (Fla.) High School.
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He arrived on campus as a four-star, but Koht battled injuries in his first two seasons. He got healthy last year, totaling four tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-5, 242-pounder wants to be more impactful as an outside linebacker, especially with an opportunity in Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 defense to show out at Wolf.
Koht was the No. 2 player at the position in the Crimson Tide’s season opener, but fans did not see much of him. Christian Robinson, the Tide’s outside linebackers coach, got a moment to discuss Koht on Wednesday in media availability for assistant coaches. He is excited to see more from the redshirt junior.
“He is speaking up more,” Robinson said about Koht’s growth.
“I think with the guys that left the room before, I see Que (Robinson), him, and Qua (Russaw) being guys that choose to speak up to the room. He is a high-energy guy. I am really proud of the steps he’s taken to refine his craft. He really cares.”
Koht had to wait behind Will Anderson Jr., Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, and Que Robinson for an opportunity.
If he can get meaningful reps versus South Florida, it will do a lot for his confidence.
He has the ability to be a terror off the edge; however, we need to see it in action.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
