Two Alabama defenders named to Lott IMPACT Trophy Preseason Watch List

Oct 12, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) is sacked for a loss by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Alabama linebacker, Deontae Lawson and defensive lineman LT Overton were named to the 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Preseason Watch List.

Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, the award goes to college football’s top defensive player, who has had the biggest impact on his team on and off the field.

The 42-man watch list is composed of 16 defensive linemen, 13 linebackers and 13 defensive backs. Lawson and Overton are two of the 16 SEC players named to the watch list.

The Crimson Tide defenders are in their final year of eligibility and will be crucial to Alabama’s defensive success in the 2025 season.

Despite playing in only 10 full games last year, Lawson finished with 72 tackles, the second-most on the team.

According to Pro Football Focus, Overton finished the 2024 season with an 81.7 rush defense grade and led the team in pressures with 39.

The annual winner will be announced in December and is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation.