Colorado transfer tells why playing at Alabama is surreal: “I just love Alabama”

After transferring from Colorado, linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green has made himself known as a key component of the Alabama defense. Through 10 games with the Tide, his fourth team, he’s become a key contributor to Alabama’s success.

Hill-Green has appeared in every game for the Crimson Tide this season, and as a member of a loaded Alabama defense, he’s made his presence known by acquiring 35 total tackles, a pass deflection and a forced fumble.

His stats don’t quite look as good as they did in his last season at Colorado, but it’s different circumstances. But after playing in 10 games with the Tide, and spending time at Colorado, Michigan, and Charlotte, he’s managed to record 241 total tackles, nine pass deflections, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in his career.

He was asked on Monday if he ever believed he’d make it to a school like Alabama.

“So, other people around me had the confidence in me to be at a place like this, but I really didn’t,” Hill-Green said. “So it’s kind of surreal being here and just experiencing it… In high school, I started as a freshman, and that’s when it kind of started, and everyone was looking at me like I was the next big thing.”

With his senior season now coming to a close, he also talked about what Alabama means to him.

“Guys like [Tim Keenan], [Deontae Lawson], I respect those guys,” Hill-Green said. “I hope it’s not the last time we take the field together at Bryant-Denny. I just love Alabama, I love the people and I love the city of Tuscaloosa. So, I’m forever indebted to this place for giving me an opportunity.”

He will have one more chance to show out in Bryant-Denny for the University of Alabama and the people of Tuscaloosa when the Tide hits the field at home for the final time this season against Eastern Illinois on Saturday.

Hill-Green and the defense will need to use the opportunity to sharpen up before it faces the task of a night game on the road in Auburn the following week. Alabama will need to win that game to ensure an SEC Championship game appearance.