When speaking with the media, Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III was asked about what he has seen from transfer linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green. Keenan offered some early praise for the former Colorado linebacker.
“He’s done a great job of managing the defense….having great poise, great communication when we’re in,” Keenan III said, “I can’t wait to see how he does.”
Hill-Green transferred from Colorado to Alabama this offseason. The Maryland native finished the 2024 season with a career-high 82 to go along with two sacks and two interceptions.
With Alabama losing linebacker Jihaad Campbell this offseason, Hill-Green has the potential to be a Day 1 starter for the Crimson Tide. Hill-Green does a tremendous job of diagnosing the run and leading by example.
It will be interesting to see where Hill-Green falls in line at the linebacker position. Redshirt senior Deontae Lawson and fifth-year senior Justin Jefferson both return after having promising seasons in 2024.
An interesting thing to note is that Lawson will be sidelined throughout the spring due to a season-ending injury that occurred against Oklahoma. That could allow Hill-Green to earn more meaningful snaps if he has a strong showing in the spring.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
