Meet Reese, The Rising Star In Alabama’s Linebacker Lineup

Per usual, Alabama loses some key pieces on defense. This year, veterans like Tim Keenan III and linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson will depart to pursue professional careers, leaving behind a strong leadership presence and big shoes to fill.

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Alabama has had some great linebackers over the years, especially at the interior position.  Guys like Rolando McClain (105 tackles in 2009), C.J. Mosley (107 tackles in 2012 and 108 in 2013), Reuben Foster (115 tackles in 2016), and Henry To'oTo'o (112 tackles in 2021) have had the most tackles while also leading the team during the Saban era, along with others like Reggie Ragland, Deontae Lawson, and Justin Jefferson who made the most of their career during their time at the Capstone.

Each year, many of them leave to purse professional careers, leaving many to wonder who will be the next man up.

With the 2026 Alabama roster slowly but surely being built in terms of starting roles and future players to look out for, Lawson and Keenan III believes one player that fans should be excited about is QB Reese.

Reese began to stand out last spring when Lawson did not participate while recovering from a knee injury. During the NFL Scouting Combine, Lawson told reporters that Reese would be a guy to watch when his time comes.

"He wasn't even traveling to the games, but he's showing up to every meeting and just being present no matter what the situation was. His role couldn't grow that much last year, but he still took advantage. I'm definitely excited for him and the rest of the inside backers," said Lawson.

Reese will be a second-year member of the Crimson Tide for the 2026 season. The Birmingham, Alabama, native was a three-star linebacker prospect out of Ramsay High School and ranked as the No. 72 linebacker nationally and in the On3 Consensus and the 247Composite. Reese also ranked 39th and 40th in Alabama, respectively, by the Consensus and the Composite. Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 29 linebacker in the country and the No. 33 player in the state.

At 6-foot and 224 pounds, Reese would be considered undersized, but his speed, physicality, and approach to the game make up for it. Keenan III, also a Ramsay alum, advocated for Reese during the NFL Scouting Combine as well. "His mentality [makes him a good player]. They say he's undersized, but it's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the fight of the dog. QB is always going to outwill you no matter what," said Keenan III.

With Alabama's defense looking to replace what they'll lose, Reese could possibly have a bigger role, especially if he continues on the right track.