DEAL CONFIRM: Another Five-star Overton finds better fit at Alabama than Texas A&M

Defensive end LT Overton was one of the eight five-star recruits in Texas A&M’s highly-ranked 2022 recruiting class. However, his two seasons at College Station saw limited success, with just four starts and one sack, which he attributes to not fitting well within the Aggies’ defensive scheme.

“I felt I wasn’t utilized to my full potential back then, especially with dropping into coverage on most plays,” Overton shared during his first interview since transferring to Alabama last winter.

247 Sports national scouting analyst Gabe Brooks had high expectations for Overton, projecting him as a “potential impact player at the upper-tier P5 level with long-term high-round NFL Draft potential” and one of the top defensive line prospects nationwide. Overton, who arrived at Texas A&M weighing around 280 pounds, had to drop over 30 pounds to play the role the Aggies’ coaches envisioned, despite being listed at 265 on the roster.

This weight loss didn’t work out, and Overton entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 5, shortly after Texas A&M fired Jimbo Fisher. Just two weeks later, Overton committed to Alabama and joined the team for Rose Bowl practices in Los Angeles.

Now back to his original weight of 284 pounds, Overton feels better suited for Alabama’s “Bandit” defensive end role, which allows him to play both inside and outside while being effective against the run and rushing the passer.

“Being more of a hand-down, man-down player, I feel like I can now fully use my abilities,” Overton said. “It gives me the chance to play my game, be explosive, and free rush.”

During spring and early fall camp, Overton served as the second-team Bandit behind senior Jah-Marien Latham. Both players have earned praise from head coach Kalen DeBoer for their performance in practice. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack also highlighted Overton’s development, noting his skill in countering offensive linemen.

Overton is no stranger to Alabama, as his parents both worked for the university, and he spent his freshman high school year in Alabama, excelling on the field. Initially ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2023 high school class by 247 Sports before reclassifying to 2022, Overton had a close decision between Alabama and Texas A&M.

Overton explained that his relationship with Texas A&M’s Coach Terry Price influenced his initial decision, but after Price’s death in 2023 and the hiring of Coach Freddie Roach at Alabama, he felt drawn back to the Crimson Tide.

Now settled into Alabama’s defense, Overton showed his potential in a recent scrimmage, with linebacker Deontae Lawson praising his performance. Wommack also emphasized Overton’s ability to disrupt the run game, calling him a “280-pound ass-kicker.”