Athletics are always in season at the University of Alabama for Keith Holcombe, who is coming into his own as an inside linebacker after excelling in the spring as a left fielder.
Regardless of the sport, Holcombe usually wears eye black.
“Growing up, my dad said if you look good, you play good,” Holcombe said in a news conference this week. “I’m not the biggest guy, so I have to improve my intimidation factor.”
The 6-foot-4, 227-pounder from Tuscaloosa may not be the most recognized face on a defense that includes Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Eddie Jackson, but he is taking advantage of his increasing opportunities each week. In last Saturday’s 48-0 thrashing of Kent State, the redshirt sophomore tallied a career-high six tackles.
Holcombe has 14 tackles this season, tied for fourth on the talent-rich defense that is allowing 280.2 yards and 14.8 points a game. Alabama leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing defense, allowing 67.5 yards per contest.