Alabama’s Hidden Weapon? This Young Linebacker Is Reportedly Outworking Everyone in Tuscaloosa — Coaches Can’t Stop Talking About Him
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a football program where championship banners and first-round NFL draft picks are the norm, it takes something special to grab attention behind the walls of the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Yet one young linebacker, Resse, has managed to do just that — and it’s not because of viral highlight reels or flashy social media stunts. It’s because of an unshakable, day-in, day-out work ethic that has quietly made him one of the most talked-about players in Alabama’s preseason camp.
From Quiet Arrival to Relentless Worker
Resse joined the Crimson Tide as part of a highly competitive recruiting class, knowing full well that breaking into Alabama’s linebacker rotation would be no small task. In his freshman year, he saw limited defensive action, instead contributing primarily on special teams. But instead of letting that role discourage him, it fueled his drive.
According to teammates and coaches, Resse turned the offseason into his personal proving ground. Strength coaches noted that he was often the first player to arrive at the facility — sometimes before 5:30 a.m. — and among the last to leave after evening film sessions. “He’s not waiting for an opportunity to come to him,” said one staff member. “He’s building himself into a player you can’t keep off the field.”
Impressive Gains in the Weight Room and on the Field
Data from Alabama’s advanced performance-tracking system shows that Resse made some of the biggest offseason gains on the roster. His squat and bench press numbers are up significantly, and his 40-yard dash time has dropped by more than a tenth of a second since last season. Even more impressive, his agility drills — especially the short shuttle — now place him in the upper tier of Alabama’s linebacker group.
“Resse’s improvement is not an accident,” said head coach Kalen DeBoer after Monday’s practice. “He’s locked in on every rep, every meeting, every walkthrough. The kid just gets it.”
Earning Respect in the Locker Room
For veterans, respect in Tuscaloosa isn’t given — it’s earned. And by all accounts, Resse has done just that. Senior linebackers have been spotted pulling him aside for extra instruction, not because he needs to be corrected, but because they see his willingness to learn and want to help him succeed.
“Resse’s like a sponge,” said one upperclassman. “You tell him something once, and it’s locked in. He’s not just working hard physically, he’s studying the game constantly.”
The Coaches Can’t Stop Talking About Him
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack didn’t mince words when asked about Resse’s progress. “If you want a blueprint for how a young player should approach his career here, watch what Resse is doing,” Wommack said. “The guy’s effort is contagious.”
Even special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler has joined the chorus of praise, noting that Resse’s energy and discipline have elevated the intensity of the units he’s been part of. “He doesn’t see special teams as a placeholder role,” Hutzler said. “He sees it as a chance to make an impact — and he’s making one.”
A Potential Breakout Season on the Horizon
While the linebacker depth chart remains stacked with experienced playmakers, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before Resse earns meaningful defensive snaps. Injuries, rotational adjustments, or even standout practice performances could open the door, and when it does, there’s growing confidence inside the program that he’ll be ready to step in without missing a beat.
For Alabama, that kind of depth could be critical in an SEC schedule loaded with high-powered offenses. And for Resse, it could be the first step toward a bigger role — and perhaps even an eventual NFL career.
Why the Buzz Around Resse Matters
Championship-caliber programs aren’t built solely on stars; they’re sustained by players who put in the work long before the spotlight finds them. In that sense, Resse is emblematic of the culture Alabama has built — a culture that values relentless preparation as much as it does raw talent.
As the Crimson Tide march toward another title chase, the outside world may still see Resse as an unproven name. But inside Tuscaloosa, the whispers are getting louder: Alabama’s next defensive difference-maker might already be here, and his name is Resse — the young linebacker who simply refuses to be outworked.
