When Alabama went looking for answers on defense this offseason, Devan Thompkins turned into one of the quickest fixes.
The USC transfer has wasted no time making his presence felt for the Crimson Tide, leading the team with three sacks through its first three games. That production has come even though Yhonzae Pierre entered the season as the presumed top pass-rush threat after an eight-sack campaign a year ago. Pierre has still been active, posting four quarterback hurries, two tackles for loss and a sack, but Thompkins has been the one finishing plays.
Sophomore outside linebacker Justin Hill had plenty to say about what Thompkins brings after Tuesday’s practice.
"He’s a very big guy who uses his strength and speed very well," Hill said of Thompkins. "He’s very technical.
Leadership wise, we just got done talking, and he’s talking to the group, and he’s a great leader. Everything you could ask for, for sure.”
Thompkins’ Alabama debut against East Carolina was quiet, with no recorded stats. Since then, he has taken off.
Against Kentucky, he recorded two sacks and forced a fumble in Alabama’s win. He followed that with six tackles and another sack in the victory over Florida State.
"Just executing the calls, really," Thompkins said after this two-sack performance against Kentucky. "Going out there trusting my preparation, trusting my teammates, my coaches. Just going out there having fun."
That ability to create havoc has made him more than just a pass-rush specialist. Thompkins can line up in different spots across the defensive front, and that versatility gives Alabama a way to keep offenses guessing.
Junior offensive lineman William Sanders, who faces Thompkins in practice each week, said the matchup has reminded him of the challenges he used to see against former Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan.
"DT, he’s so versatile," Sanders said. "Y’all see on Saturdays, he can play anywhere. Being able to go against him on Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the week, it definitely helps you get your technique better because you don’t have a choice but to get better."
Thompkins is one of several transfer additions that have boosted Alabama’s defense this season, along with Caleb Woodson and Terrance Green.
The next test comes Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium against South Carolina, a team that has allowed only five sacks through three games. Three of those came last week in the Gamecocks’ SEC opener against Mississippi State.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is "running the ball as good as I have seen him" so the Tide will need Thompkins to keep bringing the same kind of pressure that has defined his start in Tuscaloosa.
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