Alabama has a new No. 1 on defense, and this one looks a lot different from the last guy to wear it.
Domani Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 196-pound cornerback, had the number in 2024 and 2025. Now it belongs to Devan Thompkins, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive lineman who arrived from Southern Cal as one of Alabama’s top transfer additions this offseason. Thompkins spent four years with the Trojans before coming to Tuscaloosa, and he’s expected to step into the Bandit defensive end spot left open by LT Overton.
Thompkins explained Thursday why he settled on No. 1.
“I already had a single-digit number, eight,” Thompkins said. “That’s the number I originally wanted.
But I just wanted to keep my single-digit number just because growing up, you see college players have single-digit numbers. They’re typically people’s favorite players.
Mine was Reggie Bush (who wore No. 5 at USC) growing up. So I just wanted a single digit and I kept that one.”
With Jackson gone to the NFL draft, No. 1 was available on defense. Thompkins didn’t have his old No. 8 option, though, because Justin Hill already has it.
The same goes for No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5, which are worn by Zabien Brown, Keon Sabb and Dijon Lee.
That left No. 1, 4, 6, 7 and 9 open, and Thompkins chose the first one.
He wasn’t the only Alabama defender making a switch. Luke Metz, a returner, moved to No.
- Red Morgan changed to No.
- Transfers Caleb Woodson and Desmond Umeozulu picked No. 7 and No. 9, respectively.
Yhonzae Pierre also made a change, going from No. 42 to No. 0 after Deontae Lawson departed.
The number is one thing. What Alabama is really getting is what Thompkins says he brings to the field.
“Intensity,” Thompkins said. “High-effort guy.
Always willing to put myself on the line for the team. I like to say I’m a leader, to lead by example, just to help the younger guys, giving my best every play.
Just putting my best foot forward. That’s what people can expect from me.”
Alabama opens the season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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