
QB Reese could be a starter at Alabama this season, and his trainer is showing everyone why that is.
The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 4-2-5 Swarm under Kane Wommack is at its best when the two backers in the middle are fast, physical, and play off one another. So far, key transfer portal addition Caleb Woodson has been the talk of Tuscaloosa on that side of the ball, showing elite intangibles and traits during spring camp.
But what about his potential running mates at the stacked backer position? Well, one name has pushed hard to be the starter come Week 1, and his trainer may have just proved why he has a leg up.
“He just wants to be able to rush if they put him outside or inside, just being able to go,” Reese’s trainer, Terrance Swift told TD Alabama. “He really just wanted to work on his pass rushing, more of an understanding of what to do because he can just run upfield with speed and still win battles.”
“But he wants to get a game plan on what to do, why to do it, and how to do it to be more effective because pass rushing is all about being effective because you only have a certain amount of time to get to the quarterback or the ball is gone.”
Alabama LB QB Reese working on pass rush moves and getting after the quarterback with Terrence Swift @coachswift64. pic.twitter.com/GYyDhMN0T1
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) May 8, 2026
To play in the middle of Alabama’s defense, you need to be multiple. One player needs to be able to turn and run, viewed as hyper athletic (Justin Jefferson last year), and the other needs to be able to rush the passer and stop the run as a blitz threat and gap shooter (Deontae Lawson last year).
Reese has shown the ability to do the latter throughout spring ball, which complements what Woodson brings to the team. A strong summer and fall camp might ensure that Reese is the starter come Week 1.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!