‘I’m Putting My Foot Down’: Alabama Senior Defender Vows to Restore Crimson Tide Standard in 2025

For over a decade, Alabama football operated under a simple yet unyielding creed: The Standard is The Standard. Under Nick Saban’s legendary leadership, that phrase became more than a motto—it was a blueprint for dominance.

But in 2024, for the first time in a long time, something felt…off.

Now, as Alabama marches into a new era under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, one of the Crimson Tide’s senior leaders is sounding the alarm—and vowing to make things right.

“We didn’t live up to the Alabama standard last year,” the defender admitted. “That ends now. I’m putting my foot down.”

Those strong words came from senior defensive lineman LT Overton, a former five-star prospect who transferred from Texas A&M and quickly emerged as one of the most physical and vocal players on Alabama’s defense. As the Tide prepare for the 2025 season, Overton isn’t mincing words. The message to his teammates is crystal clear: the complacency and inconsistency that defined stretches of the 2024 season won’t be tolerated.

“This year, it’s about accountability,” Overton said. “Not just doing your job, but demanding excellence from the guy next to you. Alabama football is supposed to mean something. We’re bringing that back.”

Owning the Past, Leading the Future

Overton’s comments are rare in their honesty and refreshing in their bluntness. While many players try to spin the past, the senior leader is leaning into the disappointment that came with last year’s two-loss season—especially the missed opportunity to reach the College Football Playoff.

“We let some games slip away,” he said. “We had the talent. We had the coaching. But something was missing. And it was leadership. I’ll own that. I didn’t speak up when I should have. I didn’t lead how I needed to. That changes now.”

For Overton, the 2025 season isn’t just a shot at redemption—it’s a mission.

“I’m not just trying to win games,” he said. “I’m trying to leave this program better than I found it. That means pushing guys in workouts, speaking up in film, setting the tone in the locker room. I want the younger guys to know what Alabama football is supposed to feel like.”

Coach DeBoer Praises Overton’s Growth

Kalen DeBoer, who is entering his second season in Tuscaloosa, praised Overton for stepping into a vocal leadership role this spring.

“LT’s been tremendous,” DeBoer said. “He’s one of the guys who took a hard look in the mirror after last season. He knows we didn’t hit our potential. And instead of pointing fingers, he’s leading from the front.”

According to DeBoer, the best leaders are the ones who combine self-awareness with action.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have accountability and leadership, you’re going to fall short,” he said. “LT is doing exactly what we need from a senior. He’s raising the bar.”

A Defensive Anchor

Overton’s 2024 campaign was quietly one of the most consistent on Alabama’s defense. He finished the season with 47 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, regularly drawing double teams and creating opportunities for edge rushers and linebackers to make plays.

His versatility as a defensive end who can kick inside on passing downs makes him a disruptive force—one that opposing coordinators must account for every snap.

But Overton knows production alone isn’t enough.

“Stats are cool,” he said. “But leadership is what makes championship teams. That’s what I’m focused on now.”

The ‘Crimson Tide Standard’—What It Really Means

The term “Crimson Tide standard” has been thrown around so often over the years that it risks becoming a cliché. But Overton has a very clear definition of what it means.

“It’s about effort, intensity, preparation, and execution,” he said. “When we walk into the building, we walk in with a purpose. We’re not going through the motions. Every rep, every meeting, every practice—it’s all championship level.”

He continued, “The standard isn’t just about winning. It’s about dominating. It’s about playing fast, playing smart, and playing with pride. We didn’t do that consistently last year. And that’s on us.”

Younger Teammates Taking Notice

Overton’s message is resonating with a locker room that includes both seasoned returners and wide-eyed newcomers. Sophomore linebacker Justin Jefferson said Overton’s voice has been impossible to ignore during spring camp.

“He’s on us all the time—in a good way,” Jefferson said. “Whether it’s running to the ball or finishing a drill, he’s always pushing. He told us day one of spring, ‘I’m not going to let you guys slack.’ And he’s been about it.”

Freshman defensive lineman Jamaal Hutcherson, one of Alabama’s early enrollees, said Overton’s mentorship has helped him adjust quickly.

“He leads by example, but he’ll also pull you aside and coach you up,” Hutcherson said. “He’s been a big part of why I’m getting more confident.”

Pushing Through the Pain

Overton’s journey hasn’t been easy. After transferring from Texas A&M, he had to adjust to a new system, new teammates, and the pressure of high expectations. There were moments of doubt—especially early in 2024—but he says the adversity only made him hungrier.

“I’ve had to grow a lot,” Overton admitted. “When I got here, I thought I was ready to lead. But I realized leadership isn’t about hype—it’s about being consistent, being dependable, being a voice of reason when things get tough.”

That growth was forged in film rooms, weight rooms, and the long hours of winter conditioning. And it’s paying off.

“I’m in the best shape of my life,” he said. “Physically, mentally, emotionally—I’m locked in.”

Chasing a Legacy, Not Just a Draft Pick

Overton is well aware that his NFL future is on the line this season. With his size, athleticism, and production, he projects as a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he insists that personal accolades are secondary to team goals.

“I want to be remembered as a guy who brought the standard back,” he said. “If that means sacrificing stats so we win more, I’m all for it.”

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave, Overton doesn’t hesitate.

“I want people to say, ‘That guy changed the culture. That guy didn’t accept mediocrity. That guy gave everything for Bama.’”

Locker Room Vibes Are Changing

One of the biggest differences heading into 2025, according to Overton, is the vibe in the locker room.

“Last year, we were still feeling each other out,” he said. “New coaches, new expectations. Some guys were still caught up in the Saban era. Now, everyone’s bought in.”

He credits DeBoer and defensive coordinator William Inge for creating a culture of open communication.

“We can challenge each other without it turning personal,” Overton said. “There’s more trust now. And that’s dangerous—for our opponents.”

Big Games Looming, But the Focus is Internal

Alabama’s 2025 schedule is loaded with marquee matchups, including road trips to Georgia and Oklahoma, and home games against Texas and LSU. The stakes are sky-high. But Overton says the team isn’t worried about the outside noise.

“It’s not about who we play. It’s about how we play,” he said. “If we take care of our business, we’ll be exactly where we want to be come December.”

And where is that?

“Atlanta. Then the CFP. Then a Natty.”

Final Word: The Captain Alabama Needs

If there’s one player embodying Alabama’s mission to reclaim its dominance, it’s LT Overton. His size and strength make him a threat on every snap, but it’s his voice, passion, and relentless standards that may leave the biggest impact.

“Sometimes you’ve got to speak up,” Overton said. “Sometimes you’ve got to be uncomfortable. That’s what leadership is. I’m not here to be liked. I’m here to win.”

For a team looking to return to its throne, that mindset might be exactly what the Crimson Tide needs.