Nikhai Hill-Green came into the season with an uncertain role. The Colorado transfer was an early addition for Alabama in the Transfer Portal, but he was brought in before it was known that Justin Jefferson would be granted an additional year of eligibility.
With Jefferson back, Hill-Green settled into a time-share with Jefferson and fifth-year senior LB Deontae Lawson, and early in the season was a distant third in snaps.
But in recent weeks, Hill-Green has emerged as a vital piece of the Crimson Tide's defense. It's not a coincidence that his ascent has coincided with the Alabama defense beginning to reach its preseason potential.