Former SEC Coach Likens Alabama DL Devan Thompkins to Future Hall of Famer

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a unicorn in the flesh?

The Alabama Crimson Tide have the closest thing to one in defensive lineman Devan Thompkins.

The former USC lineman is making waves in his debut season in Tuscaloosa, helping bolster a pass rush that needed serious help after losing several assets to the NFL and transfer portal.

Last week, after Alabama dominated LSU 31-13, Thompkins was awarded the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, where he posted two tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks against Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt.

For the season, he’s already posted 6.5 tackles for loss – the same amount he had all of last season – and five sacks. 

But it isn’t about the stats. It’s about the pressure that he creates.

Thompkins creates havoc along the defensive line with overwhelming power, impressive agility for a player his size, and the ability to finish plays.

Former Division I coach Geoff Collins, who has served as defensive coordinator for Mississippi State, Florida, and North Carolina, went on his YouTube channel to review the film from Alabama’s win over the Tigers. And one of the more eye-opening takeaways was him likening Thompkins to a player that he coached.

Here’s a hint: he’s a future Hall of Famer.

“Devan Thompkins, I didn’t know this, he’s an athletic dude. This dude is 6’5” 300 pounds. Look at that big man coming off the ball. He looks like a Chris Jones… 6’5” 300 pounds on the edge, and he just collapses the pocket and nowhere for Sam Leavitt to go.”

Thompkins' ability to generate havoc along the defensive line has been one of Alabama's biggest improvements this season. The Crimson Tide currently own a 17.9% Havoc Rate, ranking 31st nationally.

Thompkins wasn't a household name before arriving in Tuscaloosa, but he quickly caught the attention of Alabama's coaching staff during fall camp.

“Devan has a special skill set just to be that big and athletic, and he can move and do some things, both from the Bandit position and the three-technique position," said defensive coordinator Kane Wommack during fall camp.

While it's still early in Thompkins' Alabama career, the early returns have been incredibly promising. The combination of size, athleticism and versatility makes him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive lines.

After nine games, Alabama fans have gotten a pretty good look at what Thompkins brings to the defensive line. 

Collins' comparison to Jones only reinforces how special his combination of size and athleticism can be.