LT Overton: Freddie Roach played key role in decision to stay at Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement

In December 2023, LT Overton announced his commitment to Alabama. The Texas A&M transfer was a key addition for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, arriving as one of the top defensive linemen to enter the transfer portal that cycle.

But less than a month later, Saban shocked the college football world when he announced his retirement. Shortly thereafter, Alabama announced Kalen DeBoer as its next head coach. In the meantime, Overton had a decision to make. He could re-enter the portal or stay in Tuscaloosa.

DeBoer kept defensive line coach Freddie Roach on the staff, though. That move helped Overton make his decision to stay in Tuscaloosa – and the rest is history.

“I’m not gonna lie, as soon as I heard the sad news that Saban was leaving and DeBoer came, without Roach, I wouldn’t be here,” Roach said Wednesday on Hey Coach and the Kalen DeBoer Show. “Roach has been there every step with me, every single way.

“Any guys from this room or any room, anybody he coached in the country can tell you that he’s always going to keep it real with you, he’s going to be down with you. He’s going to make sure he knows you as a player and how to coach for you so you can be at 100 every day, so you’re not just moping around, so you’re able to become a leader that he wants you to be.”

Overton immediately made an impact on the Alabama defensive line in 2024. He set new a career high with 42 total tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He also had a pass defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 13 games of action.

So far through 2025, Overton has taken another leap forward. He has 27 tackles, setting new career-bests with 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks across eight games this year. He turned in his biggest performance in Alabama’s victory at Missouri when he had six tackles and 1.5 sacks as the Crimson Tide got the 27-24 win in CoMo.

DeBoer knows what he’s going to get from LT Overton every night. Sitting directly to the 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman’s right during Wednesday’s show, the Alabama headman sums up what he brings to the table.

“Mr. Consistent,” DeBoer said. “Brings his best every single day. It’s really, really important to him to be a great football player and a great team. He’s the complete package.”