The University of Alabama has had two football players in program history to win the Lott IMPACT Trophy — DeMeco Ryans and Will Anderson Jr. — but will it gain a third one?
Alabama has two defensive leaders named to the watchlist for an award that goes to the best player in college football that demonstrates best personal character and athletic abilities.
Time, network announced for two home games for Alabama football
Named after Ronnie Lott, the Lott IMPACT honor symbolizes the athlete that carries Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity well. Deontae Lawson (linebacker) and LT Overton (defensive lineman) are both on the Lott IMPACT watchlist for the Tide.
Lott IMPACT Trophy ▶️ Preseason Watch List@LebbeusO & @Deontae_0 #RollTide pic.twitter.com/qiRR3dqM7G
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 28, 2025
Deontae Lawson — ILB
Lawson, a former four-star in the 2021 recruiting class, is in his fifth season at Alabama.
The Mobile (Ala.) native sustained a leg injury in 2024 versus Oklahoma, but he totaled 76 tackles (second on the team), 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception before the injury. Lawson recorded 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, and four quarterback hurries in 2023 — assisting the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and the College Football Playoff.
Former 5-star is ready to put it all together for Alabama in the fall
The 6-foot-2, 239-pounder is a defensive captain that can play either “Mike” or “Sting” at the linebacker position. Lawson’s is a strong communicator that has gotten better at being vocal.
He’s totaled 194 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 12 breakups, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception across three seasons.
LT Overton — DL
Overton came to Alabama football as a transfer from Texas A&M.
He earned the starting position at “Bandit” or field-side defensive end in preseason camp, recording 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, nine quarterback hurries (team-high), a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. The 6-foot-5, 284-pounder is an effective pass rusher, but Overton needs to finish plays in the backfield. He had some moments where could have finished plays in the backfield, yet he did not wrap up quarterbacks for sacks.
If Overton finishes plays this season, he can become a first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and writer for The Bama Standard. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
