In a year where everyone is talking about the offense for Alabama, it might just be a defensive player that's opened the most eyes through eight games.

Redshirt sophomore Quinnen Williams entered the season with two career sacks and limited experience along the defensive line. When the preseason All-SEC teams were announced in July there were 12 defensive linemen on the first three teams. None of those players were Williams.

Fast forward two months into the season and the Birmingham native is in the conversation to be the first Crimson Tide player taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. This might be one of the deepest defensive line classes ever and Williams is among the top players in the group despite playing a reserve role behind Da'Ron Payne a year ago.

In case you might think it's an overreaction because he plays for Alabama, just look at the grades from Pro Football Focus to see just how special this season has been for Williams.

Williams' strength and explosiveness has been on display in every game this season as he's manhandled many offensive lineman. Maybe the best example came on the sack safety against Missouri. For the year, Williams only has 1.5 sacks but 25 total quarterback pressures.

If Alabama wants to finish off another undefeated regular season, Williams will be a key factor for the Crimson Tide defense.

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