TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Looking back at Quinnen Williams’ recruiting profile on 247Sports, it’s hard to imagine that player is now manning the nose guard position on Alabama’s defensive line.

The 4-star prospect out of Wenonah (Ala.) High School was listed at 6-foot-4, 265 pounds as a prep senior, but now he is up to 305 pounds, he said prior to his redshirt sophomore season at UA.

“We felt like Quinnen was a really good athlete in high school,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “He weighed maybe 260 pounds or whatever, but we really liked his quickness, his athletic ability, his ability to run. Those are really the kind of guys that we like to look for.

“Jonathan Allen was a little bit of an undersized guy when we recruited him, but when they get a little bigger and stronger, they’re still athletic, they still have the quickness.

“He’s played very consistent for us all year long. He’s been a very productive player for us. He’s developed and he’s a hard worker. He’s got a great attitude. He’s got good leadership qualities. He has worked hard to develop into being a very productive player for us.”

Saban’s exactly right. Allen weighed 260 pounds as a 5-star recruit out of Ashburn, Va., per the 247Sports Composite. Now a member of the Washington Redskins, Allen bulked up to 291 pounds during his senior season where he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award and Ted Hendricks Award and was named a unanimous first-team All-American.

Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

He might not be quite on that same path this fall, but Williams is certainly having one of the best seasons of any of the Crimson Tide’s defensive players. He has totaled four tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries to go with a pass breakup and added 18 tackles to his totals. Williams was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week for his play in Orlando against Louisville.

“He’s been dominant. He’s so disruptive up front,” redshirt senior outside linebacker Christian Miller said. “It might not show up in the numbers -- you all know I hate numbers -- it might show up in the numbers all the time but if you turn on the tape … I mean, he’s a monster. He’s wreaking havoc. It’s very good for our team.”

And while Williams still doesn’t have the same body type as a typical nose tackle, he isn’t letting that stop him from beating his opponent and affecting the quarterback and tailback in the backfield.

“Just because he’s a strong guy. But not only that I think his technique is as good as anybody’s,” Miller said. “If you watch how violent he is with his hands, how he sheds blockers, how he uses his leverage, and he’s just a very talented guy. A lot of it is natural, too. He’s been doing that since I’ve been here, since I’ve seen him, he’s been playing like that. It’s a matter of opportunity. He’s got a great opportunity right now and is making the most of it.”

Sophomore offensive tackle Jedrick Wills added: “For a defensive lineman that means everything. He’s very good with his hands, very violent, quick. He has all the things you need.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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