TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Raekwon Davis is a man of few words around reporters.

Does he think he will have a better year rushing the passer?

“Oh, yes. Yes, sir.”

Does he have any goals in terms of a number of desired sacks?

“No, sir.”

But that is not the case when he is around the team and, more importantly, on the field where his play and gargantuan 6-foot-7, 316-pound frame do the talking. Alabama’s junior end has routinely been described as a “freak” by teammates, including Quinnen Williams.

“An animal. Raekwon’s just a different human,” Williams said. “He’s so huge and he’s so athletic. To be that big and strong and never get tired, he’s just an animal I’ve never seen before.”

A preseason All-American, according to Sporting News and the Associated Press, Davis returns as Alabama’s leader in tackles and sacks -- as a defensive lineman. Last year, he showed he can be a terror when unleashed, and that was often as a reserve with Daron Payne, Da'Shawn Hand and Isaiah Buggs starting most games. So, like he said, his numbers should rise.

In 2017, Davis produced a team-high 8.5 sacks to finish fifth in the conference as a sophomore. He also ranked third on the Crimson Tide’s team with 69 tackles, 10 of which were for losses, and added two quarterback hurries and an interception in the national title game.

Alabama junior DE Raekwon Davis

The Meridian, Miss., native brings experience and explosiveness to UA’s 2018 defense, as well as much-needed leadership with 10 former players now on NFL preseason rosters as rookies. And being a mentor to younger players is one thing Davis disclosed to the media.

“Being a better role model is having the young guys look up to you,” Davis said. “They’re watching your first step. They’re watching to see what you’re going to do. So, you have to be a role model to them. Make sure I’m doing everything the right way, so the younger guys can see how to keep going when I leave here.”



Named to four preseason award watch lists -- Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Walter Camp and Ted Hendricks -- Davis is poised for a huge year along the Tide’s defensive front. In the 16 preseason camp practices in the rear-view mirror, the behemoth said he worked on improving his technique, something first-year defensive coach Craig Kuligowski has helped him with.

And as he gets set for what could be his last year in an Alabama uniform, Davis is focused on making those around him better as the Crimson Tide looks to defend its national title this fall.

“We feed off each other,” Williams said. “So, Raekwon may do this and I may do it different, but everybody, as a group, we’re all great. The D-linemen need the linebackers, the linebackers need the cornerbacks, and you don’t win a game on your all.

“So, when all of us are freaks, we’re all good.”

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

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