Reuben Foster's not a man of many words.

His interviews are typically brief, answers get straight to the point. The smile on his face Tuesday showed just how eager Alabama's middle linebacker was to face USC at 7 p.m. CT Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

The topic of his trimmed down physique was again a hot topic. Dropping 15 pounds from 240 to 225 is significant for a player teammates voted as the hardest hitter.

It's going to feel a little different. Foster knows that.

"Yeah, like testing a new automobile," he said with a grin. "I'm ready to drive a Ferrari."

Last year, Foster figured he was more of a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV.

Earlier in August, Foster said he feels more explosive without the extra weight. Neither his knees, nor his back hurt these days. His 73 tackles last season ranked second behind only Reggie Ragland's 102.

He'll test the new body style against a USC offense with two 900-yard rushers returning along with the bulk of its offensive line.

"Quickness and agility, downhill runners," Foster said. "Small, but strong. Hard."

And USC's two quarterbacks -- Max Browne and Sam Darnold?

"Both of them are great players," Foster said. "They will lead. They are well put together. They are built for it. They've got it."