TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama linebacker Eyabi Anoma made headlines when he entered and then quickly exited the NCAA transfer portal in February. But this spring, the rising sophomore is making plays and competing for a larger role in the Crimson Tide’s spring practices.

“He’s been making a big step lately,” said Alabama senior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis on Tuesday. “He’s been helping this team the best he can. He’s a whole different Eyabi. ... He’s starting to buy in more. Just to hear his voice, he’s starting to lead more.”

Head coach Nick Saban and Anoma “had a good meeting” when the former 5-star recruit chose to enter his name in the transfer portal. The 13th-year head coach admitted Alabama could have used the Baltimore, Md., native “a little bit more” in pass-rushing situations last year, especially with Terrell Lewis and Christopher Allen sidelined by knee injuries for the entire 2018 season.

“I think the’s going to develop into a fine player,” Saban said at the time.

This spring, Lewis is also limited as he continues to recover from an ACL injury, so the younger of two Maryland-D.C. area linebackers is getting more reps and impressing when he steps on the field. In the Tide’s pair of closed scrimmages, Anoma has been a regular in the backfield.

“He’s doing a good job,” Saban said earlier this spring. “He’s working hard. He’s learning a lot. I think he’s responding very well to Sal (Sunseri) with Sal coaching him. He’s doing much better in school. Being responsible and trying to do the right things and respond to people the right way. He’s certainly making a very positive contribution to the defense. I certainly think that’s our expectation for him, and if he continues this way, I’m sure he’s going to make a huge impact.”

Alabama outside linebacker Eyabi Anoma

Appearing in 12 games last season, Anoma registered nine tackles, including two for a loss, while adding one quarterback hurry as a reserve at outside linebacker. The 6-foot-5, 252-pound edge rusher also earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors from the conference’s coaches.

Anoma was a coveted 5-star recruit during the 2018 recruiting cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He was considered the No. 1 weak-side defensive end and player in the state of Maryland and the No. 4 overall prospect in the nation out of St. Frances Academy.

Anoma missed one of Alabama’s College Football Playoff practices in December for “a personal day, I guess, to sort some things out,” Saban said at the time. He returned to practice the next day.

But with the indecision presumably behind him, Anoma is making the most of his opportunity.

“Anfernee Jennings is a name that everybody always knows. He always does a real good job off the edge. A great pass rusher, great run stopper,” said junior offensive tackle Jedrick Wills in an appearance on 3 Man Front. “As well as Eyabi, that a lot of people are starting to hear about who’s stepped up this year a lot. Real great speed off the edge, great first step, real quick twitch.

“He’ll also be a big factor for us this year.”

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

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