Alabama’s defense has always been a terror for opponents. Nick Saban built his reputation in college football on defense and his teams always are stock full of talented defensive players.

So when he envisions expanded roles for some of his best players, it gets the rest of the SEC a bit nervous. More of really good players in Alabama’s revolving door of strong defensive players is a bad thing for the rest of the SEC.

During his press conference Monday before the holiday break as his team prepares for the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Cotton Bowl, Saban said he wanted to see Tim Williams become an every-down player next season. That would boost his NFL Draft stock among other things, but would be the next stage in the development of this strong pass rusher.

“I think the goal with Tim is that he plays every down,” Saban said. “I think that, in Tim’s case, he’s gotta learn how to play outside backer and understand pass coverage concepts. When he drops, I’d say that’s the biggest thing that he has to develop.

“I think the way he’s developed in other areas, that’s something that we certainly have great hope for. That he’ll be able to do in the next year so he can become an every-down player for us.”

Williams was a terror in the backfield. He recorded 18 total tackles this season with 11.5 as tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. He had four quarterback hits.

He proved himself as a strong pass rusher and someone who could get into the backfield. Obviously though, he was fighting his way up the depth chart and was more of a specialized player as someone who could rush the quarterback.

The Crimson Tide had Williams sporadically on their two-deep as the third-string Jack linebacker. He was able to rotate in because of this special skill.

If he wants to start his senior year, he is going to have to prove to Saban he can be an every-down guy. If he can, the numbers from this year show just how effective he could be with some consistency.