Bama’s LB room just keeps winning. After DC Kane Wommack confirmed that veteran Justin Jefferson is on track to return in 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide defense added another jolt of experience and versatility through the transfer portal. And while the headlines might be focused on the roster moves, the real story was unfolding in a training facility, far from Tuscaloosa but close to the heart of what makes this next Tide defense potentially elite. In a moment that was part reunion, part reawakening, Colorado Buffaloes roots collided with Alabama muscle—and a silent message was delivered louder than words.
That moment came when Nikhai Hill-Green, fresh off a strong season with Colorado, linked up with a familiar face: LaVonta Bentley – fellow LB and one of the Buffaloes’ most consistent defensive presences over the last two years. Hill-Green, now a graduate student with Alabama, chose to bring his experience—and his edge—to the SEC after earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024. The 6’2″, 235-pound linebacker made the switch with intent, and his reunion with Bentley was more than just old friends catching up—it was two high-powered defensive weapons sharpening each other, quietly setting the tone for what’s to come.
The QB nightmares were spotted training together under the All In brand, grinding through rush drills and positional footwork. The chemistry was clear, and so was the mission. Hill-Green posted a clip of the workout on his Instagram stories with a simple three-word message: “Got Better Today.” Speaks volumes about where Hill-Green’s mindset is heading into his first season in crimson. He brings with him 82 total tackles from 2024, including two sacks and a pair of interceptions. Numbers like those aren’t just stats for padding—they’re production with teeth, from a linebacker who plays with eyes in the back of his head and a chip on his shoulder.
Standing across from him in the workout was Bentley, a 6’0″, 230-pound Alabama native who carved out a gritty, productive role at CUs. His best season came in 2023, when he racked up 68 total tackles (40 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pass breakups. That was vintage linebacker work—downhill, instinctive, violent at the point of attack.
And even in 2024, playing a slightly more subdued role next to Hill-Green, he still finished with 55 tackles (34 solo), four TFLs, and two fumble recoveries. Those numbers don’t lie, but somehow, the NFL world has stayed too quiet on Bentley. Undrafted and under-hyped, he’s still working like someone with everything to prove.
For both players, the training session wasn’t just a physical tune-up—it was symbolic. Hill-Green is moving forward to the biggest stage in college football, while Bentley, overlooked by scouts, refuses to fade quietly.
Good news for Nikhai Hill-Green’s friend: LaVonta Bentley gets his shot
A little good news has rolled in for Bentley—and it could be the start of something big. The former Colorado (and Clemson) LB accepted an invite to the Cincinnati Bengals‘ rookie minicamp on May 9, according to the team’s social media. He may not be under contract just yet, but the door is open, and Bentley’s walking through it with purpose.
Before making noise in Boulder, Bentley spent four seasons at Clemson, where he built strong ties to the Bengals’ roster. From 2019 to 2022, Bentley played behind defensive end Myles Murphy and alongside linebacker Barrett Carter. Sound familiar? They should—Murphy was Cincinnati’s first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Carter was their fourth-round selection just last week.
All three Tigers shared the field from 2021 to 2022, giving Bengals scouts and coaches plenty of film where Bentley pops off the screen. There’s a good chance he caught their eye while they were dissecting Murphy and Carter’s tape. So while Bentley isn’t locked into a contract yet, the connections are real, the opportunity is legit. Nikhai must be proud.
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