Robert Lester: Video Highlights for Former Alabama SS

Out of all of the safeties in the 2013 draft class, Robert Lester may be one of the best ball hawks at the position.

This former Alabama safety stands 6’1” and weighs 220 pounds. He has a great frame for a coverage safety. His length, leaping ability and excellent ball skills could make him a great ball hawk at the NFL level.

He is not known much for his role in run support, although he is capable of playing up in the box when needed. Lester also has the versatility to drop down into man coverage on a slot receiver as well.

This is a battle-tested safety and has played in a very good secondary for four years. He may not be projected as an early selection in this year’s draft, but he seems to be very NFL-ready.

Here are some highlights from Lester’s tenure with the Crimson Tide.

Interception vs. Penn State, 2010

In the beginning of this video, watch the right side of the screen as Lester (No. 37) comes into the frame just a split second before the snap.

Once the ball is snapped, he begins to backpedal out of the screen as he is playing off of his receiver. Lester keeps reading the quarterback as he moves backward and notices the quarterback is ready to release the ball.

There is a miscommunication and the receiver keeps running, but the quarterback throws short. Lester read the quarterback before the ball was released, so he is able to come back and make a sliding catch for an interception.

Interception vs. Arkansas, 2010

Lester starts closest to the screen on this play. He demonstrates a quick adjustment and great hip fluidity during this highlight.

The ball is snapped and the wide receiver starts to run a go route up the seam. Lester cannot allow the receiver to get behind him, so he begins to turn his hips to run deeper.

Just after his hips are turned, the quarterback throws a shorter ball to the target that cut his route to the inside. Lester keeps his eyes on the quarterback and is able to react and turn his hips back toward the play.

The ball is slightly overthrown, and Lester is able to put himself into position to make the interception.

Interceptions Highlight Reel

This video is full of highlights from many of Lester’s career interceptions while at Alabama.

During the series of clips, notice how many different ways Lester is able to get himself into position to make a play on the football. Some of these interceptions come from great man coverage, others come from reacting in zone coverage. Each is absolutely impressive.

Thirty seconds into the video, there is one surprise highlight. A rare Lester blitz off the edge forces a sack as he gets a great burst off of the line and goes untouched to the quarterback.

Highlight Reel, 2011-12

This highlight video starts off with Lester up on the line of scrimmage. In both instances, he is able to get into the backfield quickly and wrap up the quarterback for a sack.

The rest of the highlight reel features Lester as a single-deep safety. He is back patrolling the middle of the field while reading the quarterback’s eyes in an attempt to make a quick break and make a play on the ball.

As the video shows, Lester has this down to a science. He has turned many of these situations into interceptions during his career at Alabama.

Two Passes Defended vs. Penn State, 2011

This highlight package shows how Lester can become a ball hawk in both man and zone coverages. Each play is shown in a slow-motion replay, which gives a great view of Lester making a play on the ball. These are actually consecutive plays in this game against Penn State.

In the first play, Lester is in deep zone coverage. He sits back and watches the quarterback’s eyes in attempt to get the upper hand on where the ball will be thrown. Once it is released, he waits just behind the intended target. The ball is tipped, and Lester makes a great effort, attempting a diving interception.

The second play features Lester in man coverage. Lester is covering the slot receiver who is running a crossing pattern over the middle. He stays in great position and just barely trails the receiver during his route. The ball is thrown slightly behind the intended target, and Lester reaches in to grab the ball out of the arms of the receiver, almost recording another interception.

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