Just now: An Inside Linebacker Preview for Alabama Football in 2024
Just now: An Inside Linebacker Preview for Alabama Football in 2024
Jeremiah Alexander, Justin Jefferson, Jihaad Campbell, and Deontae Lawson are back from the previous season.
Trezmen Marshall (declared for the NFL Draft), Ian Jackson (transfer to UTSA), Shawn Murphy (transfer to Florida State), and Kendrick Blackshire (transfer to Texas) are gone from the previous season.
This season’s additions include Quinton Reese, Cayden Jones, Justin Okoronkwo, and Sterling Dixon.
Starters anticipated: Lawson and Campbell
What we observed in the spring game and overall position: Lawson didn’t really stand out, and Campbell was out due to an injury during A-Day. Instead, with Okoronkwo recording a game-high 11 tackles, including a tackle for loss, the rookies at inside linebacker were the ones who stole the show. Alexander, with seven tackles, was just behind him on the stat sheet.
Inside linebacker is arguably the position group in the best shape overall, especially considering the effectiveness of the newcomers, the returning depth of Alexander and Jefferson, and the production of Lawson and Campbell. Campbell should arrive at fall camp in perfect health, having had the summer to recover.
How quickly Lawson and Campbell pick up the new scheme and how many of those freshmen, if any, will become rotational players are the only unanswered questions regarding how everyone fits into new coordinator Kane Wommack’s defense.
Lawson, according to Wommack: “I think Deontae is great because, especially when working one-on-one, he can visualize what you show him.” You can explain it to him verbally, and he can bring that over and perform on the field. He is a truly amazing player in terms of his ability to assess situations in real time, and he improves everyone around him as a result. That guy has an extremely promising future.”
Lawson on Okoronkwo: “He has been attending daily meetings with Coach and arriving at work every day.” He genuinely wanted to get better and came here ready to learn. Thus, I’m thrilled for him and believe he has a great future.”
Long-Term Prospects: It will be interesting to watch if Lawson or Campbell can develop into early-round draft selections that are valuable enough to justify leaving while still eligible. Though time will tell, redshirt junior Lawson believes he’s the closest to that standard.
With the four freshmen and whoever comes out of the 2025 signing class, the inside linebacker room would be extremely congested if both stay in 2025.
Numerous linebackers have committed to Alabama thus far, however it’s unclear if they’ll play inside or outside. Darrell Johnson, Myles Johnson, Luke Metz, Abduall Sanders, and Jaedon Harmon are present.
