Henry To'o To'o reflects on decision to transfer, why he chose Alabama

Being able to pull players from the transfer portal has made the Alabama Crimson Tide more dangerous than before. Two have made a major impact this season in wide receiver Jamison Williams and linebacker Henry To’o To’o.

For To’o To’o, he decided to make the switch from one of Alabama’s biggest rivals, Tennessee. On Monday, he reflected on the decision he made a year ago and why he chose the Crimson Tide when top programs from across the country were calling.

“Obviously, when you come to Alabama, you’re going to compete for championships,” To’o To’o said. “For me, I just want to be able to come and mold with the guys, be a brother to everybody, and just be that guy they can depend on either on or off the field. Just be a good brother and good friend to them.

“You come to Alabama to play for championships. I honestly think it’s just a bond we had and the bond I created with everybody to be able to have this success. Your relationship doesn’t only last on the field but off the field. It’s a true testament to everybody on our team.”

To’o To’o has been a huge part of the Alabama defense this season, leading from the middle linebacker position. He has recorded 100 tackles on the season and tacked on four sacks and a forced fumble. Christian Harris has been To’o To’o’s partner in crime all season, being the backbone of the defense.

Will Anderson thinks Alabama Crimson Tide are underdogs

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson spoke to the media on Monday and explained the team’s mentality heading into the game. Anderson said despite Vegas seeing them as the favorite, he does not feel that way.

“To me, I still feel like we’re the underdog in this game,” Anderson said. “I mean, all year we’ve been disrespected. Pretty sure we’re still probably getting disrespected out there. But right now we’re not really worried about the external factors, we’re just worried about what’s going on inside the facility, on the practice field and in the meetings and stuff like that. That’s our biggest concern right now, making sure we’re ready and prepared for this game.”

Anderson has had this mentality for a few weeks now. Before the SEC Championship against Georgia, he made similar comments — where Alabama was actual underdogs in the game. With the chip on his shoulder, Anderson recorded six tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss, and a sack.

Now, another opportunity is there against Cincinnati. Anderson has been one of the defensive players in the country this season and will have the chance to prove it on the national scale once again.