Deontae Lawson still has a bad taste in his mouth from last year's Tennessee game

Deontae Lawson doesn’t forget. On Monday, the Alabama linebacker revealed his anticipation to face off against Tennessee, who defeated the Crimson Tide last season on a game-winning field goal.

“I’ve just been trying to take it week by week,” Lawson said. “I’m definitely excited now that this past weekend is over. But yeah, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

Tennessee’s win certainly soured Alabama’s season. As Volunteers fans stormed the field, Alabama was forced to face the pressure of its situation. The team could not afford to lose again or it would be out of the College Football Playoff picture.

Just two weeks later, Alabama fell victim to another upset loss and the Crimson Tide’s nightmares came true. Although Lawson remembers the pain of Alabama’s loss to Tennessee last season, he did not play in the contest.

The majority of Lawson’s minutes last season were on specials team. The 6-foot-2 LB finished the 2022 campaign with 51 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, to go with four pass breakups. Lawson has taken a significant leap forward this season.

In six games, Lawson boasts 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pass defended. Lawson’s impact can’t be confined to a stat sheet. The redshirt sophomore has taken over the most critical position in the Alabama defense this season: “Mike” linebacker.

Nick Saban raves about Deontae Lawson

Lawson is Saban’s second voice out on the field, ensuring his teammates are in the correct place at all times. Earlier this year, Saban praised Lawson for his growth.

“Deontae’s done a really, really good job,” Saban said in August. “He’s kind of taken over the signal-caller duties, which I think is a huge responsibility but yet something that is probably the most important thing, especially for the front seven in terms of alignment, adjustment, calls that need to get made, whether you’re pressuring, getting lined up the right way to play whether it’s to or away from the back.

“A lot of guys, they’re a little apprehensive about taking on that responsibility, and he’s very confident in it. He’s done a great job of it. He’s played really well, set a great example in terms of how he practices, how he plays, how he communicates. And I think that’s been a significant improvement in how we’ve played up front on defense, and it’ll be important that we can continue that throughout the season.”

Lawson can continue to show off his growth this weekend. On Saturday, Alabama will take on No. 17 Tennessee at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS.