Henry To'oTo'o reveals how far he's come since transferring from Tennessee to Alabama

Alabama linebacker Henry To’oTo’o is thriving in his second year with the Crimson Tide after transferring over from Tennessee. He led all ‘Bama defenders in tackles his first year on the scene with 111 last fall/winter. And he’s out to the early lead again in that department again with 39 takedowns through six games.

So what was the biggest change for To’oTo’o after switching schools that led to his development into the top tackler for the premeir program in college football? According to the man himself, “first off, I’d say is my body, you know. My body has changed so much,” he said at a press conference previewing his return to Knoxville for the Alabama vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday. Something he credits to the staff in Tuscaloosa.

“You know, our strength and conditioning staff does a great job of knowing who you are as a person. Knowing your strengths, knowing your fundamental things that you need to work on.”

Alabama beats up on everybody else not just because of their coaching, but because their players are in the best condition of anyone in the country. Henry To’oTo’o is a prime example of the Tide’s ability to mold great athletes in the weight room.

But Nick Saban and his coaching staff are still a huge reason for why players develop so well with the Crimson Tide.

“Also my game. You know, the coaching staff does a great job of — the little things matter as a football player. So I think that’s all part of my game.”

Attention to detail, little things, conditioning — all part of the equation for building good athletes into great football players.

Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, a transfer himself, has also taken notice of To’oTo’o’s improvements since leaving Knoxville. Ahead of their matchup this weekend — where the two will be staring each other eye to eye before every snap — Hooker had nothing but respect for the Alabama LB.

“Their back end is is very, very smart, very fast. And they play physical as a linebacker position, you know. They got Henry To’oTo’o and he makes incredible plays. He’s a very cerebral player. And then, you know, just as a team, their their culture is already set in stone and they come to play every game.”

Get ready for the Henry To’oTo’o revenge game. Should be a doozy.