Nick Saban says inside linebackers are 'competing well' in spring practice

Alabama doesn’t bring back a wealth of returning experience to the inside linebacker position, but head coach Nick Saban is happy with where the position group is at. With some youth and a key transfer getting some reps, it will serve Alabama well in the long run.

Notably for Alabama, Deontae Lawson is out for the entirety of spring football. He played 11 games as a sophomore last year, and Saban noted he’s the only guy in the room with notably playing time at Alabama.

“Lawson is out for the spring. He’s the one guy that has experience that would be a good player that would add leadership at that position. But this is a good thing that those guys are getting all those reps, too,” Saban said on Friday.

The three players that Saban highlighted when discussing the position were Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall, redshirt freshman Sean Murphy and sophomore Jihaad Campbell.

All three, Saban said, have come along well with the reps they’ve been getting this spring.

“Trez Marshall is doing a really nice job. Adds a little maturity there. The other guys are coming along, they’re all getting better. They’re competing well. We’re moving them around,” Saban said. “And Sean Murphy’s done a pretty good job. Jihaad Campbell has done a pretty good job and those guys are kind of rotating in and out of there.”

For an Alabama defense that has to replace star edge rusher Will Anderson and a bevy of proven playmakers in the secondary, stability and solid play from the middle of the defense will have an even higher premium.

Saban also assessed the Alabama wide receivers on Friday

Last year’s two leading receivers — Jermaine Burton and Ja’Corey Brooks — are both back for the Crimson Tide this season. Burton led the team with 677 yards and seven touchdowns after transferring from Georgia and Brooks was right behind him with 674 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns as a sophomore. Additionally, Isaiah Bond is also returning after totaling 220 yards and a touchdown last year.

Saban also pointed out a new face, JUCO transfer Malik Benson, and the type of impact he can have on the offense. That’s why he sounded happy with where the receivers are in their development.

“I think Burton made some big plays today,” Saban told reporters afterward. “Ja’Corey Brooks made some big plays today. Benson’s had a really, really good spring and is capable of stretching the field and making big plays. Good all-around player. He’s certainly going to help us. Isaiah Bond has had a really good spring and has done a really good job.

“So the receiver core has developed very nicely. Consistency and performance is what we need to continue to work on.”