'I'm happy with the group': Nick Saban talks progress of Tide inside linebackers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Quarterback is going to steal a lot of the spotlight this preseason, which is understandable, but there are other intriguing position battles on Alabama’s 2023 roster.
Defensively, one of those is at inside linebacker, where the Crimson Tide saw two experienced starters, Henry To’oTo’o and Jaylen Moody, leave for the NFL after last season ended. There is a starter back as Deontae Lawson was on the field for the first snaps of four games a year ago, but there is also a lot of inexperience at the position, whether young or new players.
Saban spoke highly of Lawson when asked about the progress of the inside ‘backers following practice No. 1 and also shed light on the entire group while singling out a second-year guy.
“I’m happy with the group,” Saban said. “Deontae Lawson played really good football when he played last year. He was injured a lot of the time. He sat out the spring, got his knee worked on a little bit. He’s had a good summer. He’s got leadership. He’s got a good understanding of the defense.
“Jihaad Campbell has made really good progress,” Saban said. “We’ve got lots of competition at the position. I’m pleased with the way these guys are progressing. They’ve made a tremendous amount of progress. We’ve had a lot of guys out in the spring that – both outside ‘backers, one inside ‘backer – so it gave guys a lot of opportunity to get a lot of reps there. So we’ve got those guys back, we’ve got a little bit of leadership and I like the experience that we have in the group.”
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In addition to Lawson, the Crimson Tide welcomed back four other linebackers that all saw the field as reserves or special teams contributors last year. Campbell, Kendrick Blackshire, Ian Jackson and Shawn Murphy all received backup reps on defense in 2022, and in the spring, we saw Campbell and Murphy split time with one of the newcomers on the first defense.
That was Trezmen Marshall, who transferred from Georgia after four years in Athens and will look for a fresh – and healthy – start at Alabama. Marshall was one of two linebacker transfers that joined the Tide program, along with junior college star Justin Jefferson. After the opening of preseason camp, Saban was asked about Alabama’s additions from the JUCO ranks.
“I think both guys are sort of developing nicely, but I think the biggest issue with most guys is understanding what to do so they can go play fast all the time,” Saban said. “I think there’s still a little apprehension, and Malik (Benson) is probably a little further along than Justin because, at least on offense, I know what I’m supposed to do. On defense, you’re reacting to something.
“So not to be able to understand what your assignment is and how to react to that, I think, takes a little longer. But I think both of those two guys can make a contribution to our team.”
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