Alabama linebacker now set to take over as state’s top linebacker of Nick Saban era – Touchdown Alabama

The photo comes from the SEC Media portal

Deontae Lawson knows the success of Alabama’s defense starts with him, but is he ready to be an elite player?

A native of Mobile, Alabama, he has seen many dominant inside linebackers leave their mark on the University of Alabama, anchoring some of the best defenses of the Nick Saban era. Lawson can start the Kalen DeBoer era for the Crimson Tide as the “Mike” middle linebacker to achieve defensive excellence. Alabama has several offensive leaders, including Jalen Milroe and Tyler Booker, but Booker is eager to see what Lawson will do on the other side of the ball to lead the Tide to greatness.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound player totaled 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four quarterback pressures and four pass breakups last season for Alabama. He becomes the first player in school history to wear No. 0, but now he must make opponents respect that number for the Tide.

“He’s not prepared to lose,” Booker said Wednesday at SEC Media Days of Lawson. “No matter what, he doesn’t want to lose. He’s very competitive and that’s going to translate into games. I’m very excited to see him play this year.”

He and Jihaad Campbell will form a working tandem, but it will be interesting to see how Lawson takes ownership of the group.

It’s time for him to lead a national championship defense under Kane Wommack as coordinator.

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Stephen M. Smith is the senior editor of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can like it on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has been covering Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide program has made him one of the most respected journalists in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other prominent media outlets as an analyst.