Reggie Ragland, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams and Denzel Devall are all game changers, but Saturday night belonged to a native Georgian, senior outside linebacker Dillon Lee.
He recorded an interception against Michigan as a freshman in 2012, but Lee’s lone contribution since then was a blocked punt returned for a score against Colorado State (2013).
A leg injury limited him to 22 tackles last season and off-field issues plagued him early on in his career. Lee worked at outside and inside linebacker with Ragland all offseason, in hopes to be on the field for every play. The 6-foot-4, 242-pound linebacker was out for blood against LSU.
He was stellar in run support, sealing the edge and forcing Leonard Fournette inside. Lee helped Alabama limit Fournette to 31 rushing yards on 19 carries, netting a 1.6 yard average.
LSU collected just 54 rushing yards and 182 total yards.
The senior recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack and a critical interception.
Alabama defeated the Tigers 30-16. Lee and the Crimson Tide now prepare for Mississippi State.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
