Alabama coaches, players and fans have been waiting on this moment.
In practice, one would hear statements like ‘he’s unstoppable’ or ‘people can’t block him.’
The person that draws the description above is Terrell Lewis. A redshirt junior, he was sidelined for two years with injuries. It was a concern as to whether he would ever be healthy enough to reach his full potential, in terms of both his impact with the Tide and future in the pros.
RELATED: Alabama 2020 NFL Draft projections
Nick Saban and his staff had been monitoring Lewis’ reps through the first five games, but the former five-star decided it is time to ditch the pitch count. Number 24 was all over the field defensively and Kellen Mond of Texas A&M was in fear of him inside Kyle Field.
For a group that had 10 sacks entering Saturday’s game, Lewis carried a sense of urgency – totaling two tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hits. The Aggies’ offensive line could do nothing with him, as the freakish athlete at rush linebacker stayed in Mond’s face.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, Lewis nearly forced a couple of interceptions.
He was named one of the leaders on defense; however, seeing his partner give the business to Jimbo Fisher’s offense got Anfernee Jennings excited. The other half of the “Bash Brothers” shared the Crimson Tide’s lead in tackles (eight) and had two stops for loss with one sack.
Lewis and Jennings set the tone for five sacks, seven stops for loss, 10 breakups, four quarterback hurries and a roughed up Aggie quarterback. The junior signal caller displayed toughness, but he was contained in the pocket – despite three plays of 20-plus yard runs.
Coach Saban will address the penalties at practice; nevertheless, he is happy to see the emergence of two veterans taking ownership on defense. Alabama will need this same energy back at Bryant-Denny Stadium next week as it will host the Tennessee Volunteers at night.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
