He has been masterful on special teams and Nick Saban has mentioned that a role needs to be created for him on defense, but is this the week for Ale Kaho?
The sophomore at linebacker is referred to as a “headhunter” by his teammates, in terms of his fearlessness to shot through the shield and block punts on special teams. With his love for being on the field and making plays, the matchup with LSU fits as one to get him more involved.
Kaho was a late addition to the Crimson Tide’s 2018 recruiting class; nevertheless, he was one of the top inside linebackers in the cycle.
In his decision to flip from Washington to Alabama, the Nevada native has earned much respect from older players.
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To pair with his two blocked punts, Kaho chimes in with 13 total tackles and serves as a fullback in goal line situations on offense.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 228 pounds, he carries the same physical build as former Tide standout, C.J. Mosley, which may come in handy against the Tigers. His speed and toughness as a rusher could go a long way in affecting Joe Burrow on certain downs, while his hands and lateral quickness allows him to drop into coverage and negate huge plays in the passing game.
Seeing as how national media has been high on the aerial attack of the Tigers under Joe Brady, passing game coordinator, having Kaho rush, spy Burrow at times and even play the coverage lanes would all be beneficial.
Despite him wearing a black cast on his hand, the injury he had against Arkansas is not giving him any discomfort.
The decisions made from ESPN’s College GameDay, SEC Nation and potentially President Donald Trump to attend Saturday’s game makes it the biggest contest in college football.
Alabama wants to have its best on the field and with Kaho growing among the team, having him in a package on defense may give it an edge.
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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.
