When he first announced his intentions to transfer to the University of Alabama, linebacker Henry To’oto’o was expected to make a big impact in the heart of the defense. After being the top defensive player at Tennessee, To’oto’o was looked upon to step in alongside Christian Harris and help plug the whole Dylan Moses left a season ago.
But now, just a few days into fall camp and To’oto’o has made an immense impact on the coaching staff with his early recognition of the playbook.
“We brought in a transfer that I think, from a leadership standpoint right now, is above and beyond — obviously from a transfer standpoint — that I’ve ever had,” defensive coordinator Pete Golding said on Sunday. “I think the familiarity that he’s already had with this defense kind of coming from where he’s come from I think has been good for us.”
The California native has also not been afraid to push his teammates on the practice field, showing that he may not just be one of the most talented players on that side of the ball, but will also be a leader.
“He’s been great,” outside linebacker Will Anderson said. “He communicated a lot. If you do something wrong, he’s gonna step on your toes about it. He’s a very great communicator. He knows the defense well, too. So just him being able to do that and being able to be on the field and help us and help the younger guys, he’s a great leader and a great player.”
Safety Jordan Battle also had high praise for To’oto’o’s leadership.
“He’s a leadership guy,” Battle said. “He’s on the leadership team with us. He’s stepping into that role very well. He’s playing very good on the inside, being very vocal, making sure the D-line, the whole defense i getting the calls. We love what he’s been doing right now for us.”
To’oto’o will continue to compete for the starting spot alongside Harris this season with a number of other experienced backers like Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee. But if his early impressions are any indication, he will be a major factor on Pete Goldings unit in 2021.
“From day one, he just came in and worked,” Harris said. “When you see that, it kind of makes you want to work a little harder too, so he does a really great job with that. He’s a little bit of a vocal guy as well. But he’s done a really great job and he’s pushing everybody.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
