Alabama has its first deadly combination at inside linebacker since Reuben Foster and Rashaan Evans in 2016.
Since getting Henry To’oto’o from the NCAA transfer portal, the Crimson Tide’s defense has been ahead of its offense in preseason camp.
To’oto’o, a native of Sacramento, Calif., came to Alabama ready to work. The former Tennessee star has made things easier for Christian Harris.
Both players trained together during the summer and have developed a connection on the field.
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To’oto’o’s experience calling defenses allows Harris to play his natural role.
8/7/21 MFB vs practice
Alabama linebacker Christian Harris (8)
Photo by Kent Gidley
As a weakside linebacker, the junior can shoot gaps, attack the ball, blitz the quarterback, and create turnovers. Harris can call the defense; however, Nick Saban said communication is To’oto’o’s biggest strength.
“Christian can play Mike, and he’s a very good Mike, but Henry is a signal-caller,” Saban said.
“He has been a signal-caller, and having experience doing it is very helpful. It is less of a burden for other players on the team, and it helps everybody on the team when you have good communication, especially at the linebacker position. Henry has done a really good job of that. The combination of both guys being able to do it is very helpful, especially when it comes to making adjustments.”
Will Anderson Jr., a sophomore outside linebacker, raved about To’oto’o’s leadership and communication.
“He has been great,” Anderson said last week. “He communicates a lot. If you do something wrong, he is going to step on your toes about it. He’s a good communicator. He knows the defense too. He is a great leader and a great player.”
Anderson said To’oto’o has been impactful in advancing young players to learn the defense.
When it has had excellence at inside linebacker, the Tide roughly allowed an average of two touchdowns per game. With To’oto’o calling signals and Harris flying around, this year’s defense is set up big things. Crimson Tide fans are ready to see this group take on Miami in three weeks.
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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.
