He started his career at the University of Tennessee, but Henry To’oto’o dreamed of being at Alabama.
Since his arrival to Tuscaloosa from the transfer portal, he’s been great for the Crimson Tide’s defense. To’oto’o is a preseason candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Trophy and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. According to an announcement from the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, To’oto’o is one of 63 athletes named to the award watch list on Thursday morning.
Henry To’oTo’o is one of 63 players named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.https://t.co/YR2UwXuvLz#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/oi1fftYnuw
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 19, 2021
A native of Sacramento, Calif., To’oto’o was among the leaders for tackles at Tennessee in two seasons.
He totaled 72 tackles, five tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries in his freshman year. Last season, the talented linebacker had a team-high 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss (team-high), two breakups, two quarterback hurries, and one interception.
To’oto’o played in 23 career games, including 22 starts, and was the leader of an improving Volunteer defense.
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He was named to the Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American team in 2019.
Now at Alabama, To’oto’o looks forward to helping the Tide win a national championship.
He has looked sharp in fall camp, and his teammates have raved about his leadership. During Wednesday’s presser, Nick Saban said To’oto’o is the signal-caller on defense.
“He has been a signal-caller, and having experience doing that is very helpful,” Saban said. “It is less of a burden on other players, and it helps everyone on the team when you have good communication at linebacker. Henry has done a really good job of that.”
Alabama has an opportunity to have a special defense, and To’oto’o will be in the middle of it.
Tua Tagovailoa won the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2019 for the Tide.
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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.
