Alabama football’s six national championships under Nick Saban point to several positions achieving success on the field.
On defense, the inside linebacker role is critical to holding the trophy at the end.
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The middle “Mike” linebacker is the quarterback of the defense, and his partner creates jaw-dropping plays. Coach Saban’s defenses have been at their best when both linebacker positions are elite. Rolando McClain and Dont’a Hightower/Cory Reamer introduced this style to Crimson Tide fans in 2009. They rendered opposing offenses to 11.7 points per game, earning Saban his first undefeated national title season in Tuscaloosa.
Hightower and Nico Johnson continued the success in 2011. They led an Alabama defense that finished first in the nation for scoring defense, rushing defense, total defense, pass defense, and pass efficiency defense. Opponents averaged 8.2 points per game, and the Tide won the first of back-to-back national championships. C.J. Mosley and Johnson carried a unit in 2012 that allowed 10.9 points per game and won a national championship. Reggie Ragland and Reuben Foster terrified offenses in 2015 on their journey to a national title. Alabama endured injuries in 2017, but the combination of Shaun Dion Hamilton, Rashaan Evans, and Mack Wilson won a national championship.
Dylan Moses and Christian Harris did not have the consistency as the duos above, but they did enough to help the Tide to its second undefeated season of the Saban era. Harris’ exit to the National Football League has Henry To’oto’o and Jaylen Moody back at inside linebacker.
To’oto’o took the 2021 season to earn his teammates’ trust.
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Alabama linebacker Henry To’Oto’O (10)
Photo by Crimson Tide Photos
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He encountered some struggles, but he finished with 113 tackles (team-high), 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two quarterback pressures, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 15 games. To’oto’o received second-team All-SEC honors, but now he feels more comfortable as a vocal leader. He is prepared to speak more and hold this defense to an elite standard.
Moody entered the transfer portal in the offseason, but he would later remove his name.
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Alabama linebacker Jaylen Moody (42)
Photo by Crimson Tide Photos
He arrived on campus in 2018 as a three-star from South Carolina. Moody has been in the defensive system for four years.
As he enters his fifth season, he knows the playbook and the responsibilities that come with it. Moody has shown capabilities to be productive but has not gotten an opportunity as a starter. According to To’oto’o, he and Moody have a bond together.
“Moody and I have a really close relationship,” To’oto’o said on Tuesday to reporters.
“He and I have always been tight ever since I got here. He was one of the other guys that brought me in as a brother. Moody and I are close. We have been working a lot with each other during the offseason, especially this spring.”
To’oto’o discussed how vital it is for both linebackers to be close.
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“You do something. I do something. So, we move together,” To’oto’o said. “Having that relationship on and off the field, getting to know the guy next to me, and being able to play as fast as we can is what I am looking for.”
Alabama returned experienced on defense, but it starts with To’oto’o and Moody as anchors.
Both are working in spring practice, but fans want to see dominance at inside linebacker.
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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.
