Chris Braswell enters his third season for Alabama football, but he’s ready to become impactful.
He arrived as a five-star linebacker in the 2020 class from Maryland.
Braswell had success at St. Frances Academy, but he’s earned Nick Saban’s trust as an outside linebacker. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder totaled 13 tackles, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hurries, and a blocked punt in 2021. He is prepared to be the third piece of a pass-rushing trio with Will Anderson and Dallas Turner. Braswell was featured this week on In My Own Words with Stephen M. Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He discussed his new NIL partnership (The Player’s Lounge), the expectations for the Crimson Tide’s 2022 defense, and the players that have influenced his game as a speed rusher.
Braswell said he’s learned from NFL standouts T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa, Von Miller, and Maxx Crosby.
“I like Joey Bosa’s hand swipe, I take that from him,” Braswell said. “T.J. Watt, he does a lot of long arms, where you fake the long arm and dip underneath. I took that from him, but Von Miller does it too.”
Braswell and Turner are adding different moves to their styles to offset offensive linemen.
Alabama could have a defense that records 60+ sacks, but everyone has to be locked in. Braswell has gotten stronger in weight training and taken cues from NFL greats. He wants to be a star in the fall and has positioned himself for the opportunity.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
