Pete Golding has had his share of praise and criticism from Alabama fans during his first four seasons at the University of Alabama.
He enters his fifth season for the Crimson Tide and fourth at defensive coordinator. Golding dealt with unfortunate situations, mostly injuries, keeping his defense from being marquee in 2019, 2020, and 2021. People have not judged him correctly, but Golding will be under a microscope from supporters this season. Golding has experienced defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. The Tide also has playmakers who are prepared to make an impact.
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Henry To’oto’o, a senior, will start at middle “Mike” linebacker, but who will be his partner on the inside?
4/8/22 MFB Alabama
Alabama linebacker Jaylen Moody (42)
Photo by Rodger Champion
Jaylen Moody, a fifth-year senior, has the most experience and earned playing time last year. He made plays when opportunities came, but Moody looks forward to becoming a starter. On Sunday, Coach Golding named some players pushing Moody for the weakside “Will” linebacker spot – including a freshman.
“Deontae Lawson had a good spring, had a good summer, and is having a good fall camp,” Golding said. “I think there is a push right now. Then you add young players to that with Jihaad Campbell, and then Ian Jackson has been preparing the right way. He’s been practicing hard, and we are moving some guys around. We are getting those guys to compete, but we’ll see who the guy is next to Henry after fall camp.”
Lawson, a four-star, came in the 2021 signing class from Mobile, Ala.
3/21/22 MFB Practice
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson (32)
Photo by Kent Gidley
He guided Mobile Christian to a Class 3A state championship in 2019. Lawson finished the year with 101 total tackles and made first-team all-state selection. He worked in four games last year for Alabama, but Lawson brings the size, power, toughness, physicality, instincts, and quickness to contribute more inside at linebacker. He received comparisons to former Crimson Tide star C.J. Mosley during his recruitment to Tuscaloosa. Lawson played well in Alabama’s spring game.
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Ian Jackson and Jihaad Campbell (freshman) are making moves as well. Jackson, like Lawson, is an in-state linebacker. He came in the 2021 class as one of the top linebacker prospects from Prattville High School. Jackson did not see action last year, but he performed well enough in spring practice and summer workouts for Golding to highlight him in preseason camp as a contributor.
4/14/22 MFB Practice
Alabama linebacker Ian Jackson (36)
Photo by Rodger Champion
He brings good coverage skills, size, quickness, and tackling abilities.
Campbell is a versatile five-star from New Jersey. He arrived in this recent signing class — possessing the capability to play inside and outside linebacker. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder juggled wide receiver and defensive end at Timber Creek High School.
4/8/22 MFB Alabama
Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30)
Photo by Rodger Champion
He finished his prep career at IMG Academy and has traits that have caught Golding’s attention at practice.
To’oto’o will run things in the middle, but it will be fun to see who is next to him.
Moody’s experience has him in front, but Golding wants to see if he has mastered having consistency. If he has, the South Carolina native will start. If not, keep your eyes on Lawson, Jackson, and Campbell as the other 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.
