One of the most exciting young players for Alabama football next season will be Deontae Lawson.
As an in-state product in the 2021 recruiting class, Lawson turned in a strong redshirt freshman campaign for the Crimson Tide this season. He arrived as a four-star inside linebacker and stands in the top 10 for total tackles on the team. Lawson has 35 tackles and three pass breakups. He is listed as 6’2″ and 225 pounds, but Lawson plays with physicality, instincts, toughness, gap integrity, lateral quickness, and coverage skills. He posted two breakups in Alabama’s 30-24 victory over Mississippi last week.
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Lawson competed against Jaylen Moody for the starting job at weakside “Will” linebacker in fall camp. Moody earned the job; however, Lawson has earned several reps. Coach Nick Saban stated earlier in the season about how Lawson has grown in confidence. He talked about he understands what to do, how to do it, and the importance of executing properly on defense.
On Tuesday, Moody told reporters during availability for players the ‘sky’s the limit’ for Lawson.
“Deontae has made tremendous improvement,” Moody said. “He has been ready whenever he’s called on. He is meeting with coaches every day to go over the game plan. In practice, you see him in his run fits and doing his job. I like how he’s been improving and the steps he’s taking.”
Alabama will lose Moody and Henry To’oto’o to the NFL Draft after this season. An opportunity opens for Lawson to start next year as a middle or weakside linebacker. The Tide could return to having two thumpers on the inside with Lawson and Kendrick Blackshire. We shall see what happens, but Lawson is showing everyone he is ready to become a defensive enforcer.
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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.
