Alabama fans have been waiting for a few years to see a linebacker put the fear factor back in the Crimson Tide’s defense.
Some of the best players at the position that won national championships in the Nick Saban era were in-state products.
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Rolando McClain, C.J. Mosley, Nico Johnson, Reggie Ragland, Reuben Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Rashaan Evans, and Mack Wilson all came from the state of Alabama. They were leaders and enforcers on defense who made sure no opponent ran over the Crimson Tide. The duo of Hamilton and Evans was the last inside linebackers for Alabama that the opposition feared.
A young name wants to announce to Tide nation he is ready to take the throne.
Deontae Lawson, like the names mentioned, is a homegrown talent. Lawson hails from Mobile (Ala.) as he enters his third year for the Crimson Tide. As a former four-star in the 2021 class, he flashed marquee potential as a linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder played 11 games in 2022, including four starts. He recorded 51 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and four pass breakups.
Lawson shot through gaps, dropped running backs in the backfield, and showcased his ability as a prime-time player. He led the Crimson Tide with nine tackles against Auburn, but Lawson’s performance in the Allstate Sugar Bowl was excellent. He collected six tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, shutting down Kansas State’s running back Deuce Vaughn in the second half. Lawson is prepared to show he’s next in line as he released a hype video to Twitter, recapping his best moments from the 2022 season.
32!!! pic.twitter.com/SyOJEtKwgu
— Deontae Lawson (@deontae_32) January 26, 2023
Alabama fans believe he will be the one to restore the fear in opponents.
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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.
