Alabama has done an impressive job of masquerading who will be under center this season, but perhaps the worst-kept secret is who will be taking up the signal-calling duties on the defense.
Nick Saban confirmed to members of the media on Wednesday that redshirt sophomore linebacker Deontae Lawson will be relaying the plays for the defense in 2023.
“Deontae’s done a really, really good job,” Saban said. “He’s kind of taken over the signal-caller duties which I think is a huge responsibility but yet something that is probably the most important thing, especially for the front seven in terms of alignment, adjustment, calls that need to get made whether you’re pressuring and getting lined up the right way to play whether it’s two or away from the back.
“A lot of guys are a little apprehensive about taking on that responsibility and he’s very confident in it. He’s done a great job of it. He’s played really well. Set a great example in terms of how he practices, how he plays, how he communicates. I think that’s been a significant improvement in how we played up front on defense and it’ll be important that we can continue that throughout the season.”
RELATED: Alabama LB Deontae Lawson impressing teammates with his leadership
Lawson is the natural pick to call the defensive signals as Alabama has typically always assigned the duties to the most experienced middle linebacker on the team.
The Mobile, Ala. native is now entering his second season as a starter after a solid 2022 campaign where he recorded 51 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and four pass deflections in his 11 appearances.
His leadership and experience have impressed new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele who praised Lawson during the first week of fall camp.
“Deontae is very smart, works very hard, but he also has time on task,” Steele said. “That always helps in college football. There is a difference between an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old, in particular, if you have done the task over and over again. He has a lot of snaps under his belt. He knows the expectations, knows the process, and he is very relentless toward the work of improving himself and the defense.”
Alabama takes the field against Middle Tennessee this Saturday, Sept. 2 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. CT.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
