Alabama football did not have two marquee defensive starters for its matchup against Kentucky.
Deontae Lawson (linebacker, ankle) and Jaylen Key (safety, quad) had injuries, but Coach Nick Saban updated both in his Wednesday press conference ahead of Saturday’s game versus Chattanooga. Lawson and Key have worked toward being able to practice, but Saban wants to see how they look on Thursday before making a decision. Both are among the team leaders for total tackles on defense.
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“Jaylen (Key) and Deontae (Lawson) are both moving around, running, rehabbing, getting close to being ready to practice and play. But I’d say it’s still pretty questionable as to whether they can make it for the game,” Saban said.
In Saban’s answer, it appears Alabama may hold Lawson and Key out again. Jihaad Campbell, a sophomore, started at inside linebacker for Lawson versus the Wildcats. He recorded five total tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. Campbell had the Crimson Tide’s front set to limit Ray Davis, Kentucky’s star running back, to 26 yards rushing.
Campbell, a New Jersey native, continues to grow as a linebacker. The former five-star has 47 tackles, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in nine games.
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Kendrick Blackshire, a native Texan, has improved as a linebacker.
He has made the most of opportunities on defense when Lawson has missed games. Blackshire has 16 tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry, and a forced fumble. Kristian Story, a senior, started in place of Key at free safety versus Kentucky.
Story totaled four tackles, including a tackle for loss.
He forced and recovered a fumble in the red zone, but the officials did not review it and honor him with a takeaway. Story, a former four-star in the 2020 class for Alabama, has a lot of knowledge of the system and knows how to play in the system.
Tide fans could see some young names such as Jake Pope, Brayson Hubbard, or Tony Mitchell possibly get an opportunity.
We will see how Lawson and Key continue to work, but it seems like Saban will hold them out until the Iron Bowl.
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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.
