Alabama football has not had a respected inside linebacker duo since Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rashaan Evans in 2017.
Trezmen Marshall has declared for the upcoming NFL Draft and Ian Jackson, a former four-star, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, but does the Crimson Tide have a tandem for next season that could create problems for opponents?
RELATED: Alabama starting LB announces decision to return to school for 2024 season
Alabama fans got excited when Deontae Lawson announced he’s returning to school for the 2024 season. Lawson would be in his fourth year with the Crimson Tide as its middle linebacker.
He needs to turn in a full season healthy to put together better tape for NFL teams. Lawson posted 67 total tackles in 2023, including 5.5 for loss and three sacks. He also had four pass breakups and four quarterback hurries in 11 games. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has a chance to be the signal caller next fall for the Tide.
Jihaad Campbell, a former five-star in the 2022 class, enters his junior year next fall.
He shared a photo to social media of him and Lawson with the caption, “Persevered through a lot of adversity.. only up from here.” Lawson responded with “30 x 32,” signifying he wants to tag team with Campbell at inside linebacker on defense.
persevered through a lot of adversity.. only up from here🙇🏽♂️❤️🐘 pic.twitter.com/GeDnZZskIp
— Jihaad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) January 5, 2024
30×32 😡😡 https://t.co/uTiHOSKHi9
— Deontae Lawson (@deontae_32) January 5, 2024
Campbell made four starts in Lawson’s absence versus Mississippi State, LSU, Kentucky, and Chattanooga.
He played in 13 games, finishing third on the team for total tackles (66). Campbell had four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, an interception, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder plays with energy, athleticism, instincts, and SEC lateral quickness/speed needed at the position.
Campbell fits the mold of a Mack Wilson or Rashaan Evans type at linebacker.
Kendrick Blackshire, Justin Jefferson, and Shawn Murphy will have a say in this during spring practice, but Alabama has a tandem in Lawson and Campbell that can be really good. We will see what happen when spring ball returns.
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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.
