Alabama football will have a defense that is respected across the board this season.
Kane Wommack has a system at defensive coordinator that should benefit everyone.
The 4-2-5 scheme starts with the defensive line making plays, but the Crimson Tide has a junior linebacker that will enhance the unit. Deontae Lawson is in his fourth season at inside linebacker, yet Jihaad Campbell is someone that fans need to watch.
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He came in the 2022 recruiting class as a five-star from New Jersey. Campbell was brought in to be an outside linebacker; however, he has adjusted beautifully to the inside role. He had a breakout campaign in 2023, totaling 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, and an interception during Nick Saban’s final head coaching season.
Campbell assisted the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship, but the third-year player has his eyes on a national championship opportunity and postseason awards. He added 14 pounds to his 6’3″ frame this summer, increasing from 230 to 244, and he means business when hitting running backs. Lawson and Wommack both praised Campbell for his growth in becoming a communicator up front. Lawson sees Campbell being as good as he is, calling him ‘elite’ after Tuesday’s practice.
How much better has Jihaad Campbell got at inside linebacker for Alabama?
Deontae Lawson answers the question:
“He’s elite. He can be a signal caller as well.”@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/mhHsKNH47h
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) August 13, 2024
“We just want to play for each other,” Lawson said about his enjoyment of playing next to Campbell. “You never want to let your brother down. I took Jihaad under my wing ever since he came in. We are both growing together and we are excited for the season.”
Alabama now has two signal-callers on defense at linebacker with Lawson and Campbell.
“He is learning everything,” Lawson said about Campbell. “He can be a signal caller as well. It is great to have two guys in the inside linebacker room that can be a signal caller. It is easier to communicate.”
Wommack is pleased with Campbell getting the communication piece down, but he loves his skill set.
“Jihaad has such a versatile skill set,” Wommack said.
“He came here as an outside linebacker originally and made the transition to inside linebacker. That is not an easy transition. I think people hear the word ‘linebacker’ and think it’s the same. They are different worlds playing the inside linebacker and outside linebacker position. I think he has done a great job of understanding details it takes on run fits in the interior.”
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Campbell’s development as a communicator means the defense will not drop off if Lawson has to come out for a play.
The unit can flow with Campbell at middle linebacker calling the shots. Wommack has a group that is prepared to be elite and Campbell is about to have a sensational year.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
