Alabama’s defense had a lot of fun at one particular position under Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt.
The linebackers, especially inside ‘backers, got after everyone.
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We saw the dominance of Rolando McClain, C.J. Mosley, Nico Johnson, Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Reggie Ragland, Reuben Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton, and Rashaan Evans propel the Crimson Tide to several national championships in the Nick Saban era. The play at the position dropped significantly under Pete Golding, yet Kevin Steele brought back the intensity last year.
Kane Wommack, 37, is bringing everything full circle for Alabama’s linebackers. The former head coach of South Alabama has Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell, Justin Jefferson, Jeremiah Alexander, and Justin Okoronkwo smiling. Lawson, a redshirt junior, shared with the media after Tuesday’s practice about what has the linebacker group excited to play in Wommack’s defense.
“I feel like this defense is made for inside linebackers,” Lawson said.
“You can just fly around, know your job, and compete at the highest level.”
Smart and Pruitt simplified Alabama’s defense. They created an atmosphere where players did not have to overthink.
The inside linebackers saw the play and attacked it. Smart and Pruitt were about playing fast, playing with confidence, executing assignments, and dominating every situation. Wommack is restoring that swagger to the Tide’s inside linebacker room.
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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.
