Alabama football has a chance to beat Kirby Smart and Georgia next week with a different head coach.
Kalen DeBoer is excited for the challenge on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but it will also be a chance for several draft-eligible players to show NFL scouts what they can do. Jihaad Campbell, a junior linebacker, is one of those players ready to turn up for pro teams. He has dominated in the first three games of the season, leading Alabama with 28 total tackles — including a team-high 18 solo tackles. Campbell is bringing the Crimson Tide back to aggressive play inside that fans saw from Reggie Ragland, Reuben Foster, Shaun Dion Hamilton, C.J. Mosley, Nico Johnson, and Rolando McClain during Nick Saban’s time.
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The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder has drawn excitement from one ESPN NFL Draft analyst. Jordan Reid highlights Campbell as a player that’s cracked his top-50 overall. Reid, in his evaluation, says Campbell has the potential to boost his stock higher for next year.
Get to know the name. #Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell 📈📈https://t.co/kpezDLTFli pic.twitter.com/WLjKwpaswl
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 16, 2024
He wants to see Campbell step up more to fit holes in run defense, but Reid likes what he sees from Campbell in coverage.
The New Jersey native looks forward to lighting up the Bulldogs next week in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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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.