Alabama lost its steady communicator on defense as Deontae Lawson is out for the rest of the season.
He suffered a significant leg injury last week in the Crimson Tide’s loss to Oklahoma. The Mobile (Ala.) native served as Alabama’s green dot communicator at inside linebacker.
Lawson, a junior, played the “Stinger” next to Jihaad Campbell.
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He collected 76 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Lawson had the responsibility of setting the defense, making the appropriate check/audibles to have everyone on the same page, and having his teammates in the best situations to attack.
The 6-foot-2, 239-pounder had the Tide with 15 takeaways from the South Carolina game to the Mercer matchup before facing Oklahoma.
Campbell, a junior, has the ability to be the primary communicator, but Kane Wommack named the linebacker that will take over green dot duties in Monday’s media availability for the head coach and coordinators.
Justin Jefferson, a senior, now takes over in Lawson’s role.
The former junior college transfer has 45 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
“Justin Jefferson has been doing it all season as our No. 2 in that position,” Wommack said. “He has done a great job. Obviously, Jihaad can do it, but Jihaad plays so many different positions that it is hard for a guy that is moving around like that for him to be the green dot communication. We have two guys that can handle it, but Justin will take the majority of that responsibility this week.”
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Jefferson is ready for the role, but the Tide also has Jeremiah Alexander, Justin Okoronkwo, and Cayden Jones at inside linebacker to help Jefferson. Alabama battles Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saban Field.
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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.
