Alabama’s defense lost one of its leaders last weekend in an upset loss against Oklahoma. Redshirt junior linebacker Deontae Lawson suffered a significant leg injury that is season-ending.
Alabama’s defense will now have a new green-dot communicator on defense. It will be senior linebacker Justin Jefferson. On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack talked about Jefferson taking over the communication duties in lieu of Lawson’s absence.
“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.”
Jefferson has played in every game for the Crimson Tide this season. He has served as an additional linebacker in certain packages. In addition, he has played special teams. The native of Memphis, Tennessee will be called on in a big way this weekend against Auburn. It will be Jefferson’s first time starting at inside linebacker for Alabama since arriving in Tuscaloosa from Pearl River Community College.
He will have a great companion alongside him in junior Jihaad Campbell. The New Jersey native is currently being projected by several draft experts to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He leads the team with 99 tackles. He is a four-down, ‘do-it-all’ type of linebacker.
In order for Alabama’s defense to have success, I would say that Jefferson and Campbell have to play their best game of the season. Jefferson will need to be able to communicate effectively so the defense can align while also being able to carry out his roles. It will be a tall task but one that Jefferson is capable of achieving given his knowledge of the defense. Campbell has had some strong performances this season, but his play this weekend could be the determining factor in how good or bad Alabama’s defense performs.
Auburn has a balanced offensive attack that is sure to present some challenges. Alabama’s linebacker duo will need to step up and make some big plays in order for the Crimson Tide to come away with a much-needed victory.
