Even with its success in two seasons under Jeremy Pruitt, Alabama football has yet to reach its maximum potential on defense. With a blitz-happy Pruitt, the Crimson Tide recorded 94 sacks, 219 tackles for loss and 131 quarterback hurries – en route to two College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship last season over University of Georgia in Atlanta.
Much of Alabama’s dominance in the last three years has come from an intern that’s become one of the hottest young coaches in college football, Tosh Lupoi. Since 2015, Lupoi has been a marquee component in the Tide’s sack numbers and turnovers increasing versus opposition.
He coached outside linebackers and earned the title of “co-defensive coordinator” while being in Tuscaloosa, however, the 36-year-old will officially run the defense next season. Despite the changes, Nick Saban has been preparing Lupoi for this opportunity and the players are very excited to see someone they identify with have a chance to generate a lot success with them.
Terrell Lewis, formerly known as Terrell Hall, was one of multiple players that spoke to the media after the first week of spring practice. When asked on how he felt about Lupoi taking over as the defensive play caller, the junior outside linebacker said ‘we know what he [Lupoi] wants.’
“Tosh always knew the general of what everyone should do, it was just that he would focus more on us and make sure we knew what everyone around us had to do,” Lewis said. “He’s communicating to everyone. He’s always been a vocal, high-energy guy, it’s just that people know that you definitely have to communicate now. Tosh has always made his presence felt and that’s how he got the job. He’s a good defensive coach. He’s got a relationship with everyone.”
His voice rings louder than Saban’s on the practice field, yet it more so of Lupoi instructing than yelling on how he wants outside ‘backers’ attacking situations. Injuries led to the Crimson Tide not having Christian Miller and Lewis for the majority of last season and losing Anfernee Jennings for the national title game, did not feel good either.
With all three players returning and young talent behind them, Lupoi will have the bodies needed to keep quarterbacks in suspense.
“Tosh is going to dial up blitzes to make out guys feel more comfortable,” Lewis said.
“You know what he likes to see and you understand what his vision is for defense. Seeing him as a defensive coordinator, we get a little excited because we know what he wants and we are looking to perfect that for him.”
Lewis, 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, was credited with a huge sack of Jake Fromm at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and was also strong against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. Reflecting on how all outside linebackers and defensive linemen feel about Lupoi, next season sets up to be a good one.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
