Nick Saban has had success cross-training linebackers as head coach of Alabama football.
We have seen recruits come in as inside linebackers and move outside, and vice versa. Demouy Kennedy, a former four-star in the 2020 signing class, has played two positions in two seasons with the Crimson Tide. A native of Theodore, Ala., Kennedy got recruited as an inside linebacker, but his action has come on special teams and as an emergency running back.
RELATED: Coleman Hutzler is a ‘great fit’ for Alabama’s defense, per Will Anderson Jr.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has 19 games of experience under his belt.
In Monday’s practice, Kennedy practiced with outside linebackers under Coleman Hutzler.
He stood fifth in the rotation behind Quandarrius Robinson, Chris Braswell, Dallas Turner, and Will Anderson. Kennedy possesses lateral quickness as he totaled 69 tackles, eight stops for loss, two pass breakups, and an interception returned for a touchdown in his senior year at Theodore High School. Jihaad Campbell, a five-star, has versatility at the linebacker position.
He can play inside or outside, and the Crimson Tide had him inside on Monday.
It will be interesting to see if Kennedy remains an outside linebacker.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.